Car manufacturers have criticised a European Union proposal for the new Euro V emissions standard, claiming it is difficult to meet and will also push up new car prices.

When Euro V comes into effect in September 2009, manufacturers will have to ensure that new cars meet much higher levels of cleanliness and efficiency.

Diesel cars will have to meet a target of reducing harmful particulate emissions by 80% over the current level required for Euro IV. They will also have to reduce NOx emissions by 20%.

For petrol cars this level must fall by a quarter.

Another proposal is that the durability of pollution control devices such as catalytic converters and particulate filters must be doubled from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a body which represents the 13 major European vehicle manufacturers including Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën, says the proposals will mean price rises of up to g900 for diesel-engined cars, and will also have a negative effect on reducing CO2 emissions because the systems needed to cut NOx and particulates can cause cars to be less fuel efficient.

ACEA secretary general Ivan Hodac said: ‘The industry will do its utmost to meet the extremely ambitious targets within the set time frame.

‘What concerns us is that the proposed limits will not only be extremely difficult to meet, but will have a significant counter-productive effect on reducing CO2 emissions from cars.

‘They also pose a serious risk for the market of small diesel cars.’