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Getting tough

european union ( eu ) environment ministers have warned Japanese automobile manufacturers that they would impose binding restrictions on them if they did not agree to cut down on carbon dioxide ( co 2 ) emissions voluntarily by September this year.

The ministers asked the eu 's executive commission to submit a "detailed assessment of alternative measures envisaged, including possible legislation' by October, if talks with Japanese carmakers to cut down co 2 emissions failed.

Meanwhile, the Japanese automakers argue that before stressing on co 2 emission levels accepted by the European Automobile Manufacturer's Association ( acea ) last year, the eu should take into account the fact that Japanese cars form a major part of the fleet of large cars in Europe. Large cars pollute more than smaller ones. However, the eu insists that Japan should agree to emission reductions "equivalent' to what acea had agreed on. South Korean automobile manufacturers have already decided to meet the targets.

Last year, under pressure from the ec , acea had agreed to cut down fuel consumption from the current average of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres to about six litres per 100 kilometres by the year 2008. This would reduce the amount of co 2 in exhaust fumes from 186 gramme per kilometre to 140 gramme. The ec wants reduction in co 2 emissions from cars to be part of the eu 's drive to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for global warming.

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