Motorists are shunning diesel models over recent reports on the negative effects of their emissions, according to a new poll. A survey by Carbuyer.co.uk found 61 per cent of drivers had been put off choosing a diesel as their next model while analysis of Google search trends reveals buyers looking for hybrid automobiles in the first quarter of 2017 has more than doubled.
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The findings are supported by figures from the society of motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which show diesel sales are down 9.2 per cent in February 2017 compared with February 2016. Sales of alternative-fuel vehicles such as hybrids and battery-powered cars were up 48.9 per cent over the same period.
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A third of respondents said they had been unaffected by recent, negative diesel cases while six per cent admitted they weren’t aware of any news on the fuel. recent headlines have included rumours of an extra diesel charge for parts of London and a potential diesel scrappage scheme.
Carbuyer editor, Stuart Milne, said: “Our poll and the SMMT’s sales data both suggest diesel’s unpopularity could well grow in the coming months. While diesel can still be a cost-effective choice for high-mileage motorists and those running larger cars, we frequently advise buyers that modern petrol, hybrid and plug-in vehicles can be a better option for shorter trips and urban motoring in particular.”