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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen's milestone 2009 Jetta TDI
has been named Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year(R), besting
competitors that included a pair of advanced hybrids, a clean diesel sport
sedan, and a trendy fuel-efficient microcar. This is the first time that a
clean diesel model has been awarded the title Green Car of the Year(R). Green
Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year(R) winner at the LA
Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO)
"The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the
Year(R) honor is all about," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car
Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "It raises the bar significantly in
environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy,
reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This
is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel,
achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but
in a more affordable way."
Volkswagen's Jetta TDI features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct injection
engine featuring the latest in diesel injection and emissions technology that
allows it to meet strict emissions standards in all 50 states. Although its
mission is to provide buyers a comfortable and fuel efficient five-passenger
family sedan at an affordable $21,990, there's a bit of performance in the
bargain because of this clean diesel engine's abundant low-end torque and the
Jetta's well-tuned suspension. This Volkswagen's new-generation diesel
powerplant is also exceptionally quiet for a diesel, reflecting just how far
advanced diesel technology has come in recent years.
A jury of environmental and automotive experts selected the 2009 Jetta TDI
from the field of five finalists that also included the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion
Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and smart fortwo. This jury is comprised of
nine jurors including Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club;
Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council;
Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert
and Tonight Show host Jay Leno; automotive icon Carroll Shelby; and four Green
Car Journal editors.
About Green Car of the Year(R)
The Green Car of the Year(R) award is an important part of Green Car
Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry.
Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles,
energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an
award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the
premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced
technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year(R) is a
registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications
Group, Inc. Additional information about the 2009 Green Car of the Year(R) can
be found at GreenCar.com.
SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show
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