I agree. It is obvious that part of the hybrid cars appeal is in marketing. If the population as a whole (not to mention governments ) were interested in reducing the amount of fuel burned, it would be simple for consumers to buy, or for governments to legislate the sale of more efficient vehicles, not necessarily hybrids. Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but hybrid technology only applies in stop and go situations, not on the highway. Many of the gains for highway use are from other technologies (aerodynamic, cylinder de-activation) that have nothing to do with hybrid technology.