And we think they are right.

Here is the full unedited statement from VW Group of America:

The Volkswagen Group is a global leader in fuel efficiency and associated technologies, and we are committed to the ongoing negotiations with the White House on reaching maximum achievable fuel economy/GHG reduction standards.

Volkswagen does not endorse the proposal under discussion. It places an unfairly high burden on passenger cars, while allowing special compliance flexibility for heavier light trucks. Passenger cars would be required to achieve 5% annual improvements, and light trucks 3.5% annual improvements. The largest trucks carry almost no burden for the 2017-2020 timeframe, and are granted numerous ways to mathematically meet targets in the outlying years without significant real-world gains.

The proposal encourages manufacturers and customers to shift toward larger, less efficient vehicles, defeating the goal of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Volkswagen Group clean diesel products are among the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today. Our new mid-size Passat TDI, built here in the US in Chattanooga, TN, achieves 43 mpg highway and can travel almost 800 miles on a single tank of fuel. If one-third of the vehicles on the road today were clean diesel, the US would save 1.4 million barrels of oil a day. Yet there is no consideration in the current proposal for the positive impact clean diesels can have on fuel consumption here in the US.

We look forward to continuing our discussions with the White House to achieve the “one nation standard” that is fair and equitable.

- Tony Cervone, Executive Vice President of Communications, Volkswagen Group of America

The 2011 VW Golf TDI Named To List of KBB Green Cars of the Year

According to VW, the editors considered the cars that offered the best fuel economy and CO2 emissions while also providing the safety, comfort and driving enjoyment that make each vehicle a pleasure to own.

Volkswagen said, “As long-time fans of the Volkswagen Golf lineup for its European driving feel, hatchback utility and interior quality, kbb.com editors selected the Golf TDI as a best-in-class vehicle that is both environmentally-friendly and fun behind the wheel.”

Impressive Diesel Car Specifications:
According to VW, the Golf 2.0L TDI clean diesel model offers 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, coupled with a time of 8.6 seconds from zero to 60 mph. Available in both two-door and four-door models, the Golf TDI is known for its fusion of German-tuned performance and impressive fuel economy, compliments, VW says, of an advanced electronically-controlled turbocharger and electronically-controlled direct injection fuel system.

The always sporty VW Golf  should appeal to drivers seeking a fuel efficient car that emits less greenhouse gas. Volkswagen says the 2011 Golf TDI achieves more than 30 percent better fuel economy compared to a similar gasoline engine.