Diesel and hybrid cars are making a mark on the auto industry. According to information from the Diesel Technology Forum, the sales of alternative-fuel vehicles have rapidly increased over the past few years. Since 2010, hybrid car registrations in the U.S. have gone up 33 percent, while diesel car registrations grew 24 percent. These massive gains are especially impressive considering total vehicle registrations only increased by less than 3 percent.
"This consistent growth in clean diesel registrations in the last three years is particularly noteworthy since it has occurred during an economic recession ... Even in the face of these significant challenges, diesel buyers are seeing the big picture and long-term value by investing in record numbers of clean diesel cars and SUVs," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
Automotive.com reports that the fastest-growing markets for diesel automobiles are California, Massachusetts and New York. Drivers in these states have access to these cars, and the popularity of the vehicles may help contribute to lower prices for things like a car tune up or brake service, as an auto repair franchise will likely have more expertise about unique cars as well as special parts or equipment needed for the work.