Brussels

THE European Union (EU) offered Europe's reeling car industry a reprieve on Wednesday, agreeing to ease pollution limits for diesel cars despite the fallout from the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal.

In a move that drew swift condemnation from environmental campaigners, EU member states agreed to ease the limits on nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 per cent when measured in real driving conditions, reflecting the clout of the powerful car industry that employs around 12 million workers in Europe.