I personally prefer the distinctions used here, all referring to parallel hybrids:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_car#Parallel

Mild Hybrid: can start/stop engine, utilizes regenerative braking, electric battery used to run ancillary accessories (ie Silverado Hybrid)

Assist Hybrid: Uses torque from electric motor to complement a gasoline engine on a conventional powertrain (ie Civic Hybrid)

Full Hybrid: Features all-electric modes, power split device (ie Prius)

Plug-In Hybrid: Full Hybrid with larger battery reserves that can be plugged in to extend electric-mode range (ie modified Prius)

IMA I don't believe belongs in the same category as the Silverado with its minimal "hybrid" system, so the class "assist" hybrid makes a bit more sense.

This is a Civic thread under the Civic Hybrid heading so I split off our HSD talk and put it here: http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/h...sion.4509.html

I'd love to keep talking about the HSD so please join back in.