Ford’s market response

Further ramifications about the VW scandal were underlined this week when Ford said it believes it has the capability to massively ramp up petrol engine fitment in Europe if there is a big backlash against diesel in the wake of the VW dieselgate affair and potentially rising anti-diesel sentiment among consumers and regulators.

Ford CEO Mark Fields told analysts this week that the company is well-positioned to respond to “wherever the marketplace goes”.

He said that Ford’s total sales in Europe are about 55% diesel, but that diesel share falls to about 44% on passenger cars, below the industry level.