I find it far more likely that the extra strength was required for the impact collisions. The other cars on the road in the US are just far larger and massive than those elsewhere, so a stronger heavier car is needed to stay safe.
It creates a bit of a Catch 22 when trying to bring down the average size / weight of a vehicle.
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> (perhaps in a move of trade protectionism)
I find it far more likely that the extra strength was required for the impact collisions. The other cars on the road in the US are just far larger and massive than those elsewhere, so a stronger heavier car is needed to stay safe.
It creates a bit of a Catch 22 when trying to bring down the average size / weight of a vehicle.