HERNDON, Va., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The 50-state compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen TDI have claimed two of the top positions in the annual EPA and Energy Departments' list of the most fuel efficient vehicles. The Jetta TDI's are the only clean diesel vehicles to make the top ten list, which was released last week.
"Many of the vehicles on this list are hybrids, and we're proud to have the only clean diesel cars to receive top honors in such an import list, particularly," said Mark Barnes, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "At a time when fuel economy is top of mind for consumers we are proud of our Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen TDI for offering a true no compromise deal for consumers -- comfort, economy and performance."
While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show the true fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, has tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.
This announcement also comes on the heels of the Jetta TDI setting a Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption across the 48 continental United States with an amazing 58.82 miles per gallon.
In addition to the fuel savings drivers will get with the Jetta TDI vehicles, buyers are also be eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit since the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal income tax. The Jetta TDI's start at $21,990 for the sedan, and the diesel SportWagen starts at $23,590 and are both currently available in dealerships.
Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen's carefree maintenance program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle's maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty -- three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line -- ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen Group of America is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Eos, Routan, Tiguan and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.