Big American Trucks Face Scrutiny in Germany
In a move highlighting ongoing trade tensions and environmental concerns, a German consumer protection group is taking aim at the presence of large American pickup trucks on German roads. The group, Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (DUH), also known as Environmental Action Germany, is seeking to restrict the import of these vehicles, arguing they are ill-suited for the country’s roads due to their size, emissions, and the potential safety risks they pose.
This news comes amidst a backdrop of potential trade conflicts. The United States, under President Donald J. Trump, has considered imposing reciprocal tariffs on goods from various regions, including the European Union, citing trade imbalances. Proponents of such measures often point to the disparity in vehicle sales, with Americans purchasing European cars while fewer European consumers buy American trucks.
“The European Union was formed to screw the United States, that’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it,” Trump told reporters at a White House cabinet meeting in February 2024.
Adding to the sentiment, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo questioned the prevalence of American pickup trucks in Europe, echoing the administration’s concerns about trade. “How many Dodge Rams do you see driving around Europe?” she asked. “How many Dodge Rams do you see driving around India? I mean, not many, I bet. Why? Because they don’t buy our cars, and that’s what President Trump is trying to change.”
DUH’s lawsuit focuses on the environmental impact of these vehicles. The group argues that American pickups, such as the Ford F-Series, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado, emit significantly more CO2 than the average European car. DUH claims these trucks can emit up to nine times more CO2 than many EU-market vehicles and often lack crucial safety features.
Moreover, the organization highlights the size disparity. According to car-size.com, the Ram 1500 is considerably larger than the Volkswagen Golf, the best-selling car in Germany in 2024, being approximately 64.2 inches longer, nearly a foot wider, and almost 19 inches taller. To overcome these size restrictions, importers use an “Individual Vehicle Approval” (IVA) process, originally intended for specialized vehicles.
DUH is scrutinizing this practice, noting that a significant percentage of IVA exemptions for pickup trucks in the EU during 2023 were granted to German motorists. DUH Federal Managing Director Jürgen Resch warns that allowing these trucks to circumvent regulations means Germans are accepting “Immense climate damage and an increased risk of serious traffic accidents.”
The group’s legal action seeks to compel the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, to release more information about the approval permits for these trucks. Ultimately, DUH is advocating for stricter regulations, including increased taxes and parking restrictions, to limit the presence of these large vehicles on German roads.
