UK motorists searching for a new diesel car are facing increasingly limited options, as manufacturers continue to scale back their diesel offerings to align with changing regulations, technology, and consumer demand.
According to new research from automotive marketplace CarGurus, only 57 new diesel models remain available from the UK’s 30 most popular car brands, a sharp fall from 167 models just five years ago.
The 66% drop underscores a long-term trend: diesel’s dominance in the UK market is rapidly fading.
Diesel car registrations
2005: 897,887
2010: 936,407
2015: 1,276,871
2020: 261,772
2024: 123,104
The research highlights a steady decline since diesel’s 2015 peak, when more than 200 models were available.
Since then, model numbers have fallen every year. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a matching trend in registrations, falling from nearly 1.3 million new diesel cars in 2015 to just 123,104 in 2024.
Only 13 of the UK’s top 30 car manufacturers now offer diesel options, compared to 28 in 2020.
This reduction also reflects broader market changes, including Mitsubishi’s exit from the UK and Jaguar’s pause on new launches as it transitions to an all-electric future.
Why it Matters
While the fall in new diesel models may not be an immediate crisis for independent garages, it does raise concerns about long-term profitability.
Diesel vehicles consistently deliver the highest average invoice values across the independent aftermarket, with recent Garage Industry Trends data showing average diesel jobs topping £340, compared to around £230 for petrol and even less for EVs.
These higher values reflect the complex nature of diesel systems, from DPF maintenance to turbo and fuel injection repairs.
As the number of diesel cars entering the UK fleet declines, workshops could see a gradual drop in high-value work, potentially impacting overall revenue.
For now, the used diesel parc remains large and lucrative but the message is clear: garages should prepare now to replace that income stream by upskilling in hybrid and EV technologies, and by diversifying their service offerings to stay profitable in a changing market.
Despite the overall decline, a handful of manufacturers are keeping diesel alive.
Mercedes-Benz currently leads the market, offering 16 diesel models, including several new diesel plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Citroën has also refreshed its diesel engine range, signalling continued investment in cleaner and more efficient diesel technology.
Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director, said: “Our latest research once again highlights the rapid decline in the choice of new diesel cars available to UK drivers.
“However, while diesel is clearly no longer the default choice it once was, there remains strong demand in specific segments, particularly among high-mileage drivers and those needing towing capability or long-range efficiency.”
Are you already seeing fewer diesel vehicles coming through your workshop — or do they still make up most of your high-value jobs? How are you preparing for the shift towards hybrids and EVs? Share your comments below…
