R&D advances extend diesel lifeline in trucking

Diesel has long dominated the trucking segment. In the US, for example, it accounts for 97% of the Class 8 market, leaving CNG and gasoline a mere 2% and 1% share respectively. But diesel is prevalent throughout the commercial vehicle sector, not just heavy trucks—even the smaller models favour diesel engines for their low-end torque, energy efficiency, reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. For these reasons, diesel engines are found in 75% of today’s US Class 3-8 trucks.