A new proposal introduced last week during negotiations between nations in the EU has recommended that the 120g/km limit, originally set for 2012, be delayed to 2015. Majority of the 27 member nations of the EU saw the current economic crisis as a major obstacle for carmakers trying to develop cleaner vehicles, and reached the consensus.

However, the motion still must be passed in the European Parliament before it comes into effect. France, which is currently holding EU presidency, has given its support for the proposal to be implemented, together with the European Commission, which have a clear idea of the circumstances surrounding the auto manufacturers, and the effect that these strict emissions limits would have on them.

Italy, however, is one of the only major automobile producing countries standing in opposition to the move. If the proposal were to be passed by the European parliament, car makers would have to adhere to the current limits of 130g/km, rather than the new ones intended for 2012 - though due to variations in the way it would be applied, small car makers like Fiat would be harder hit by the restrictions than those who build mostly larger cars, like BMW.

Fiat thinks this disparity, which would see the Italian company restricted to an output of just 122g/km by 2012 while BMW faces a higher 137g/km target, is plain unfair.

The Dutch, who are also the makers of the Spyker supercars, on the other hand, are still asking for even harsher restrictions and a quicker start to the phase-in process.

The current proposal would see a deadline set for 2015, after which, manufacturers who exceed the 120g/km limit would be subject to harsh penalties. During the negotiations between the member states, another CO2 emissions target was agreed upon - this time, a cut in emissions to just 95g/km by 2020. The current average CO2 emissions levels for most manufacturers are around 160g/km.