2015 Ford F-150 voted Truck of Texas at TAWA Truck Rodeo

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica

(October 13, 2014) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Ford Won the coveted Truck of Texas title here Friday at the annual Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo for its all-new 2015 aluminum bodied F-150. Ford also won Truck Line of Texas and CUV of Texas for the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC, capturing three of the four major awards.

The other top award — SUV of Texas — was won by the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Ford's victory broke a two-year hold on the title by the Ram 1500. But Ram was not shut out — the 2015 Ram 2500 Longhorn was named Heavy Duty Pickup of Texas and the 2015 Ram Power Wagon was honored as Off-road Pickup of Texas.

The Grand Cherokee, a multiple winner since its complete redesign for the 2011 model year, also captured Mid-Sized Luxury SUV of Texas for its 2015 Su
mmit Eco Diesel 4X4 and Mid-Sized SUV of Texas for the Grand Cherokee Overland 4X4.

It was record-breaking year for the TAWA event with 168 registered attendees including a record 60 journalists. There were a record number of vehicles entered at 75, with 18 brands represented. Awards were given in 17 categories.


The F-150 has gotten considerable publicity for its groundbreaking aluminum alloy body, which — together with high-strength steel in its frame — cuts an average 700 pounds of weight. But as Ford engineers pointed out to us at the Rodeo, the new truck is also loaded with industry-first innovations such as a 360-degree camera view to help in parking and maneuvering tight spots; integrated loading ramps for such things as ATVs, motorcycles and mowers; trailer hitch assist the adds a rearview camera feature to help line up the truck and trailer; and keyfob remote tailgate locking and unlocking.

Doug Scott, marketing manager of Ford’s truck group, said, “This is a significant honor, one of the three big ones along with the Motor Trend and North American Truck of the year awards. Our entire truck team is proud and honored to win the Truck of Texas trophy.”

2015 Lincoln MKC

Winning the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) title was the 2015 Honda CR-V Touring; the 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium was named the Mid-size CUV; the 2015 Kia Sedona SX was named Full-size CUV; and the 2015 Lincoln MKC was named Luxury CUV.

Stephane Cesareo, Lincoln Global Communications Manager, said, “It’s been a long time since Lincoln participated in the TAWA Truck Rodeo and we will definitely keep coming back. I had never been to Texas and have really enjoyed meeting the friendly members of TAWA and seeing some of the Hill Country of Texas.”

In the individual awards, the F-150 was named Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas for the King Ranch 4X4 SuperCrew, and Luxury Pickup of Texas for the Platinum SuperCrew.

Chevrolet picked up awards for Full-Size SUV of Texas with the 2015 Tahoe, and Mid-Size Pickup of Texas for the all-new Colorado.

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) was founded in 1987, with a mission to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and disseminate information about the industry through news related print, online and broadcast media.

All 2014 awards are listed below:

Compact CUV of Texas:  2015 Honda CR-V Touring

Mid-size CUV of Texas: 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium

Full-Size CUV of Texas:  2015 Kia Sedona SX

Luxury CUV of Texas:  2015 Lincoln MKC

Compact SUV of Texas:  2015 Jeep Cherokee

Mid-size SUV of Texas:  2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4

Full-size SUV of Texas:  2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

Compact Luxury SUV of Texas:  2015 Land RoverRange Rover Evoque 5 door

Mid-size Luxury SUV of Texas:  2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit EcoDiesel 4x4

Full-size Luxury SUV of Texas:  2015 GMC Yukon Denali

Off-road Utility Vehicle of Texas:  2015 Jeep Wrangler

Mid-size Pickup of Texas:  2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD

Full-size Pickup Truck of Texas:  2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew

Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas:  2015 Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew

Heavy Duty Pickup of Texas:  2015 Ran 2500 Longhorn

Off-road Pickup Truck of Texas:  2015 Ram Power Wagon

Commercial Vehicle of Texas:  2015 Ford Transit 250 MR

Best technology: Ford F-150 Aluminum Alloy Body

Best connectivity: Chrysler Group's Uconnect Access

Best powertrain: Chrysler 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel