Diesel pickup trucks trending upward

By |  January 25, 2021
Chart: Diesel Technology Forum

Diesel had the biggest share of the alternative vehicle sales market in 2020, according to the Diesel Technology Forum. Click to enlarge | Chart: Diesel Technology Forum

Sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with diesel engines grew 28 percent last year, even as overall auto sales declined by more than 14 percent in 2020.

Additionally, among alternative fueled vehicle offerings, vehicles with diesel engines held five of the top 10 rankings for fastest-growing sales from 2019 to 2020, according to the Diesel Technology Forum.

The Diesel Technology Forum reports these figures based on data and analysis Alan Baum & Associates provided.

“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,” says Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a not-for-profit association representing manufacturers of diesel engines and equipment, 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 adds. “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.”

According to the Diesel Technology Forum, there are currently 13 diesel options available in mid, full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks.

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Kevin Yanik

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Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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