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Plans to reduce CO2 emissions in Europe were put on hold again after negotiators stalled over key issues at a meeting between the European Commission and European Parliament.
The meeting took place after Italy dropped its final objections to the plan and agreed to provide its backing.
The bodies met to discuss the introduction of legislation to force carmakers to reach the 130g/km average by 2012.
The talks in Brussels have reached deadlock over an exact timetable for the gradual implementation of the emissions cuts and the level of fines for carmakers who fail to meet the limits.
Negotiation was also held up by the European Parliament’s demand that carmakers aim to meet a more ambitious 95g/km limit by 2020.
Talks are expected to resume later in the month and negotiators hope to reach an agreement before the meeting which is scheduled for 11-12 December.
During that final session, the EU’s 27 heads of state are set to approve the agreement on fighting climate change.
The European Parliament plans to vote on the climate change package on 15-18 December.