Strict Diesel Tests Make Automakers Re-Evaluate Their US Portfolios

The EPA's new, much-stricter emissions tests for diesel vehicles in the United States has crippled the market, causing some automakers to ditch plans to introduce new diesel vehicles entirely.

Automotive News reports that for the 2017 model year, Jaguar is currently the only brand in the U.S. selling light diesel-powered vehicles, compared to the nine brands of the 2016 model year.

After dieselgate, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche have all exited the local diesel market and may never return. Another brand affected is Mercedes-Benz, with the German company confirming that it will scale back its introduction of new diesels in the U.S.

According to company spokesman Robert Moran, the diesel V6 of the GLS350d is undergoing EPA certification but may no longer be joined by diesel versions of the 2017 GLE or GLC.

“Numerous authorities are currently testing diesel engine vehicles for compliance with emission standards. Of course, this process has a considerable impact on new diesel certification projects both in terms of effort and duration,” Moran said.

Moran also confirmed that Mercedes-Benz has scrapped its plans to offer the diesel C-Class in the U.S. due to “product strategy reasons”.

Although Jaguar is the only company in the market at the moment, others are coming. BMW, for example, will launch diesel versions of the 3-Series, X3 and X5 in the coming months. Additionally, General Motors will soon release diesel Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models and next year, the Cruze diesel.