Further evidence that the US diesel market is set for huge success has been released by Ricardo today, in its 2005 diesel report.

Results from the vehicle system and powertrain technology provider for automotive manufacturers, follow findings from JD Power that showed diesels will hold a 7.5 per cent share of the US car market by 2012.

According to the report sales of light duty diesel vehicles are set to increase from 43,000 units in 2004 to over one million units per year by 2012.

In addition, Ricardo predicts this figure will boom to a huge 1.5 million by 2015.

The move could mean an increase in the demand for platinum and pgms, used in catalysts to improve the emissions standards of modern day diesel cars.

Ricardo believes there will be a particular increase in sales from 2009 onwards, when it claims the devices will become readily available and more affordable.