Porsche Reportedly Ends Production Of Diesel-Powered Models

Porsche has reportedly ceased production of vehicles equipped with diesel engines.

Autocar reports the decision was made after the company decided against offering a new Cayenne Diesel. As a result, the automaker has reportedly phased out the Macan S Diesel and the Panamera 4S Diesel.

While there’s little doubt the dieselgate scandal played a role in the decision, a Porsche spokesperson said the move mirrors the “cultural shift” to more eco-friendly vehicles such as the Panamera plug-in hybrid and the upcoming Mission E.

The decision also appears to be linked to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) which replaces the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) in Europe. Porsche didn’t specifically mention this but Autocar believes the company decided against upgrading the Macan to make it comply with the new regulations.

Another factor working against the models were relatively small sales. Macan diesel sales only made up a “small portion” of overall Macan sales, while the Panamera diesel only accounted for about 15% of overall Panamera sales.

An insider suggested the elimination of diesel engines wasn’t necessarily permanent but Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has previously said “diesel is not so important for Porsche” because diesel-powered models only make up about 15 percent of the company’s global sales. The executive also noted diesel engines were mainly popular in Europe and they were sourced from other companies such as Audi.

Despite sounding pessimistic about diesels, Blume acknowledged a diesel engine is “very important” for Cayenne customers in Europe. However, others at Porsche have hinted the automaker wants to “start substituting diesel cars” with more eco-friendly options such as plug-in hybrids.

Update: It appears the reports of the diesel’s death has been greatly exaggerated. Car and Driver reports Porsche has clarified their original statement and confirmed plans for a new Cayenne Diesel. While they confirmed the “demand for diesel models is falling,” the automaker said this “does not mean a diesel exit at Porsche.”