Now that sales are down overall, auto manufacturers are in what's likely to be a permanent cost-cutting frame of mind, and they'll accomplish some reductions by eliminating plants and outfitting what's left to produce vehicles that can be sold globally. Does that mean we might start to see some of the trucks available in other countries, especially small pickups like Mexico's Chevy Tornado? The 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck is larger than this little truck, but should help GM gauge whether or not Americans are ready to accept the ute-like style and function. After 2010 we'll possibly start to see smaller trucks equipped with diesel engines, like some of the UK's Ford Rangers. Automakers have been waiting for California to set its emission standards before cranking up their offerings, especially since some other high-population states follow California's lead on emissions.

_{Photo © General Motors}