The Geneva hybrid vehicle show, kind of

But is it all just hype?

Auto shows and hybrid cars. It's the norm, right?

So far the Geneva Auto Show has seemed a bit like a hybrid festival, particularly with the debuts of Porsche and Ferrari hybrids sucking up a lot of press.

But what do these hybrids really mean? Not much.

Probably the most important debut thus far has been Toyota's Auris hybrid, since it's actually production ready, but if it isn't much cheaper than the Prius, can the Auris hybrid really conquest many more hybrid buyers?

Likewise, Hyundai's diesel hybrid i flow concept certainly makes Hyundai's hybrid plans look more compelling. Still, hybrids are already too expensive for most buyers, can diesel hybrids really change that, even in diesel-loving Europe?

None of that means the Geneva Auto Show is a hybrid disappointment, but one of these years a legitimate show-stopper would be nice. I'll keep my fingers crossed for now.