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Ram Dominates Truck of Texas Awards


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SAN ANTONIO--Oct. 22, 2012:

  • 2013 Ram 1500 wins "Truck of Texas", the highest honor in the Texas Auto Writers Association's Texas Truck Rodeo
  • Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn awarded "Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas"
  • Ram 1500 named "Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas"
  • Ram Truck Brand voted "Truck Line of Texas"

The new 2013 Ram 1500 was named "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Truck of Texas is TAWA's highest honor. The Ram 1500 also was awarded Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas for the Laramie Longhorn model and Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas. Additionally, the Ram Truck brand took the award for Truck Line of Texas.

Journalists evaluated a number of competitive trucks over the course of the two-day "Texas Truck Rodeo" organized by the professional media group.

"Automotive reporters have reacted extremely favorably to the new 2013 Ram 1500, and our research tells us that resonates with truck buyers," said Fred Diaz, a San Antonio, Texas native and President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "Texas is Ram's biggest market and we've worked relentlessly to build powerful trucks with best-in-class fuel economy and capability for our customers. The pickup market is fiercely competitive and we are proud the Texas Auto Writers have awarded Ram trucks with these coveted titles."

Judging by the 50 TAWA members occurred over two full days of uncompromising on- and off-road vehicle evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from interior and exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant's overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

More than 60 pickups, SUVs and crossover vehicles were entered in this year's event.

"Our members overwhelmingly chose the 2013 Ram 1500 as the Truck of Texas and the truck for Texans. The new Ram 1500 is amazing," said Michael Herzing, Texas Auto Writers Association President. "The new technologies in this truck are true game changers and raise the bar for the competition. You've got to love how tough, capable, comfortable, and fuel efficient this new truck is, especially for Texans who frequently drive long distances. Until we drove it, we couldn't believe a truck this nice and capable could achieve 25 miles to a gallon like the Ram does. It blew our members away."

The Texas Auto Writers Association competition names three overall winners, including Truck of Texas, SUV of Texas and Crossover of Texas, along with 19 additional categories.

"Texas accounts for nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. pickup market and has earned the 'Center of the Truck Universe' title," according to Diaz. "Honoring the 2013 Ram 1500 with the all-around Truck of Texas award is important to our customers, our dealers and our Company."

Ram 1500
For 2013, the new Ram 1500 offers buyers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new features without sacrificing capability. Ram 1500 -- the most recognizable pickup on the road --raises the bar with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems and first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed TorqueFlite 8 transmission, stop-start and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. Ram engineers changed every area of the truck --from a newly designed frame to new engines and transmissions to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect® system. With best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to truck buyers. 2013 Ram 1500 prices start at $23,585.

The 2013 Ram 1500 marks a milestone for Ram as this truck delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway with a truckload of pioneering, fuel-saving systems including a more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine and first-in-segment technologies: eight-speed automatic transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, including grille shutters and air suspension. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and starts at $23,585 including $995 destination charge.

Ram Laramie Longhorn
The Ram Laramie Longhorn was shown for the first time Sept. 23, 2010 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Ram Laramie Longhorn is one of the most luxurious trucks ever produced by the Chrysler Group, and is designed for the owner who needs a truck for work or play, but won't settle for anything but the finest quality and refinement. Inside and out, Laramie Longhorn is loaded with remarkable features and design cues from traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares, such as the antique pocket watch, a horseman's saddlebags, a collector's-grade shotgun or fine furniture. Ram Laramie Longhorn edition models are also prominently commemorated with distinctive Western-style exterior badges. A chrome metal Laramie Longhorn edition badge with painted accents is mounted to the tailgate while eye-catching model-specific (1500, 2500 or 3500) Laramie Longhorn edition badges adorn the doors.