Overview

• The latest joint statement says the United States and the European Union intend to accept and provide mutual recognition of each other’s automobile standards.
• Both sides also pledged deeper technical cooperation between their standards-development organizations to advance transatlantic standards.
• If implemented, mutual recognition could let models certified in one market be sold in the other, potentially reducing costs tied to market-specific lighting and safety equipment.
• Key differences remain, with Europe tightening emissions rules and emphasizing pedestrian protection as the U.S. rolls back federal tailpipe and fuel-economy mandates.
• Officials signaled extended negotiations and rule-making ahead, with no immediate changes to vehicle compliance or market access reported.