Toyota shuns diesel cars

Even though Brand T sells more diesels down under than any other brand — and most of its rivals combined — it says there is no future for diesel passenger cars.

Instead, Toyota is putting its faith in hybrids and upcoming high-efficiency unleaded engines, although it will continue to dominate the diesel four-wheel drive and workhorse business with its huge fleet of HiLuxes, HiAces and LandCruisers.

"We are not pursuing diesel in our passenger vehicles. There are no definitive plans for diesel," says the head of sales and marketing for Toyota Australia, Dave Buttner.

"There is no doubt that there are consumers attracted to diesel, but we believe we can achieve our volume and share aspirations on the back of the product plan we have for the future."

Buttner dismisses existing Toyota diesel models on sale in Europe, including the Corolla.

"Globally, Toyota believes Hybrid Synergy Drive — the system already used in the Prius and also destined for next year's locally-made Camry hybrid — is the technology of the future. In Europe we're seeing the emergence of high-efficiency petrol engines for small passenger cars. "Providing we can bring the Hybrid Synergy Drive products at the right time we believe it will be advantageous over the medium and longer term."

Buttner admits the no-diesel plan runs counter to its existing strength in the four-wheel drive and commercial businesses, but says the two are very separate issues.

And, even though none of its workhorses has the latest in diesel particulate filters to reduce emissions and they trail way behind benchmark diesel passenger cars, he says the technology is improving. "We've always been strong in diesels with commercial vehicles, but even there we have had reduced fuel consumption and improved emissions."