Fleet200: BMW believes diesel and hybrids will be key part of its future

BMW believes diesel will be a key part of its future powertrain line-up, along with a range of new plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Steve Oliver (pictured), general manager of corporate sales at BMW, told Fleet200 delegates “We think diesel is a clear fuel type and powertrain for the future.”

He explained that recent media coverage has wrongly tainted newer diesels by comparing them to much dirtier older ones, masking the whole issue of diesel entirely.

“From our perspective it’s very much more about the new Euro6 diesels, how much cleaner they are, with lower CO2 and the way the NoX and soot is now aligned with the petrol engines.

“We see diesel as a strong fuel going further and we have a job to do to support that balance in the marketplace,” said Oliver.

Delegates were presented with a chart which demonstrates the crossover points for choosing different fuels.

“We use this chart a lot, we try to be really clear that the right driver has not only the right model but the right powertrain,” explained Oliver.

He said: “For shorter urban driving and commuter mileage the plug-in range is perfect. Utilisation of the petrol engine for longer trips makes up only a small amount of the trips.

“Those who do a lot more cross-country or motorway driving are suited to the internal combustion engine – either diesel or petrol.

“We hear lots of stories where people end up in the wrong car and charging cables are left in boots and not utilised. There needs to be a clear commitment in terms of charging them at home or at the workplace.”

Oliver also outlined BMW’s emissions targets. By 2020 he said the company will have reduced its CO2 emissions by 50%, have 111 vehicles which emit less than 120g/km and 28 lower than 100g/km.

> For a copy of Steve Oliver's presentation email Jeremy Bennett.