The European parliament is expected to hold carmakers to a stricter-than-expected carbon dioxide emissions target this week, but give them three years longer to meet it.

The body will also recommend tough new rules on car advertising akin to the health warnings required on cigarette packs. Carmakers would be required to devote a minimum of 20 per cent of the space on their advertisements to information on CO2 emissions “in an approved format”, according to a draft report on the issue.