While some automakers are moving away from diesel powertrains in the aftermath of Dieselgate, BMW says diesels will continue to play an important role across its range.

During our interview with BMW spokesman for Corporate Communications and Politics, Wieland Bruch, at the Geneva Motor Show, we were told that internal combustion engines are still crucial for the company.

“In 2025, when we say that around 20 per cent [of our vehicles] are electrified vehicles, that also means 80 per cent of our vehicles will still be traditionally-powered”, Bruch said.

“It is therefore important to know that we see quite a future for the diesel engine because we need it in terms of CO2 regulations. It will remain one important brick in the wall to fulfill our goals. There are a multitude of technologies where we have to be state-of-the-art all the time. because who knows when the industry will become full electric.”

Since VW’s emissions cheating scandal, demand for diesel vehicles has plummeted, particularly across Europe. In response, a host of automakers have announced their plans to stop selling diesels in favor or petrol-powered and hybrid alternatives.

It’s not just diesels that BMW is developing alongside petrol, hybrid, and electric models though. The brand is also working hard on hydrogen fuel cells, as this technology could just be where the future of the automobile lies.