"What's even more interesting is that prices of diesel are now 10 to 20 cents less than regular fuel," said Michael Halladay, a 27-year-old Southern California native who has been with the dealership for the past four years. "This is a clean diesel, meaning that the engine has been updated immensely over previous years.

"The issues with diesel from the past, such as the black soot, excessive noise and exhaust smell, have all been eliminated by Volkswagen's new clean diesel technology. In fact, the car won the 'Green Car of the Year' award presented by the Green Car Journal with a list of panelists that included Jay Leno and Carroll Shelby, among others. Volkswagen has come light years in their technology."

Halladay was a U.S. Marine for four years from 2000 to 2004 and drove diesel trucks all over the world. He spent so much time driving trucks that the last thing he wants to experience now is the smell formally affiliated with the diesel.

Dealership General Manager Jim Krumme said nearly half of the store's overall sales in May were Turbo Direct Injection. In fact, Krumme drives a 2009 Jetta diesel daily, putting on more than 60 miles each day.

"I like the car especially because of fuel mileage and performance," said Krumme, who formerly worked as a technician at Findlay Oldsmobile for 10 years before going into management. "Just driving back and forth to work is a big test. It has great torque, great power and handles like a dream."

Krumme and Halladay each say the Jetta diesel gets better mileage (33 city and up to 47 on the highway) than a hybrid and is cheaper to operate.

"I have customers that say the car gets even better mileage than that, too," Halladay said. "Then, too, it's so environmentally sound, especially considering that the owner doesn't have to worry about the batteries that are needed with a hybrid."

The Volkswagen diesel comes in two models including the sedan and sportwagen. It is priced from about $21,990 and comes with a three-year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper Carefree Maintenance program.

The vehicle's power plant generates 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It also qualifies for the Alternative Fuel tax credit. At the end of the first year of ownership, the owner gets a $1,300 tax credit on his or her federal income tax.

Further information can be found at www.FindlayVW.com or by calling 558-6600.