Spain's industry minister Jose Montilla has called on the European Commission (EC) to delay plans for tightening the rules governing emissions.

At present the emission limits outlined in the Euro 5 proposals call for all vehicles to be fitted with catalytic convertors and diesel particulate filters.

The Euro 5 framework would also see particulate emissions from diesel cars cut by 80 per cent and from nitrogen oxides by 20 per cent.

However, Mr Montilla believes that the new rules are being rushed through, stressing that while in principle he backs the bill he is keen not to undermine confidence in the sector.

"The emission limits established in the proposal could have a serious impact on the Spanish car industry," he told the EC, according to Reuters.

Mr Montilla is hoping to delay the introduction of Euro 5, with the news potentially unsettling the plans for the new regulations given that Spain is the third largest manufacturer in Europe.

Results out this year have so far failed to catalyse the European car market, with the Spanish efforts to hold back Euro 5 reinforced by disappointing figures so far in 2006.

In 2005 the number of new cars sold fell 0.7 per cent to 15.2 million, according to recent research by the European Car Industry Association.


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