I don’t think anyone is arguing that people who need a truck shouldn’t get a truck. But regular people with trucks is every bit as stupid as driving around in a tractor.
Nobody who could use a truck uses a truck in Europe. Usually, a Van or something is the better choice. I don’t really understand the “american pick-up truck” form factor.
Here in Germany, I see pick-up trucks more and more, and they often have some company logo on them. They never transport anything either, and the only explanation I have is that they’re basically a “foreman’s car”, driven by people who no longer build things but want to feel like they do.
I see your point. If you need to regularly haul stuff, a van is usually a better choice for the average person but I’m skeptical that construction workers, farmers and small moving companies in Europe don’t use trucks.
Here in the UK, builders & farmers use flatbeds and movers use box trucks - exclusively working vehicles. Pickups are not practical for most jobs.