The SMMT has launched a campaign to challenge what it described as the increasing demonisation of diesel.
Diesel has come under heavy fire in recent months. In December, the Environmental Audit Committee said diesel was the most significant driver of air pollution in cities.
It called for the government to pay for diesel drivers to upgrade their engines or for a national scrappage scheme to take the most polluting vehicles off the road.
London Mayor Boris Johnson also entered the fray, airing the idea of introducing an Ultra Low Emission Zone with drivers of older diesel cars charged £10 on top of the congestion charge to drive in Central London. However newer diesel vehicles that adhere to the Euro-6 emission standard would be exempt.
In the past diesel was promoted over petrol for offering more mpg and producing less CO2.
But critics say diesel engines emit more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than petrol cars, which cause health problems.
The SMMT said latest Euro-6 vehicle emission standards, affecting all new cars sold from 1 January 2015, drastically reduce NOx pollutants.
As part of its campaign the SMMT commissioned a YouGov poll, which showed that 87% of UK adults were unaware of the latest Euro-6 vehicle emission technology.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Today’s diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality.
“Bans and parking taxes on diesel vehicles therefore make no sense from an environmental point of view.
“We need to avoid penalising one vehicle technology over another and instead encourage the uptake of the latest low emission vehicles by consumers. The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel. It’s time to put the record straight.”
A Diesel Facts guide will be available from dealers and online at dieselfacts.co.uk.
