US Automakers Clash with EU Over Pickup Truck Exports
American automakers argue EU regulations threaten exports of full-size pickups like the F-150, potentially breaching a new trade deal. Experts weigh in on the complexities of vehicle approval processes.
US automakers are voicing concerns over pending changes to EU vehicle regulations that could make it challenging to export their full-size pickups, like the iconic Ford F-150, across the Atlantic. As the EU and US work to resolve the ongoing trade war, this new issue has emerged as a potential complication in the negotiations.
The heart of the matter lies in the differing vehicle approval processes between the US and EU. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) employs a self-certification system, where automakers simply inform the agency that their new models comply with federal safety standards, and the vehicles are then allowed to go on sale. However, the EU takes a more stringent approach, requiring pre-approval of vehicles before they can be sold in the region.
Source: Ars Technica
