Geneva Motor Show: Ghosn says VW emissions scandal is hitting diesel sales

Renault-Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn, has warned the Volkswagen emissions scandal is hitting worldwide diesel vehicle sales.

Talking to CAR magazine at the 2016 Geneva motor show, he predicted that more buyers would shun diesel powered cars because of concerns about higher emissions, fuel consumption and associated legal issues

Last year Volkswagen admitted using in-vehicle software to cheat US emission tests.

Ghosn (pictured) predicted the long-term decline diesel engines.

“The percentage of diesel orders is going down in some countries,” he said.

“It's too early to say by how much, but we can see that some people are starting to move away from diesel.

“It will decrease in percentage terms, I am sure, especially as the cost will continue to grow' in order to meet Euro 6 and even tighter rules in future. ”

But Ghosn predicted diesel's natural efficiency - it produces around 15% less CO2 per volume than petrol - combined with advanced engineering would ensure diesel powered vehicles would be part of the market for decades yet.

“It will continue, but there will be less demand,' he said.

He called for better legislation by governments to provide a fair, clear and trusted methodology of gauging fuel consumption across all types of car.

Renault-Nissan is the world's biggest electric vehicle manufacturer, with more than 50% of global EV sales

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