In 2011, nearly 52% of all new cars sold in Western Europe were diesel. In Belgium, Norway, France and Spain more than 70% of the new car market in 2011 were diesels. The market penetration of diesels was very quick in Norway from 2004 to 2007. In 2009, Germany, Italy, and France each had significant declines in the share of diesels purchased, possibly due to emission standards and/or vehicle incentive programs in those countries.

Share of New Diesel Vehicles Sold, 1999 – 2011
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Supporting Information

Western Europe Diesel Car Sales Shares, 1999-2011
Country1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Belgium*54.3%56.7%62.6%64.2%68.3%69.9%72.9%74.7%76.9%78.7%75.1%75.4%75.9%
France44.1%49.0%56.2%63.2%67.4%69.2%69.1%71.4%73.9%77.3%70.4%72.4%70.8%
Germany22.4%30.4%34.6%38.0%39.8%44.0%42.7%44.3%47.7%44.1%30.7%47.1%41.9%
Italy29.1%33.7%36.6%43.6%48.7%58.4%58.5%58.2%55.7%50.6%42.2%55.4%45.9%
Norway8.2%9.0%13.3%17.5%23.2%27.0%39.2%48.4%74.4%72.4%72.7%75.7%74.9%
Spain51.7%53.1%52.5%57.3%60.4%65.1%67.8%70.0%70.8%69.3%70.1%70.3%70.7%
Switzerland6.6%9.2%13.3%17.8%21.5%25.9%28.1%30.0%32.5%32.4%29.6%32.9%30.4%
United Kingdom13.8%14.1%17.8%23.5%27.3%32.5%36.8%38.3%40.2%43.6%41.7%50.6%46.1%
Total28.4%32.3%36.0%40.4%43.6%48.3%49.5%51.0%53.3%52.6%46.0%55.8%51.8%

* Beginning in 2005, Belgium data also include Luxembourg.
Note: Total includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Eire, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Source: Automotive Industry Data Newsletter, Nos. 0102, 0302, 0501, 0602, 0702, 0714, 0904, 1202.

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