The American auto industry is expressing dissatisfaction with impending changes to European Union vehicle regulations that threaten to block the export of full-size pickups, such as the Ford F-150, to Europe. US negotiators argue that restricting these exports could violate the spirit of the trade deal established during President Trump's tenure. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) employs a self-certification process, allowing manufacturers to declare compliance with safety standards without prior government approval. However, the EU operates under a type approval system, requiring automakers to prove their vehicles meet safety and environmental regulations before they can be sold. This involves independent checks that ensure compliance with emissions and safety standards, a process that is expected to evolve with the rise of software-defined vehicles. Furthermore, for lower volume vehicles, the EU offers Individual Vehicle Approval, which has less stringent requirements but is undergoing a review to enhance safety standards by 2024.