Plans to impose lower CO2 emissions 'good for drivers' European plans announced yesterday would force car makers to cut carbon dioxide emissions by a third by the end of the decade, slashing fuel bills for car owners by up to £3,000 a year. In the latest prong of its attempt to hit climate change targets, the European Commission recommended cutting average emissions from new cars to 95 grams CO2 per km by 2020. The Commission said the proposals - which are likely to be resisted by Europe's automotive industry - would save car users hundreds of pounds each year in lower fuel costs. They would also lead to almost a halving of climate-change emissions from passenger vehicles in a decade. Average emissions from new cars were 172g of CO2 per km in 2000. Car makers will be expected to meet the new target by making engines more efficient, installing warning systems for dropping tyre pressure and improving the efficiency of air conditioning. Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, said: "With our proposals we are not only protecting the climate and saving consumers money. We are also boosting innovation and competitiveness in the European automotive industry. Auto firms warned that the new target would impose extra costs and make them less competitive.