May 24,2008: Germany, a major manufacturer of heavy trucks, has implemented new regulations that make it more difficult for Iran and Syria to obtain heavy trucks. These, Germany has discovered, were often used for carrying and launching large rockets and missiles. Syria and Iran have long been buying heavy trucks, ostensibly for civilian use, then modifying them to serve as TELs (Transporter Erector Launcher) for missiles. From now, no German firm can export certain types of trucks (three or more axles, weighing over 20 tons) without government permission.

Truck manufacturing firms have protested, pointing out that Chinese firms also make these heavy trucks (although not as well, which is why Syria and Iran have been willing to pay more for German models).