While GM and Toyota expect sales to be relatively flat this year, at 17 million units (including medium and heavy duty trucks), Ghosn is worried that economic headwinds will lead to a substantial slowdown.

FORBES: A Downbeat Forecast From Nissan

Indeed, an interesting moral question arose as I walked up one side of the road and down the other hauling a heavy-duty trash bag (I'd eventually fill two of them).

WSJ: Recycled Emotions

Elaborated rules have steadily given way to principles, and only the riskiest firms (or those most likely to make a large splash if they go bust) routinely get heavy-duty scrutiny.

ECONOMIST: Northern Rock

As a result of these economics, Waste Management recently announced it plans to have 80% of its new trucks run on compressed natural gas (CNG is used primarily in buses, vans and cars, while LNG is used in heavy duty trucks).

FORBES: Acceleration of the Natural Gas Highway