No big trucks for little roads: American OEMs say EU is blocking imports

American truck makers claim the EU is blocking U.S. heavy-duty trucks from narrow European roads, sparking a trade spat over vehicle dimensions and emissions standards. Ford reports that its F-650, at 102 inches wide, exceeds the EU's 98-inch limit by 4%, a restriction that is 15% stricter than the average U.S. state highway rule. This dimensional clash, which affects 12,000 vehicles annually, could be resolved by redesigns costing $2 million, a figure that undercuts the $3 million tariff penalties proposed earlier.