MEPs stand by car emission curbs

Some cars on the market already meet the EU's target

European car makers face tough new targets for cutting carbon emissions after MEPs rejected industry pleas for more time to produce greener cars.

The parliament voted for compulsory cuts of around 17% within 4 years.

They also set a tough target of cutting CO2 pollution by 60% compared with current levels within 12 years.

The package, which is still to be formally approved, is part of wider EU efforts to reduce emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020.

The vote went against recommendations from the parliament's industry committee early this month.

Environmental group Greenpeace said the law change could become "the first effective EU law to limit our impact on the climate".

But manufacturers have insisted the goals are unrealistic.

European carmakers association, the ACEA, said the vote threatened the future of car production in Europe.

ACEA secretary general Ivan Hodac said: "They clearly do not care about the competitiveness and job creation of the European car industry.

"But this is just one step in the procedure. It is not the end of the story."