Diesel engines lose 8% of market share in H1

The share of diesel-powered vehicles in total sales fell from 40% in the first half of 2008 to 32% in the similar period of this year, according to statistics of the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association. Whilst for premium segments, the price difference between a diesel-powered model and a petrol-powered one are close to zero, on the A-D segments price differences can sometimes even exceed 1,000 euros, which tips the balance in favour of petrol-driven cars. According to previous statements made by Alin Tapalaga, general manager of Porsche Inter Auto, the decline in the share of diesel-powered engines would have been even more significant had it not been for the vehicle stocks and for discount campaigns. At the end of June, almost 71% of cars sold were petrol-driven, compared with 67% a year before. In the first quarter of this year, diesel engines accounted for 47% of all cars sold. If one considers only imported cars, diesel engines accounted for 47% in the first half of the year, compared with 44% in the similar period of last year.