In the US, small trucks disappeared because of the EPA mandates for fuel mileage. The idea that there is no market for them is plain wrong. Even small trucks like the ranger got much larger because the engines are not efficient enough to meet the EPA mileage and emissions requirements for small wheel base vehicles.

The idea that the move to larger vehicles is due to an arms race or due to insecurities is simply wrong. It may appear this way but the truth is that mileage requirements drive design including wheelbase. The EPA requirements are frequently revised and are too aggressive to allow any of our beloved small cars and trucks to exist on the road today in any form.