The open letter was sent by the Presidents of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst (AECC), the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and FuelsEurope to representative of the European Commission, European Parliament and Council.

The associations said that political measures restricting the rollout of the new generation of diesel technology would undermine existing efforts to cut CO2 emissions and called on policy makers to help accelerate fleet renewal and the introduction of the cleanest vehicles.

“Fleet renewal offers the most effective way to improve air quality. As older cars and trucks are replaced by newer models, emissions from road transport will fall as the latest emission-reducing technologies enter the market,” the letter read.

“With a common EU policy framework that encourages the more rapid adoption of the latest low-emissions technologies, but taking into account necessary industry lead-time, we will help improve air quality in real driving conditions, while at the same time continuing to meet current CO2 targets.”

According to a report by the UK’s Guardian, four EU member states have called on the EU to introduce tough new fuel efficiency targets for new cars in 2025 to tackle climate change.

“New challenging targets for 2025, accompanied by a comprehensive package to address refuelling infrastructure and other issues, will encourage a transition towards a zero-emission powertrain in passenger cars,” said the letter, according to the Guardian. “Such targets are essential to stimulate new innovations that develop and improve electric, hydrogen and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”