Diesel-powered combi cars are experiencing a significant decline in popularity.

The German car market has witnessed a significant shift in the past decade, with the diesel segment shrinking by more than half. According to a recent market analysis conducted by the ADAC, this trend is continuing, albeit less dramatically in higher vehicle classes.

The analysis, based on data from the ADAC's automotive database, covers the period from 2015 to 2025. The study reveals that the market share of diesel-powered vehicles in Germany has decreased from around 50% in the early 2000s to just over 20% currently.

The decline is most noticeable in small and compact cars, where no diesel models are available anymore. The mid-size class also shows a significant decrease in the range of diesel models. On the other hand, in the higher vehicle classes, the decline is less dramatic, with German manufacturers like Audi, Mercedes, and Opel offering diesel engines in 2025.

Opel, in particular, has postponed the end of combustion engines to at least 2028, continuing to offer them flexibly. Mercedes offers plug-in hybrid diesels in the E-Class and GLE, while Audi's lineup includes diesel engines.

However, the profitability of diesel engines is less lucrative compared to gasoline engines, as diesel is hardly cheaper than super. The ADAC states that the financial worthiness of a self-igniting engine (diesel) for an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers is no longer a general rule of thumb.

Emissions from modern diesel engines are often barely measurable due to advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment. Modern exhaust gas aftertreatment has significantly reduced emissions from diesel engines, making them ecologically comparable to other internal combustion engines.

The minibus segment is an exception, where diesel remains popular due to the vehicles' heavier nature and need for a powerful drive. Currently, only five station wagon variants are available with diesel engines.

The ADAC highlights that the significance of diesel engines has changed compared to a few years ago. While the analysis does not provide new information about the market share, decline, or availability of diesel vehicles in the German automobile industry, it underscores the ongoing shift away from diesel towards other fuel types.