� SALES OF DIESEL-FUELED PICKUPS , SUVS UP 28 % IN 2020
Sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles with diesel engines grew 28 percent during 2020 , even as overall auto sales declined by over 14 percent for the year . Among alternative fueled vehicle offerings , vehicles with diesel engines held 5 of the top 10 rankings for fastest growing sales ( 2019-2020 ), according to the Diesel Technology Forum , based on data and analysis provided by Alan Baum and Associates .
“ For several decades , full-size pickup trucks have been at the top of the most popular selling vehicles in America , and now with new fuel-efficient and powerful diesel engine options available , last year ’ s 28 percent growth in sales results confirm that consumers are embracing the new generation of diesel technology more than ever ,” said Allen Schaeffer , executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum , a not-for-profit association representing manufacturers of diesel engines and equipment , key suppliers of emissions control and other technologies , and fuel producers .
“ At a time of renewed national focus on vehicle fuel efficiency and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , the more than 140,000 new diesels sold last year in full-size pickup trucks is boosting overall corporate average fuel economy as diesel vehicle owners realize 16 to 25 percent fuel economy advantages over gasoline in both city and highway driving ,” Schaeffer said . “ Consider that if every full-size pickup sold in the U . S . was equipped with an advanced diesel engine , the U . S . could save roughly 500 million gallons of fuel per year , equivalent to 15 percent of the entire car market switching to a battery-electric option , helping to contribute to climate and energy policy goals . Greater fuel economy from diesel engines means using less fuel , saving money and fewer greenhouse gas emissions , benefits everyone can value .
“ Consumer trends toward SUVs and pickup trucks aren ’ t new ,” Schaeffer noted , “ but ones that have been occurring for nearly a decade . What is new is the growing number of more fuel-efficient offerings for car and truck buyers than ever before , ranging from battery-electric , plug-in hybrid , full hybrid and even hydrogen fuel cell options , although diesel continues to dominate in the alternative fuel segment . That five of the top ten fastest selling alternative fuel vehicles sold in 2020 are dieselpowered , is a very strong statement that consumers value what the new diesel engines offer .”
Currently there are 13 diesel options available in mid , full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks , according to the Forum . Starting in 2020 , for the first time three diesel engine options were available in the leading full-size pickup truck segment from General Motors ( Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ), Ram Trucks ( 1500 EcoDiesel ), and Ford ( F-150 ). This is in addition to their heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 series pickup truck offerings , including the Cummins Diesel in the Ram Heavy-Duty trucks , the Forum said . The Jeep Gladiator will have a 3.0L diesel engine option available in 2021 . l FON
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