By Simon Constable

Most people around the world either need or want to buy a car. But when it comes to choosing the model, American vehicles get short shrift. In other words, people outside the U.S. seem to shun buying U.S. vehicles. Instead, they’d rather buy their homegrown version.

Consider these car sales figures. In 2024, the U.S. imported 757,564 new vehicles made in the European Union, whereas the EU imported only 169,152 from America, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Put in money terms, that’s EU sales to the U.S. of 38.5 billion euros ($43.9 billion) versus €7.8 billion (approximately $8.9 billion) sold to Europe.

A big part of the reason is the 10% tariff the EU places on all imports of cars and light trucks. Compare that with a 2.5% tariff on cars before President Trump's recent changes. That alone puts U.S. cars at a major disadvantage compared to automobiles made inside Europe. Add on to that the enormous amount of VAT tax EU countries charge.

Some of the best-selling U.S. trucks and cars are way more expensive in Europe.

For instance, in the U.S., a new Chevy Tahoe, a large SUV, has a starting list price of $59,000. In Norway, that goes up to $100,000 once taxes are added. Elsewhere in Europe, you’ll still pay more: in France, it goes up to $60,490.

The taxes and other costs added can make the cost of even a used car eye-watering. For instance, FOX Business saw a 2021 Dodge Ram that was recently offered at 2.5 million Norwegian krone, the equivalent of $235,000.

A new Ford Ranger truck will start at $33,808 in the U.S. but $40,000 in France and Germany. Outside of Europe the cost is the same in China and Japan.

A Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $38,490 in the U.S. but $64,830 in France and $61,990 in Germany. In Japan and China it would cost around $61,990.

A Chevy Corvette C8 Stingray starts at $68,300 in the U.S. but $69,990 in France and Germany. In China, it's $76,990 and, in Japan, $69,990.