April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. carmakers have accused Brussels of keeping their largest pick-up trucks, including the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500, off European roads, the Financial
US carmakers say proposed EU rules could block large pickup trucks from Europe
Potential Impact of EU Regulatory Changes on US Pickup Trucks
By David Shepardson
Background on Proposed EU Rules
WASHINGTON, April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. carmakers say rules under consideration by Brussels could keep full-size pickup trucks including the Ford F-150, the Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500 off European roads, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
US Ambassador's Response
Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the bloc, told the Financial Times that the EU plans to change safety rules that could breach the spirit of the trade deal struck in August between the United States and the EU if they prevented some American vehicles from being sold in Europe.
Automotive Policy Council's Concerns
The letter from the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, noted the EU in August agreed to reduce or eliminate non-tariff barriers and provide mutual recognition of vehicle standards as part of the trade deal with the Trump administration.
Impact on Vehicle Access and Sales
The group said proposed changes to the EU's Individual Vehicle Approval process would degrade access for U.S.-built vehicles sent to Europe. "As demand grows for certain vehicle types not commonly found in the EU, such as large pickup trucks the IVA program has been employed more frequently for those vehicles," the letter said.
Pressure from Safety and Environmental Groups
The automaker group noted an alliance of safety and green groups has been pressuring the EU "to end so-called 'loopholes' that allow large 'American-style' pick-up trucks - to be sold in Europe."
Advocacy Groups' Perspective
Europe’s leading nonprofit clean transport and energy advocacy group, Transport & Environment, said large American pickups and SUVs accounted for 7,000 vehicle sales in the EU in 2024. The group has argued that allowing more U.S. SUVs and pickups "to be sold with far lower safety and air pollution standards would be a betrayal of all EU citizens."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
