Confirmed—the new US–EU agreement includes mutual recognition of standards, which would allow Euro-spec vehicles to be imported
US could start selling European cars just as they are sold in Europe. Not, no it really could happen. There is a new trade negotiation between our country and the EU that could open a new door that until very recently seemed completely closed, now, European cars could be sold in the US without the need to adapt them or change half the car inside. Wow, this is a big change.
In the document there is a line (specifically article 8) that talks about mutually recognizing the safety and emissions standards of both blocs. That, translated to human language, means that if it is approved in Europe, it could also be valid for the US. And vice versa, like a swap.
For American consumers, this could mean access to models that until now they couldn’t even smell. Cars with better design, better headlights, more power and equipment that many times, because the crossed regulations, stayed in the Old Continent, till now. For manufacturers, they could avoid now having to repeat all the tests in each market, and it would be a huge saving for them!!
Now then, not everyone is so happy (we knew this could happen). There are those who fear that this kind of “mutual recognition” could end up being an excuse to relax requirements. And that in the end Europe will end up accepting the weaker US standards, hmm.
While standards and homologations are being discussed, the NHTSA has opened an investigation into more than 1.4 million Hondas with the 3.5 V6 engine. It affects several models: Acura TLX, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Odyssey and Ridgeline, all between 2016 and 2020.
The problem? A possible failure in the connecting rod bearings. More than 400 complaints have already been reported, and some have ended in serious engine failure. A good reminder that, no matter how many agreements are signed, the basic problems are still there.
On the other front, Nissan is getting hit from all sides. Mercedes-Benz has just sold its 3.8% stake in the Japanese brand, which was valued at 346 million dollars. Why? Because Nissan’s shares have dropped 24% this year.
Between the tariffs that remain in place and sales that are not recovering, the situation is getting complicated even for historic brands like this one. And if Mercedes jumps off the ship, there must be a reason.
Even though it seems that the new agreement softens things, there are also clauses that still aim to protect the American industry above all. For example, there is a way for auto parts manufacturers in the US to request that more products be added to the 25% tariff list.
That may sound very patriotic, but it can also drive up the price of spare parts. And in the end, the one who always pays is the customer.
If the agreement moves forward, we could see in US dealerships the same models that exist in Europe, just like that. Without oversized mirrors, without changing lights or bumpers, without limiting power. Models with real LED headlights, with more efficient engines, and with that equipment that here comes standard and there is often not even available.
But the key is not only in what the paper says, but in how they implement it. Because if it is done well, it could be a radical change for the industry. And if it is done badly, it could end up sneaking in through the back door a setback in safety and the environment.
© 2025 Unión Rayo
© 2025 Unión Rayo

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