Commissioner of Customs William von Raab reluctantly...

Commissioner of Customs William von Raab reluctantly ruled that Japanese car makers could continue to import their popular sport-utility vehicles as trucks, even though most are outfitted for use as passenger vehicles once they arrive in the United States. The decision, confirming earlier reports from congressional and industry sources, means the vehicles--Suzuki Samurais, Mitsubishi Monteros, Isuzu Troopers and three less popular models--will remain free from the constraints of Japan’s voluntary export quotas for cars. The Customs Service will seek public comment on new criteria that may eliminate confusion over the distinction between cars and trucks.

“This decision doesn’t make any sense when people see how these vehicles are being used in the United States, but in this case the Customs Service has no choice,” von Raab said.