Car regulations are different from country to country. This is because each country has its own unique set of standards that car laws may sometimes fluctuate or even differ when compared. Because of these diverse sets of rules and prohibitions, carmakers have no choice but to build similar cars but may come with different features. This way, they would be able to sell cars while still meet the standards that their country markets require.
The car laws here in America are stringent. In fact, vehicle regulations in the US are one of the strictest in the world. Requirements such as emission standards and safety regulations, among others, are causing some problems for car manufacturers. As a result, carmakers have no choice but to create entirely different models to sell some cars in the States. However, this isn't a fool-proof solution since there are times that some car models, no matter how many features were changes, will still be banned. That's why you'll see some car models that are in different countries while they won't be available here.
To give you some examples, below is a list of 10 cars banned in the US. Please note that some of these vehicles may already be available in the US.
More than three years ago, the United States lifted the ban for importing Jaguar's Land Rover Defender after over 25 years of not allowing this off-road vehicle on American roads. The said model, which has many avid fans, stopped selling in the US because it didn't meet the safety standards. Even then, the government only allowed 500 imports per year. Regardless of the ban, many Americans were still able to ship over the years privately.
As mentioned, NHTSA lifted the ban. But back in 1993, Americans would have to settle for any of Land Rover's off-road offerings - just not that one. The 20TDi, the model, released back in 1993, featured some minor upgrades compared to its predecessors. It came with inter-cooling and direct injection and an alloy cylinder head, which drastically provided better turbocharging. The last feature was the one that turbocharged its way to the blocklist.
If there's a list of the most sought-after cars in the USA back in 2008, then the Fiat 500 Abarth is an easy pick. Unfortunately, the government banned the 2008 model in the country. That's why you'll never find one on the road. But what's with the ban? The Fiat 500 Abarth is a cute little car, and it visually looks harmless. But what it lacks in size, it compensates with its power. Don't be fooled: the 2008 Fiat 500 Abarth is strong enough to take on snowy paths and climb steep roads. And, for these reasons, the US banned the Abarth.
The good thing is that Americans can still get and drive a Fiat 500 Abarth in 2010 and beyond. However, the latter models are not as strong as the 2008 one.
Evo is one of the most popular Mitsubishi series of vehicles. The Japanese carmaker named one Evo trim after Tommi Makinen, the famed Finnish rally driver, for its sixth generation. This limited edition model came with two trims: the RS and GSR. Both come with a list of modifications and upgrades that are, more or less, unique from each other. Too bad that NHTSA disapproved of the build. Thus, they didn't hesitate to place this vehicle on the list of banned cars in the US.
The Volkswagen XL1 first came to the public's eye during the Qatar Motor Show back in 2011. Back then, both local and international guests at the convention had nothing but appreciation for Volkswagen's 1-liter car. Yes, it's one of the first hybrid vehicles coming from the German company - third to be exact. It got a lot of steam from guests and press for its capability to run up to 260 miles per gallon. All that while it runs with a two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that carries about 47hp.
Although the company introduced XL1 in 2011, Volkswagen didn't release one out for sale until its production in 2013. However, there were only 250 units made. Apart from that, most of the units were pre-ordered. While the pre-order period was ongoing, the NHTSA decided to ban the vehicle for sales.
The Honda Beat is one of the cars that is NOT banned in the USA, to be technical. So why did we include this vehicle? Because it simply isn't available, and we Americans are missing out a whole lot. The Honda Beat is one compact car with a very distinct trim and is known for its drivability and comfort. Because of these attributes, the Honda Beat is well-received by the Japanese. Americans can only hope as the car is only exclusive to the Japanese market.
The good news is, as mentioned, the NHTSA does not ban it. However, it may take some serious money and more serious connections for one to ship.
Many car enthusiasts did have a lot to say about the Lotus 340R when it was first unveiled at the Birmingham Motor Show back in 1998. For many, it was a car with so much potential to become one of the world's most famous back then. But people had to take their words back as it was banned in the US due to NHTSA. And we wouldn't blame the NHTSA too much as it came with some significant flaws.
For one, the Lotus 340R doesn't come with a roof or doors. This aspect alone didn't sit well with the government, and so a ban was expected. Not only that, the 340R only has two bucket seats. And when two bucket seats come with no roof protection, it is a high-priced danger. But we guess it's not entirely Lotus's fault. After all, Lotus makes cars for racing. But racing isn't part of most Americans. Not then, not now.
