Plans to weaken key elements of the proposal to limit carbon dioxide emissions from new cars have been opposed by the European Parliament, during discussions with EU governments on Tuesday.
 
There have been calls from several different Member States to weaken the proposal in light of the credit crisis, with the car industry particularly concerned about its future if the measures are too strict. This has led countries such as Germany and Italy to urge a proposal which reflects more fairly the commitments that are currently achievable.

 
The EU Council of Ministers has called for several regulations to be amended, including the implementation of a phasing-in period for the legislation between 2012-15. In addition they have suggested a reduction in the payable fines for offenders and want to set a target 'close' to 95g/km of CO2 emissions by 2020.
 
These efforts have been resisted by MEPs, who want to see tougher targets set in the final agreement, although some common ground was found during negotiations with the Council as well.

Parliament proposed that car manufacturers could claim credits for emission-cutting eco-innovations on a temporary basis only, and that thereafter these be included in official test cycles. Vehicles running on fuel blended with ethanol, which produce less greenhouse gas emissions, will also have easier targets set, although the only country to be affected by such a regulation at present would be Sweden.
 
Further agreement was found regarding the Parliament's proposal to include an update every three years on the average size of EU car fleets, which can be used as basis for calculating emission cuts in future. With MEPs trying to negotiate a strong deal for the December deadline, and with Member States' reluctance to commit, negotiations will now move on to 25 November, when the next discussions between the groups is scheduled. This will provide one of the last opportunities for Parliament and Council to agree on the three most disputed issues: namely a possible phase-in of the rules, penalties and the 2020 target.