Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
Are support vehicle shadows not available? Trucks appear 2d without shadows
Yes they do however they require simobject shadows to be ticked
They definitely dont look 2d in the game without shadows off

The main problem you are going to face with simobjects cast shadows will be that all cars on the road and any other non building onbjects will cast shadows, this can bring your game to a halt in dense regions with autogen and all types of AI turned up
So, is it better to untick both (cast/receive) or just the receive?