Good News for Auto Companies is Bad News for Breathers

U.S. August auto sales were unexpectedly strong, reports the Chicago Tribune, thanks in part to heavy discounting by the manufacturers, with the industry selling at an annualized pace not seen since early 2006. The lowest gasoline prices in four years helped GM and Chrysler Group, a unit of Fiat SpA , achieve double-digit gains in sales of full-size pickups, which provide the bulk of profit.  The best-selling pick-ups and SUVs pollute more and contribute more to global warming.