The New York International Auto Show is running at the Jacob Javits Convention Center through May 1st and if you’re a fan of sustainable transportation there’s a whole lot to get excited about. The Nissan Leaf won the 2011 World Car of the Year award, and many automakers are touting the improved fuel efficiency among their conventional car models.

But it wasn’t all about expanding opportunities for electric vehicles and grateful polar bears. Mazda went to great lengths to make it clear that their new line of fuel efficient cars shouldn’t be confused with hybrids and electrics in any way, shape, or form.

Mazda is touting their new “Skyactiv” technologies at the show, which enable greater fuel economy in their conventional car models through improved engine efficiency, redesigned automatic and manual transmissions, and a high-performance lightweight chassis. It’s certainly worth bragging about, and Mazda decided to do just that by hanging a banner from the ceiling of the Javits Center that read “Not Electric. Not Hybrid. Not A Drag To Drive.”

Ha ha! Take that, electric vehicles! You’re a drag to drive! Except… of course:

“Mazda Motor Corporation is independently developing an electric vehicle (EV) with plans to commence leasing in Japan in spring 2012. The new EV, based on its Demio subcompact, is expected to have a driving range of 200 kilometers and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.”

Mazda hasn’t announced yet what their new EV will be called. May we suggest the Mazda Killjoy?