Carmakers in Europe have reported increased sales of diesel models from buyers in the US compared to petrol cars.

The Financial Times reports that Volkswagen is seeing demand for diesel vehicles outstripping supply, with a 46.2 per cent increase in sales last month compared with the same period in 2010.

Volkswagen now plans to build a diesel version of the Passat sedan at its new plant in Tennessee this year.

"More people today are searching for diesels because of the improved mileage they can get," Sergio Stiberman, chief executive of car leasing service LeaseTrader.com told the newspaper, adding that stronger residual lease values have also helped.

The shift in buying patterns was also prompted by the narrowing gap between diesel and petrol prices in the US, according to the AAA organisation.

It follows news that French manufacturer Citroen has revealed its first diesel hybrid vehicle, the DS5, at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Sources:



European carmakers see diesel progress in US (17/04/11)

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