WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new and 100 percent independent organization – the Hybrid Owners of America (HOA) – launched in August, 2006 to organize and advocate for the interests of the more than half a million Americans who already own hybrid gas-electric cars and other vehicles. As part of its launch, HOA's Web site tracks the fast-increasing myriad of federal, state, local, and private sector incentives for hybrid car owners. Supported by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute, the Hybrid Owners of America organization strives to be a true voice for owners of gas-electric hybrid cars and other highly fuel-efficient vehicles. HOA will track and defend existing hybrid purchase incentives (e.g., tax breaks and HOV lane access), as well as advocating for new incentive arrangements.

The nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute is a Newton, MA.-based think tank that serves as a catalyst for change by creating problem-solving interactions among people, and between communities, government and business that can help to improve society. CSI has conducted more than half a dozen major surveys since 2003 on energy issues, including global warming, renewable energy and vehicle fuel-efficiency standards. CSI has no direct or indirect ties whatsoever to hybrid automakers, hybrid technology designers or manufacturers, or any other auto-related companies or other similar companies or trade groups. CSI is the parent organization of 40mpg.org (http://www.40mpg.org). You can find the Civil Society Institute on the Web at http://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org.