I know Mike, I'm simply wondering which specifications would be broken. I know whatever we discuss will always be speculation ... But I have a feeling that it is partly a beancounter decision to not want to make the necessary changes to bring those trucks here, since they don't see the demand. And that's always a catch 22. Also probably they see self competition with the Tacoma/4runner. It's complicated
Hard to say, but yes, its always a financial decision to decide to export a vehicle from the domestic market in which it was created. I had an opportunity to work quite a bit with export versions of US cars (Camaro, notably) due to the different outside rear view mirror specs that the EU has. Add in that Japan is a RHD nation and its quite expensive to create another version of a vehicle.
I'm not up on my 70 series information though...its possible they already have a LHD version and it would be easier to import...and EU mirror requirements meet FMVSS. Other things might do it too, like bumper and crash specs, Side impact, etc. If there isn't enough projected demand to cover about 10x the investment...its not going to happen. Cannibalizing sales from other models is also a consideration. Its a Stupid one, but all the automakers do it. For instance, when I bought my Colorado, I was upset I couldn't get homelink or dual zone heating in my truck. Dealer told me those things are offered in the Silverado, and I'd have to "step up" to get those features. I told that I didn't want a full size truck, I wanted the smaller size, with the features...then told him I was going to get a Tacoma. I ended up finding a killer deal on my Colorado so I got one anyway (from a different dealer) but it was frustrating. It looks like GM may have fixed some of that with the new Colorado/Canyons coming out...