(October 16, 2012) SAN ANTONIO — It's a rodeo without livestock but with more than its share of prizes, and it's held in the nation's single largest truck market.

More than 50 automotive journalists will gather later this week  at the Knibbe Century Ranch near here for an annual rite of fall: The Texas Truck Rodeo, sponsored by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Also in attendance will be designers and engineers from the manufacturers who are bringing their products for the highly competitive event, with the emphasis on fuel efficiency, performance, safety and technology. With so many vehicles accessible for driving, this is the best showcase that an auto writer or photographer could hope for.

This year's participants include Audi, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

"I am always amazed by the level of competition and the quality of the vehicles," says Linda Water Nelson, a member of the Texas Auto Writers group for almost a decade.

"The challenging off-road track, and acres of property for on-road driving offer plenty of action.  But, time is always a consideration. So many trucks, so little time.  It's all about getting as many butts in drivers' seats as manufacturers can," she says.

Last year, Ford took home the hardware with the F-150 named Truck of Texas and the Super-Duty as the heavy duty winner.  Nissan took home the prize for mid-size truck. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was named SUV of Texas, and the Ford Edge won for CUV.

For winners, this is about more than bragging rights.  "These Texas awards are golden. Trucks, in particular, are a passion here, and convincing a consumer to change brands is enormously tough.  Getting some of the country's most knowledgeable writers to give a vehicle a nod can make a big difference," she added.

The Texas Auto Writers Association holds a similar event for passenger cars and performance vehicles each spring at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Members of the organization are accredited each year, by submitting samples of the previous year's work.