WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - Major automakers backed the Environmental Protection Agency proposal to delay enforcement of a regulation requiring ‌significant cuts in air pollution from vehicles for two years but want the agency to move quickly to rewrite the rules.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade ​group representing General Motors GM.N, Toyota Motor 7203.T, Volkswagen VOWG.DE Ford F.N, Stellantis STLAM.MI Hyundai 005380.KS said at a public hearing the delay is needed and called for a "a reasonable, workable path forward." Environmental groups criticized the delay, saying it would lead to an increase in preventable illness and premature deaths.