The Trump administration has weakened fuel-efficiency standards for new cars, officials announced on Monday. The rollback eases rules set under the previous government.

The change means carmakers will face lower targets for average fuel economy. The administration says the move will make cars cheaper to build and buy.

Environmental groups criticised the decision. They warned it will raise petrol use and slow the shift to electric vehicles.

Auto industry groups welcomed the rollback. They said the earlier targets were too costly and hard to meet.

The move is part of a wider push to cut regulations. Critics say weaker standards will hurt air quality and raise long-term costs for drivers. The new rules will apply to car models made in the coming years. Legal challenges from environmental groups are widely expected. Carmakers said the rollback gives them more room to plan future models. The administration said the change will save drivers money at the dealership.