@mekkaokereke@hachyderm.io You're probably right on the USA causes but it's worthwhile to mention that circa 2016/2017 none of the Chery vehicles could pass EU safety tests but now some of them do, evidence of attention to it as they expand their market and as a result improvement. The Tiggo compact SUVs do but not the compact and city cars. Compare that to vehicles by Kia, Mazda, Toyota, BYD, and VW that are all similarly-sized and do pass. I expect Chery export models will follow that do pass but they'll cost more.
Separately, I'd argue that if 2 to 3 ton SUVs weren't the N.A. family "car" the testing regimes could allow a tier of small, inexpensive urban cars and trucks that are more efficient most ways (see Kei trucks and the Piaggio Ape/Super-Ape) even if they aren't interstate capable.
As a bicyclist, motorcyclist, and owner of a compact sedan I'd prefer if the average vehicle wasn't big enough to fit my car inside it.