The measure has to be adopted by the European Parliament and the 27 EU member states, before becoming law, but major modifications are not expected to be introduced.

“This is a good measure, because it targets the protection of the environment. But I think it is not a very opportune decision at the moment, unless it is included in the several hundred million euro aid that the European Commission plans to give to constructors for the protection of the car industry,” Ernest Popovici, President of the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA), told Business Standard.

The international economic crisis has affected car producers worldwide, and these are currently facing the thorny issue of cutting costs, due to a drop in sales.