LOS ANGELES — Volkswagen Group of America is asking diesel engine fans in the US to help promote the benefits of its new Jetta TDI.The 2009 Jetta TDI, which went on sale in the US in August, is the first diesel to meet emission standards in all 50 US states.

It therefore has been the subject of much attention in Internet blogs and chat rooms over the last 18 months, said VW spokeswoman Jennifer Jacoby.

Jacoby said VW has been monitoring the chats and openly sharing information with diesel enthusiasts so they can spread the word on the merits of clean diesel.

“We are going to tap into them to be our advocates,” she said at a media event here earlier this month.

Engaging diesel enthusiasts is key to VW’s two-stage campaign to build awareness about clean diesel technology and change perceptions about diesel among US consumers.

VW recently launched a diesel section on its Web site that gives a history of VW’s diesel heritage.

More than 25,000 people have signed up through the Web site for more information on clean diesels and the Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDIs, Jacoby said.

Phase Two will begin in early 2009 and use the Jetta campaign as a “launching pad” for future clean diesel cars, she said.