Considered powerful, heavy-duty vehicles by their fans and dangerous gas-guzzling "monsters" by detractors -- could large pick-up trucks, long a staple on US roads, be about to roam in greater numbers across Europe?

An EU pledge to recognise US automotive standards left critics spooked it would open the door for more of the giant vehicles to be imported into the 27-nation bloc -- although the European Commission has moved to play down the possibility.

"If implemented, 20 years of safety, air pollution and CO2 progress will be killed off overnight," said James Nix, of advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E), describing pick-ups as "monster trucks".

Popular pick-ups like the RAM and the Ford F-150 are not type-approved in Europe and can currently be imported only on an ad-hoc basis.

The system was designed to allow cars modified for disabled drivers or for use by search and rescue services, but general public interest is growing.

About 7,000 pick-ups were sold across the continent in 2024, up from a few hundred units six years ago, according to T&E.

At a specialised dealership........

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