Reuters: European Union auto makers called on Monday for 40 billion euros ($54.4 billion) of loans to help develop greener cars in the fight against climate change, but were instantly rebuffed by the EU executive. Auto industry group ACEA said the economic crisis and sliding consumer confidence made it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to achieve EU targets to curb carbon dioxide emissions from cars by 18 percent by 2012. Last week, the Bush administration agreed to provide $25 …