New diesel engine technology could see drivers and business save thousands of pounds a year and reduce the amount of fuel they use when on the road.
Research from Chinese company Weichai found that its "innovative" diesel engine had an overall thermal efficiency of 53.09 per cent - a new world record.
The research team found that a truck with annual mileage of around 250,000 kilometres (155,000 miles), could save around 12,000 litres of diesel fuel.
Based on the data, this could result in enormous savings for drivers and businesses if the technology were to be rolled out further.
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The new diesel engine could help drivers save thousands on fuel
PABased on the current price of diesel - 158.13p per litre - companies using the more efficient engines could save £18,960 a year.
The massive cost savings could prompt businesses and organisations to choose to stick with diesel and internal combustion engines, rather than switching to electric and other cleaner alternatives.
Weichai Power has previously broken the world record for diesel engine efficiency three times previously - in 2020 and twice in 2022.
The company added that it would be moving forward with further development of the technology, headed by a research department including thousands of engineers.
Most diesel engines have an estimated efficiency rating of around 45 per cent could result in huge environmental benefits and cost savings for drivers.
Weichai claimed that the engine was more environmentally friendly than others, in addition to being cheaper to run for owners of diesel vehicles.
More efficient diesel engines could save 31 million tonnes of fuel every year and reduce CO2 emissions by 97 million tonnes, the company stated.
The value of the new diesel engine was confirmed by testing company Tüv Süd and by the China Automotive Technology Research Centre.
To celebrate the achievement, Dirk Von Wahl, CEO of Tüv Süd in the North Asia region, sent a congratulatory video, presented at the 2024 World Congress on Internal Combustion Engines.
Diesel vehicles are still popular in the UK, with recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting that 23,312 diesel vehicles were sold in March 2024.
While this is a 2.7 per cent sales drop compared to 12 months ago, it retains a 7.3 per cent market share for all vehicles sold in the UK.
Diesel drivers are still being hit with expensive costs, however, as fuel prices continue to grow, as evidenced by the 8p price difference between it and unleaded at the pumps.
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Petrol and diesel prices are starting to rise again PAMotorists who are required to drive longer distances more frequently and rely on motorway service stations are impacted even more, with average prices nearing £1.80 per litre.