Ford F-150 Named Truck of Texas - Yahoo!

2012 Ford F-150 Specs, Reviews, Comparisons and Prices - Ford Buyers Guide

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 24, 2011 -- Ford's 2012 F-150 full-sized pickup truck received top honors when members of the Texas Auto Writers Association named it the Truck of Texas in this year's nationally recognized competition. Its stable partner, the F-250 heavy duty received the award for its category, giving Ford a sweep this year, according to Linda Water Nelson of INSIDEout: Cars & Trucks.

In 2010, Chrysler's Ram brand did the same with its 1500 and 3500 trucks, both new for 2011, perhaps making for more pitched competition this year.

Ford brought Raptor SVT V8s and F-150 Platinum Edition trucks with EcoBoost engines to capture writers and broadcasters excitement on both strenuous on-road and off-road courses at the Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, TX. Auto writers and broadcasters drove more than 1500 runs in 48 vehicles during the annual TAWA Truck Rodeo event. (A spring event for cars, crossovers and SUVs is held at the Texas Motor Speedway. Neither are open to the public.)

EcoBoost technology was given the prize for the best feature. Introduced in 2010, versions of this technology are now available on many Ford vehicles, including the Edge, which was named Crossover Utility Vehicle of Texas. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior performance versus larger displacement engines.

In the Sport Utility Vehicle category, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, also new for 2012, won with its 4x4 Overland and Overland Summit. The SUV boasts a V6 engine with improved fuel economy (17mpg city and 23mpg highway) as one of its offerings. Towing capacity of 7,400 lbs. for the V8 and 5,000 lbs. for the V6 also gives this Jeep exceptional versatility.

In individual categories, where vehicles compete only within their segment, the winners – all 2012 models -- are:

Ford was named Truck Line of Texas.