Overview
- The European Commission is weighing changes from 2027 to narrow Individual Vehicle Approval, a rule that lets low‑volume imports bypass full EU type approval.
- U.S. ambassador Andrew Puzder and the American Automotive Policy Council argue the move acts as a non‑tariff barrier that conflicts with recent US‑EU commitments.
- Roughly 7,000 American pickups and SUVs entered the EU via this route in 2024, including about 5,200 Rams, which is less than 0.1 percent of the market.
- Transport & Environment says full‑size pickups pose higher risks to people walking or cycling because tall hoods can create front blind spots.
- The dispute lands against decades of U.S. protection for trucks through a 25 percent ‘chicken tax,’ suggesting limited practical impact but fresh tension in trade talks.