The Volkswagen Jetta TDI (The TDI is the  diesel one) won the "Green car of the Year" at the Los Angeles auto show.  That's pretty cool because it is the first time that a Diesel powered vehicle has taken the industry's top environmental honor.  I don't know about you, but when I think of a diesel vehicle, I don't think "oh, that's probably just like the gas version of the car but more environmentally friendly." The thought that I have is more along the lines of "I hate getting all of this black smoke in my face andall of this noise."

It's true though, there have been some really neat advances in  diesel filtering technology have allowed diesel engines to release less emmissions than gasoline powered cars.  

Volkswagen's U.S. chief, Stefan Jacoby, said diesels have emerged as an alternative to hybrids such as Toyota Motor Corp's popular Prius. "It's a breakthrough in this country," Jacoby said. "I don't want to say it's better than other technologies, but it's a real alternative to hybrids. It brings fuel consumption down, it's environmentally friendly, and -- this is a difference with a Prius -- this is really fun to drive."

 The 09 Jetta gets 41 MPG and you can get a $1300 tax credit.  ...and it's really shiny...