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CHICAGO, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jetta TDI clean diesel was named "Best of the Year" by MotorWeek in its 2009 Drivers' Choice Award competition, taking the top spot in the annual contest. The honor was bestowed on the Jetta TDI clean diesel in ceremonies at the Chicago Auto Show. MotorWeek, the long-running television automotive news magazine, looks at vehicles from a buyer's point-of-view, and uses trends and innovations to help award their Drivers' Choice Awards. MotorWeek's goal is to produce a list of winners that can be used by consumers as a practical buyers guide.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090211/CLW119 )

The 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel received the Best of the Year honor from MotorWeek for delivering eco-friendly performance, fuel efficiency and a dynamic driving experience, all at an affordable price. The 2009 Jetta TDI starts at $22,270 and is eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit as an Advance Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle. The 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel showcases the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises in performance, style or comfort.

"Having the Jetta TDI clean diesel awarded MotorWeek's 'Best of the Year' 2009 Drivers Choice Award is a tremendous honor for the Volkswagen brand," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America. "This award is testimony that drivers agree the 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel provides an environmentally responsible choice, and a spirited and passionate driving experience."

The Jetta TDI clean diesel was recognized by MotorWeek as the best overall winner among their 13 categories, the Jetta TDI was the first 50-state compliant clean diesel car available in the U.S., and the first diesel ever to win a "Best of the Year" Drivers' Choice Award. Jetta TDI also took top honors as "Best Eco-Friendly" vehicle.

"The Jetta TDI has no peer this year," said John Davis, MotorWeek host. "It is the best of all worlds rolled into one vehicle. It's clean, powerful, fun to drive, roomy and comfortable, and it also happens to be very affordable. If history is any judge on past Volkswagen diesels, you can also add extremely reliable and durable to the list."

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.

Jetta TDIs come standard with Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Jetta TDIs include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDIs also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

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.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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 Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.