Porsche remains committed to diesel

Porsche expects to launch a diesel version of the new-generation Cayenne SUV this year and may offer the powertrain in the smaller Macan crossover as well. "We're not saying that we are exiting [diesel]," Porsche sales chief Detlev von Platen told Automotive News. "Presently, the planning process foresees one for the Cayenne and probably for the Macan, too. For the SUV models, it [diesel] makes sense where customers want range and torque." Porsche debuted the new Cayenne at last year's Frankfurt auto show. The Macan is due for a face-lift this year as it starts the second half of its product life cycle. The next-generation Macan, most likely due in 2021, is widely expected to be offered with a full-electric variant. Porsche recently doubled its five-year electromobility spending to 6 billion euros amid increasing government pressure on automakers to reduce emissions. When asked when the Cayenne diesel might reach European markets, Von Platen replied: "Likely in the course of this year." Recently there were media reports that Porsche had decided to stop output of its diesels, Von Platen downplayed the powertrain's importance to the brand, which neither builds nor develops diesel. It sources the ones it uses from Volkswagen Group sister brand Audi. "It was never extremely relevant. Only about 14 percent of the 246,000 cars we sell worldwide are a diesel," said Von Platen, who sees greater potential for Porsche's electrified range. "We see big demand for our plug-in hybrids, especially with the latest generation, now that its electric range was extended to 50 kilometres [up from 36km]. That plays a big role."