Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have been exempted from tougher rules on vehicle emissions standards for another three years, following a vote by the European Parliament.

In a controversial move, MEPs voted to gradually roll out Euro V/VI emissions standards including emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Although the new standards will come into force from September 1st 2009, SUVs will not have to meet the new standards until September 1st 2012.

The EU commission said the new rules would compel car manufacturers to cut emissions from diesel cars by 68 per cent compared to current levels.

European Commission Vice-President, Gunter Verheugen, said: "The Euro V and VI regulation is important for improving the environmental performance of vehicles. At the same time it will not hamper the competitiveness of the EU's car industry. It can count on a reasonable lead time to properly plan for and react to these requirements."

But critics have been puzzled as to why SUVs had been made a special case.

Jos Dings, director of green NGO Transport & Environment, said: "It looks as if Christmas has come early for the SUV makers."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd