The Australian government has today (April 15th) unveiled plans to cut the fuel consumption of cars as well as the levels of carbon dioxide emissions.

As part of the country's effort to combat global warming the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said it would tighten the rules on emissions, although it said further work was necessary before specific targets were introduced.

Whilst fuel consumption is to be cut by 18 per cent by 2010, Peter Sturrock, who is head of the chamber, said 'additional research' was needed before the industry could develop specific targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

In particular he claimed more work was necessary on certain categories of light vehicles, including four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles.

Nevertheless, Environment Minister David Kemp said the government expected to see a reduction of up to two million tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2010.

The country has so far refused to ratify the global Kyoto treaty on combating climate change, although the conservative government has repeatedly stressed that it will still abide by its Kyoto target to limit the increase in greenhouse gas emissions to eight percent by 2012.