German Car Zone

Volkswagen has delayed the launch of its Jetta Clean Diesel TDI, a new report finds. Originally scheduled to bow in the spring of 2008, the Jetta TDI's launch has been delayed to at least the summer of 2008. The delay is said to be due to a "technical issue that was found during the later stages of durability testing."

The news was delivered via email from VW to its dealers.
The Jetta TDI delay could mean a delay for diesels in general. With most Americans not completely sold on the benefits of diesels — mostly due to preconceived notions about dirty diesels from the past — an inexpensive clean diesel from VW could go a long way in changing perception. Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz became the first major automaker to offer a 50-state legal diesel that complied with stricter regulations set forth by the California Air Resource Board.

Source: LLN

So the most wanted Jetta is late, fuel economy is the worry here ...!

VW delays Jetta TDi diesel in U.S.

Automotive News
November 9, 2007 - 2:25 pm ET

DETROIT -- A problem with the emissions system in Volkswagen’s new Jetta TDI will delay the launch of the diesel sedan for about six months. The car is critical to VW’s plans to get back on track in the United States.

VW spokesman Keith Price confirmed today that the delay will be announced next week at the Los Angeles auto show. Price would not give specifics about the technical problem, but he said it has been fixed.

The technical changes engineers made to solve the problem mean the car must go through emissions testing and validation again, Price said.

VW dealers have been without a new diesel car to sell since last spring. Production of the new model, which will be sold in all 50 states, was scheduled to start in January. The car will be built in Puebla, Mexico.

U.S. sales originally were expected to begin in early spring, Price said. Now sales won’t start until later in the summer.

“Sure, they’re disappointed,” Price said of dealers who have learned of the delay.

Price said there is a lot of pent-up demand from loyal VW diesel buyers for the next- generation Jetta, which has a new engine built in Germany and a new diesel fuel injection system.

“They’re disappointed, but they see the point that this car has to be perfect,” Price said of the dealers, adding, “They recognize the importance of this not only for their stores, but for the VW brand.”

A fleet of about 40 Jetta TDIs is undergoing testing as part of the