The European Union's aim to cap all new cars to 95g/km of CO2 by the year 2020 has been postponed by a year after months of wrangling led by Germany.
The new outline delays until 2021 the implementation of a limit of 95g/km of CO2 for all new EU cars and gives a greater amount of flexibility to luxury carmakers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which generally produce bigger and more polluting vehicles.
Germany has been the most vocal critic of the new rules and has been one of the most active countries in lobbying for a rule change, saying the emissions legislation would threaten German jobs.
The decision has been criticised by environment groups. Speaking to Reuters, Greg Archer of the Transport & Environment campaign group, said: "It is disgraceful that the heavy-handed lobbying of Germany has paid off in weakening the 95g/km target.
"Still, the revised deal will provide much needed regulatory certainty and ensure cars continue to reduce their CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency."
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