John and Helen Taylor have secured their place in the Guinness Book of World Records for setting a fuel consumption record. In a 20-day trip, the couple averaged 58.82 miles per gallon in their Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

From the September 29, 2008 press release:

“The previous Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive was 51.58 miles per gallon and the Taylors broke it by setting a new record of 58.82 miles per gallon, a whopping 14 percent improvement. In 20 days, driving across 48 states the Taylors drove 9,419 miles, exceeding 60 mpg on several legs of the record-setting run, spending only 6.9 cents per mile (total was $653).” (Source: PRNewswire)

Consumers who purchase the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI may be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit as owners of an “Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle.” The Jetta TDI, a 50-state compliant clean diesel, comes in a sedan and SportWagen model and as of 9/15/2008 are available for purchase. Although the Jetta used by the Taylors achieved a whopping 58.82 miles per gallon, the official EPA estimates are 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

“Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, 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.” (Source: Volkswagen)

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Filed Under: Volkswagen, diesel

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