The continuing decline in diesel car sales in 2019 should come as no surprise following the negative publicity around the fuel and the rising interest in alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), says Allstar Business Solutions.

There were 21.8% fewer diesels sold last year, following a fall of almost 30% in 2018, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Last year, 583,488 diesel cars were sold – almost half the number that were sold in 2017 – leaving the fuel type with a market share of 25.2%, compared to 31.5% in 2018.

Bucking the overall trend, combined AFV registrations surged in 2019 to take a record 7.4% market share.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) continued to dominate this sector, with registrations increasing 17.1% to 97,850 units.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations experienced the biggest percentage growth, rising 144% to 37,850 units and overtaking plug-in hybrids for the first time.

Paul Holland (pictured), managing director of Allstar Business Solutions, said: “Whilst there are many challenges with the evolution of AFVs, there are a host of new powertrains and models entering the market that offer businesses the opportunity to reduce their carbon and pollutant footprints.”

Research from Allstar Business Solutions shows that more one in four large businesses are planning to add electric vehicles and other AFVs to their fleets by 2021.

However, Holland said: “A full transition will take time so traditional fuels, including diesel, will still play an important role for the foreseeable future.

“What’s more, there is still much to be done to facilitate the move to AFVs, such as ensuring the infrastructure is as ubiquitous as that of traditional fuels.”

Allstar Business Solutions, he says, is playing its part to support businesses through this adoption by providing solutions that help standardise payment options across multiple providers.

“The Allstar One Electric card has provided a convenient payment solution for businesses that enables them to keep their existing fleets on the road, as well as incorporate electric and hybrid vehicles into their fleets,” continued Holland.

“We have created the largest multi-branded EV fuel network in the UK, with more than 1,700 charging points to date and continue to grow the electric charging network to ensure all our customers’ needs are covered by the one card.”

Allstar Business Solutions is a business and fuel expenses card provider, offering customers access to all major fuel brands encompassing around 7,700 sites nationwide.

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