It sounds like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne thinks diesel is dead.

Volkswagen‘s massive diesel scandal has already caused several automakers to pull their diesel models from the market, and now Marchionne’s comments suggest FCA could be next. “the disengagement is happening,” he said. “Since dieselgate, the share of diesel sales has reduced month by month. There’s no point denying that, and it’s clear that the cost of making diesel reach the new standards is going to become prohibitive.”

His comments don’t come as a real surprise, especially since Marchionne is one of the more blunt CEOs out there. One could argue that other automakers are thinking the same, but are just afraid to say it.

READ MORE: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to Return in 2019, Already Claims to be Efficiency King

Unfortunately, actions speak louder than words, and it’s clear some automakers are moving away from diesel as quickly as possible, Volkswagen included. Marchionne’s comments come ahead of the FCA Group’s unveiling of its next five-year plan to investors on June 1. The automaker has already confirmed it will end sales of diesel models for its Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, and Maserati brands by 2022 and will instead focus on electrification.

We know in the short term, in North America at least, FCA will be sticking with diesel engines in its Ram and Jeep models, but don’t expect the next generation of both FCA’s half-ton pickup or off-road machine to have oil burning engines.

Marchionne’s parting words are even a stronger indicator of how he feels about diesel: “Whatever the arguments on each side, the markets have turned against diesel and almost killed it. I’m not sure we have the strength as the FCA Group or as an industry to turn it around.”

This article originally appeared on AutoGuide.com

[Source: Autocar]