Ford has reported mammoth growth in diesel cars sales, as consumers take advantage of the models' fuel-economy.

Due to technological advances, Ford's latest engines boast 25 per cent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than their petrol counterparts.

Motorists have been rushing to buy the improved models in record numbers; Ford has recorded a 250 per cent increase in sales of diesels over the past four years.

According to Ford Britain's fleet director, Kevin Griffin, the company's clean common-rail TDCi engine range has been partly responsible for sales.

"Our latest engines are characterised by frugal fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions around 25 per cent less than the equivalent petrol engines," he commented.

For example, the Fiesta 1.4 TDCi delivers over 64 miles to the gallon and emits only 116 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Diesel models account for approximately 95 per cent of Ford Transit sales in Britain and 98 per cent of European sales.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd