MILAN, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Japanese automaker Mazda ( MZDAF )

has teamed up with its joint venture with China's

Changan to pool carbon credits and help avoid carbon

emissions fines, an EU document showed.

Several legacy carmakers face potential European Union fines as

their shift to electric vehicles (EVs) has been slower than

expected. But those with lower shares of EV sales can "pool"

their emissions with segment leaders, purchasing credits from

them and lowering their overall averages.

EU's fines, which carmakers have said could total up to 15

billion euros ($17.5 billion) for the industry, were initially

envisaged to apply to 2025 carbon emission levels.

However, in March, the European Commission bowed to pressure

from car manufacturers and allowed compliance based on their

average emissions over 2025-2027.

The pool between Mazda ( MZDAF ) and its 50/50 joint venture with

Changan is valid for 2025 and is open to other manufacturers

until the end of November.

It adds to four others formed earlier this year, all of them

valid for 2025, including ones built around Tesla and

Mercedes-Benz.

($1 = 0.8575 euros)