Are auto makers using hybrids to hide behind?

     “What’s in a name?”  Yes, I just quoted Shakespeare in an auto blog.  But seriously, what kind of meaning does the word hybrid bring with it.  Several years ago many environmentalists saw hybrids as salvation for the auto industry.  But now, many of these same people are weary that the big auto manufacturers have hijacked the word hybrid and fooled a lot of people.  

    Bradley Berman has written a fantastic article on this subject; in it he quotes Jason Mark who is the director of the Clean Vehicles Program for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

    Mr. Mark is not the only one upset.  Many environmental groups focused on the auto industry have taken offense at how the big auto makers use the hybrid label loosely. They are also enraged at how the auto makers turn around and lobby against policies and laws that would require them to lower the emissions of their vehicles.  Many of these groups choose to target a specific auto manufacturer but they are united on the case against the Pavley Law.  

    The Pavley Law, which would be a California law but would effect the auto industry in a wider sense, has met stiff opposition in the form of auto companies.  Even Toyota, makers of the prius I mentioned the other day, is among those trying to block the law.  This is the kind of actions that has these environmental groups stirred up like a disturbed fire ant bed.

    As Mr. Berman put it,

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