Plans by the European Commission to tackle climate change by targeting automakers look set to go ahead, it has been claimed.

Reuters reports that a source at the European Union (EU) has revealed that the commission is planning to introduce rules that would see carbon dioxide emission from vehicles reduced to an average of 130 grams per kilometre by the end of the decade.

It is understood that the plans would also include an aim to reduce emissions from all new vehicles to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012.

The commission is also urging the European Parliament to approve the scheme through binding legislation that will ensure automakers face tough penalties if they fail to meet the targets.

The move to tackle climate change through tougher regulations on the emissions produced by vehicles has been on the EU's agenda for some time, since automakers failed to meet voluntary standards set for the industry.

Such regulations would force manufacturers to improve the clean-energy technology they use in the design and construction of their vehicles and the move is similar to the approach taken in some US states such as California.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd