In EU immobilizers were mandated in 1998, 2001 in Australia, 2007 Canada. I.e. it wasn't like the manufacturers decided that they were useful, they were forced

In EU immobilizers were mandated in 1998, 2001 in Australia, 2007 Canada. I.e. it wasn't like the manufacturers decided that they were useful, they were forced to introduce them by the national or pan-national authorities. If the US didn't mandate them, the reference to industry standards is - at best - a very feeble one, the city of Baltimore could - maybe - sue the NHTSA