Renault Trims Diesel Offerings

Renault SA will replace many of its diesel models with cars powered by gasoline-electric hybrid systems over the next several years.

“It’s the end of the game” for diesels, says CEO Carlos Ghosn to reporters at the Paris auto show. He says consumers are becoming increasingly wary of diesels because of the prospects that they may eventually be banned.

Ghosn adds that Renault will continue to offer diesels in certain niches. But he says the carmaker will reduce its diesel offerings by 50% in coming years.

Consumers don’t especially care what type of powertrain their vehicles have, as long as it is efficient and meets pollution standards, Ghosn says. He notes that carmakers today must make powertrain decisions by balancing technology against “political trends.”

Renault’s plug-in hybrid system, dubbed e-tech, combines a piston engine with two electric motors, one serving as a starter motor and the second used to propel the vehicle. The company plans to add the powertrain as an option in its Captur small crossover vehicle and Megane small sedan in 2020.