Brussels

THE European Union auto industry sounded a warning in the push to toughen pollution tests after Volks-wagen's diesel-engine deception, saying future EU checks need to be "realistic" so they don't drive up car prices, weaken sales and cause job losses.

The salvo by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association comes as EU governments prepare their verdict on the details of an inspection regime pencilled in for September 2017 that will gauge emissions of smog-causing nitrogen oxides under real driving conditions as well as in laboratories. The EU, where most cars are powered by diesel, wants new models to be tested on the road because of evidence that real-driving emissions are 400 to 500 per cent higher than in labs.