From R. L. Polk & Co. comes a view of the emerging hybrid market.

In 2003, registrations of hybrid cars jumped 25.8% to 43,435 from 2002. California is Hybrid Heaven, with 11,425, or 26%, of the total, followed by Virginia with 3,376, or 8%.

The top 20 states accounted for 84% of the hybrid market.

Now, the bad news. Hybrids accounted for 0.03% of the 2003 car market.

The increasing number of hybrid models due to hit showroom floors this fall will certainly help penetration rates, but we clearly need other platforms or adoption strategies to make a dent.