The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the major auto shows around the world. I addition to more than 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs on display, the Green Car of the Year award was presented in the Show this year.

The 2009 Green Car of the Year award went to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, for the first time a diesel-powered car has won this award since its inception in 2005.

The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is now compliant with emission regulations in all 50 states. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) engine produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. For added utility, the Jetta TDI is also available as a SportWagen.

The Jetta TDI was chosen by a jury of environmental and automotive experts from a field of five finalists that included the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid and smart for two.

The jury is composed 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 the Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and Tonight Show host Jay Leno; automotive icon Carroll Shelby; and four Green Car Journal editors.

The Green Car of the Year award was created by Green Car Journal to highlight ecological innovation in new cars. Previous winners include the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

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