The intention had been to ask car manufacturers to cut emissions to 130 grams per kilo by 2012 compared to the current industry average of 158 grams per kilo. The rules will now take effect in 2015.

The delay was a response to global economy. Car markers supported by a number of governments had felt that the move, as proposed, would be too costly.

Italy and a number of eastern European members also have expressed concern about the cost of implementing the EU's ambitious goals of reducing emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

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