While the national attention has been focused on the roller coaster ride on Wall Street and bailout debates in Washington, the automotive industry has been reeling from the impact of the economy. The September sales figures are in, and the news is dire. Number watchers, and general domestic pessimists...

As gas prices soared past $4/gallon nationwide, and full-sized pickup trunk sales plummeted by double-digit percentages, some corners of the auto industry cast an optimistic eye toward small pickup trucks. Theory would have it that people would be right-sizing their trucks, just as they have cars. The...