Sales of diesel passenger cars increased 25 percent during the first six months of 2014, while sales of gasoline cars grew 4.2 percent and hybrid growth turned negative, according to new data.

Sales of diesel cars and SUVs were particularly strong in March and April during the run-up of gasoline prices that began in February. Diesel car sales grew 39.5 percent in March and 60.4 percent in April, according to data compiled by HybridCars.com and Baum and Associates. The Diesel Technology Forum released the data July 10.

At the same time, sales of gasoline-electric hybrids turned negative for five of the first six months of 2014, including losing 20.4 percent in January and 23.9 percent in February when compared to the same month in 2013.

"U.S. consumers are embracing the benefits of clean diesel technology and its proven, high fuel efficiency, great driving performance, and long-term value," said Allen Schaeffer, the forum's executive director.

Registrations of diesel vehicles, including vans and pickups, increased 30 percent from 2010 to 2013, according to the forum, citing IHS Automotive data.

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