HERNDON, Virginia — The clean-diesel initiative in the U.S got a major boost on Monday with the announcement from Volkswagen of America that its 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI are now on sale here.

'We're proud to be the first manufacturer to offer a clean diesel vehicle for sale in all 50 states,' said Stefan Jacoby, CEO and president of Volkswagen of America.

Earlier, VW of America said the two vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit. Thus, the Internal Revenue Service has approved a $1,300 federal income tax credit for consumers who purchase the vehicles.

The 2009 Jetta TDI starts at $21,990, while the 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI starts at $23,590.

The vehicles are rated by the EPA at 29 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. Diesel advocates had expected much higher EPA mileage ratings on the VW turbodiesel, in part because of VW's aggressive positioning. The automaker had said earlier that the TDI engine had an anticipated fuel efficiency of mid-50s on the highway and mid-40s in the city.