The Diesel Report 2010
Dieseldriver.com broke down diesel sales for 2010, and found that December’ diesel sales (7,604 units) were about double the monthly rate for January of last year (3,855), although diesel’s overall market share is not growing at a commensurate rate. For vehicles available in both gas and diesel versions, the diesel take rate over the course of 2010 was 32%. Audi buyers chose diesel powertrains most often where available, with a 48% take rate on diesel versions of the A3 and Q7. Volkswagen had the second-highest take rate at 7%, with its Jetta Sportwagon leading the way with nearly five diesel versions selling for each gas version sold.
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Usually true, but as someone who was shopping for a Diesel Golf at the end of last year, I can tell you that I searched dealerships in four states and found that for the Golf the 2010's were quite scarce in most trims well before November of 2010. The chart bears that out, with a big decline in monthly sales in Q4, 2010. I got my 2011 Golf right off the boat after a three week wait, that was in October. There were left-over Jetta's, however, and these are a higher percentage of sales than the Golf. The Golf is made in Germany and shipped here in finite numbers, the Jetta is assembled in Pueblo and that's one reason they are more numerous. The reason for the high percentage of diesel sportwagens is that people who want utility and average gas mileage get a small suv, so no reason to get the Gas Jetta. But if you want lots of luggage space and 40 MPG on your cross-country trip with the kids, you get the TDI sportwagen.
It is supposedly only a $1k premium to make a diesel engine over a standard non direct injection normally aspirated gasoline engine (if the base gas engine has DI or forced induction then the delta is much smaller). However most manufacturers charge significant premiums for a diesel engine over a gas engine b/c customer will pay extra for it.
I'm fairly new to this board, so perhaps this question has been pondered ad nauseum - why do we not get the full range of diesel choices that are available in the rest of the world? I've driven diesels while traveling, and found them to be exceptional. This past year I drove a couple of economy sedans and coupes that absolutely ate up the miles under quiet, torquey, and efficient diesel power. Are Americans still bruised by the diesels from the 1980's? What's the problem? Where I live, diesel Jettas and Golfs sell at absurb premiums due to limited supply. Would it be so risky for Ford to offer a diesel Focus here - the mileage on these things is astounding.
With gas prices continually going up (not just short, but long term), seems that Diesel will become increasing popular. Ultimately makes the Golf TDI more attractive than the GTI, personally.