Austin, TX - Oct. 11, 2016

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered in Dripping Springs, Texas, for the 26th annual Texas Truck Rodeo where more than 70 journalists named the 2017 Ford Super Duty the 2017 “Truck of Texas.”

More than 71 vehicles valued at nearly $4 million were evaluated in 17 categories over a two-day period at a new venue for this year’s truck rodeo, the Longhorn River Ranch.

“We are honored to win the ‘Truck of Texas’ award as it underscores how the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty lineup are the toughest, smartest and most capable trucks we’ve ever built,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager. “This prestigious award from the Texas Auto Writer’s Association further solidifies Ford’s truck leadership in Texas, where F-series continues to be the best-selling truck and builds on our momentum as the top-selling truck in the United States for 39 consecutive years.”

The 2017 Nissan Armada was named the SUV of Texas and the 2017 Volvo XC90 was named the CUV of Texas. TAWA journalists voted Ford Motor Co. as the 2017 Truck Line of Texas.

The TAWA Truck Rodeo, sponsored by Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), was held in the scenic Texas Hill Country as vehicles were tested both on and off-road. TAWA members evaluated the off-road vehicles while climbing rocks, crossing creeks and dodging exotic wildlife.

TAWA members evaluated pickups, SUVs and crossover utility vehicles whose combined sticker prices totaled more than $4 million. Engineers from the competing manufacturers were on hand to answer questions from journalists about the vehicles and to aid in the evaluation process. Journalists were also able to evaluate vehicles side by side.

“This year’s Texas Truck Rodeo was by far the most competitive in the most categories,” TAWA President Nic Phillips said. “More than 70 member journalists put in more than the equivalent of 15 days of driving time in the competing vehicles. After careful evaluation, I believe the results of the competition show just how competitive truck and utility vehicles are today,” Phillips said. “Ford’s all-new 2017 Super Duty and its innovative use of advanced materials, as well as improvements in powertrain and features, thoroughly impressed our journalists,” he said. “Nissan was the most overall awarded brand with five category wins, including the 2017 Nissan Armada as the SUV of Texas. Volvo defended its title as CUV of Texas with the 2017 XC90.”

The 2017 award categories and winning vehicles were:

Truck of Texas: 2017 Ford Super Duty

SUV of Texas: 2017 Nissan Armada

CUV of Texas: 2017 Volvo XC90

Truck line of Texas: Ford Motor Co.

Heavy duty pickup truck: 2017 Ford Super Duty

Best commercial vehicle: 2017 Nissan Titan XD Single Cab

Luxury pickup truck: 2017 RAM 1500

Off-road pickup: 2017 RAM 2500 Power Wagon

Full-size pickup: 2017 Nissan Titan

Midsize pickup: 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Best technology: Honda In-bed audio system

Best connectivity: FCA Uconnect Access

Best powertrain: 2017 Ford F-150 with 3.5 EcoBoost V-6 engine

Off-road utility vehicle: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Full-size luxury SUV: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mid-size luxury SUV: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace

Full-size SUV: 2017 Nissan Armada

Mid-size SUV: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Compact SUV: 2017 Jeep Cherokee

Full-size CUV: 2016 Mazda CX-9

Mid-size CUV: 2016 Nissan Murano

Compact CUV: 2016 Jeep Renegade

Luxury CUV: 2017 Volvo XC90

The Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. was founded in 1985 by automotive journalists who wanted to provide an avenue of professional growth, development and networking. These professionals sought to create an automotive event that was unique to Texas, and the result was the TAWA Truck Rodeo. Since 1992, Truck Rodeos have been held in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury and Spring Branch, and now Dripping Springs.

At nearly 1,650 acres, with over a mile of frontage on FM 165, approximately 1.25 miles of both sides of Onion Creek, rich bottom land and high hilltops, ample native and exotic game, Longhorn River Ranch was an ideal location for evaluating the off-road capabilities of the latest and greatest from auto manufacturers.

In 2003, TAWA created an event for sedans, sports cars, and other vehicles not eligible for the Truck Rodeo. The Texas Auto Roundup, as the event is called today, has been held annually at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. For more information, visit www.texasautowriters.org.

For multimedia content: http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/tawa-announces-2016-texas-truck-rodeo-winners

CONTACT: Fabian Campos, fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org, 214.674.8987

Texas Auto Writers Association Names the 2016 Car of Texas and Family Car of Texas

FORT WORTH, TX -- May 03, 2016 - The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) gathered once again for the annual Texas Auto Roundup to drive and evaluate 53 vehicles, within 17 different categories, over a two-day period. Fifty-eight journalists descended on Texas Motor Speedway and have chosen the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R as Car of Texas, and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica as the Family Car of Texas.

Journalists came from 11 different states across the country, and from around the globe including the Netherlands. Despite early threats for a repeat of the deluge of 2015, the weather finally cleared up enough to allow journalists to take full advantage of the Texas Motor Speedway facilities including the infield racetrack.

Winning the Compact Car category was the 2016 Honda Civic Touring, with the 2016 Mazda3 5-door Grand Touring runner-up.

In the Mid-Size Car category, the 2016 Kia Optima SXL was named the winner with the 2016 Nissan Altima SL runner-up. In the Mid-Size Luxury Car category, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 was the winner with the 2016 Lexus ES 350 runner-up.

In the full-size category, the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack was the winner with the 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum runner-up. For the full-size luxury car, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 was the winner, with the 2016 Chrysler 300 Platinum runner-up.

Performance Compact winner was the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R runner-up. Performance Coupe was the 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R with the 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat runner-up. Performance Sedan was the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, with the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan runner-up.

The Minivan category was won by the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited, with the 2016 Toyota Sienna Limited runner-up. Activity Vehicle was the 2016 Nissan Murano Platinum, with the 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Drive-E runner-up.

Performance Utility was won by the 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD R-Design with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT runner-up. The Green Vehicle was the 2016 Lexus RX 450h, with the 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier Hatchback runner-up.

The Super Car of Texas was the 2016 Dodge Viper GTC.

"This year's Texas Auto Roundup was our biggest yet with a record number of journalists and a highly competitive field of vehicles to evaluate."

"All our manufacturers brought outstanding vehicles for us to assess, however, there were some standouts that caught the attention of our journalist members when considering their performance, value, and versatility." "This event represents a tremendous amount of work and consideration and I'd like to thank our diverse group of journalist members, the Board of Directors and especially our automotive manufacturers for their continued dedication to our recognition of their best of the best." --  Nic Phillips, President, TAWA 

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TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, 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. TAWA produces two driving events each year -- the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall. Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies. For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

 

For Multimedia -- http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/texas-auto-writers-association-chooses-the-2016-car-of-texas-and-family-car-of-texas

 

Media contact: 
Fabian Campos
214.674.8987
fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org

 

TAWA Partners With Wieck For Digital Support

AUSTIN, TX  -- April 4, 2016 – The Texas Auto Writers Association, Inc. (TAWA) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Wieck, a digital technology firm that provides services to numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading automotive brands, to become the official technology & communications partner of TAWA.

The Dallas-area Wieck team will provide TAWA with its latest multimedia news distribution platform to broaden the Association’s communications reach, along with a new e-commerce platform and other digital development support.

 “Wieck has the industry understanding, the technological know-how and the comprehensive multimedia platforms to enhance our member experience and external news distribution capabilities,” said Nic Phillips, President of TAWA. “We are a lean organization and the efficiency of Wieck’s platform coupled with their benchmark customer service made this decision an easy one for us.”

“Wieck has the industry understanding, the technological know-how and the comprehensive multimedia platforms to enhance our member experience and external news distribution capabilities. We are a lean organization and the efficiency of Wieck’s platform coupled with their benchmark customer service made this decision an easy one for us.”  Nic Phillips, President of TAWA 

“We’ve been providing digital newsrooms and asset management systems for the world’s top automakers and other Fortune 500 companies for more than 25 years,” Wieck CEO Tim Roberts said. “We look forward to the partnership and collaborations with the TAWA team.”

Marc Newman, Senior VP at Wieck, said, “We are thrilled that the TAWA team has chosen Wieck as a partner. Our long record of multimedia content management, web development, and digital distribution expertise will quickly broaden TAWA’s narrative.” 

“We very much look forward to working with Roberts, Newman and the entire Wieck team as we expand the reach of the Texas Auto Writers brand and the impact of our signature Texas Truck Rodeo and Texas Auto Roundup competitive evaluation events in 2016. ” Phillips said.

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About TAWA –

Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) is a nonprofit organization that has promoted professionalism and quality reporting in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained international traction; the Texas Truck Rodeo at the Long Horn River Ranch in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas College and university students majoring in journalism. The Association’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

About Wieck –

Pioneering today’s online newsroom, Wieck is a web development, content management and multimedia production company fueled by strategic techies and storytellers. Its clients include American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Baylor Scott & White Heath Care, Ford Motor Co., Hess Corporation, Mercedes-Benz USA, The New York Times Syndicate and News Services, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Southwest Airlines. Combining veteran editors and website managers with the latest in digital technology, Wieck helps the world’s top news organizations and corporate communications teams distribute their stories and information around the world.

For Multimedia - http://texasautowriters.tritium.co/tawa-partners-with-wieck-for-digital-support

Media contacts:

TAWA --

Fabian Campos, 214-674-8987

fabian.campos@texasautowriters.org

www.texasautowriters.org

Wieck --

Marc Newman, 469-215-2557

marc@wieck.com

www.wieck.com

Texas Auto Writers Association Names Winners of Excellence in Craft Competition

Dallas, TX, September 25, 2015…Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) announced the winners of their ninth annual Excellence in Craft Competition at a lunch event held at the Music Hall at Fair Park September 25.  The six categories and winning entries follow:

English Language Newspaper, judged by esteemed newsman, author, and four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee Hugh Aynesworth.

• 1.      Steve Wheeler, The Advocate, article about Dodge SRT Hellcat.
• 2.      Derek Price, St. Louis Post Dispatch, column evaluating the Toyota Highlander.
• 3.      Tabatha Chovanetz, Focus Daily News, article about the Ford Mustang.

Spanish Language Newspaper, judged by bilingual Northwood University MBA and DSM Public Relations manager Francisco Chairez.

• 1.       Ellie Byrd, El Heraldo News-Sabre Ruedas, article on the 2015 Scion tC..
• 2.       Gretha Gudmundsson, El Lider USA, Motor Avenida, article on 2016 Ford Edge.
• 3.       Krystle Smart, El Lider USA, article on 2015 Nissan Rogue.

Magazine, judged by award-winning journalist and author Carlton Stowers. 

• 1.      “Tow, Tow, Tow Your Boat” by Linda Water Nelson for Gaff Magazine.
• 2.      “Driving It Makes All the Difference” by Joe Sage for Arizona Driver Magazine.
• 3.      “What Drives Us? By Beverly and Steve Smirnis for Estate Life.

Radio, judged by longtime KSCI reporter Brother Van.

• 1.      The Car Pro Show, listener call-in program.  Jerry Reynolds hosts syndicated program on numerous stations across the country with sidekick Kevin McCarthy.   
• 2.      The Automotive Reporter, Houston area radio show featuring Harold Gunn and Brent Clanton,    Interview with Ford Historian Bob Kreipke.
• 3.      The High Tech Texan Show with Michael Garfield, Interview with GM Communications Manager Stuart Fowle.

Internet, judged by graphic artist, illustrator, journalist Stan Hulen.

• 1.      Derek Shiekhi, Internet Brands Automotive Group, article: “Ford Wins Truck of Texas and More at TAWA’s 2014 Truck Rodeo”
• 2.      Sherri Tilley, TheFlashList.com, article “Car Review: 2015 Chrysler 200 C AWD”
• 3.      Greg Riley, Garage Deluxe.  Article:  “Greg Goes a Hellcattin’…”

Photography, Entries Judged by Christian Waits, ProPhotography Studios.

     1.  Kevin McCauley, Ford GT40

     2.  Sherri Tilley, Mazda 3 Kodo Design.

 

“The Excellence in Craft Competition is the opportunity to showcase the work of our members,” said Michael Marrs, President of the Texas Auto Writers Association.  “The 2015 competition was an outstanding success, with Chairman Durhl Caussey putting together an esteemed panel of judges who really had their work cut out for them with all the great entries.”

Texas Auto Writers Association is a nonprofit organization promoting professionalism and quality in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction: the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas college and university students with a journalism major.   The group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

                                                            # # #

For more information about TAWA, visit www.texasautowriters.org. 

For media information, please contact Jo Ann Holt Caussey, VP Communications, at communications@texasautowriters.org.

 

ALV - active lifestyle vehicle of the year award

A competition that brings athletes and journalists together

The Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards recently named two TAWA members to the panel of 17 nationally recognized automotive journalist that participate in the evaluation of vehicle entries for this prestigious award. 

About the Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards

A Phoenix based event, the Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards has consistently grown in size and prestige since its inception in 2004. The event brings the perspectives and opinions of over 100 consumers who live the active lifestyles automakers market their products to, culminating into top awards in multiple categories. 

The group of athletes, celebrities and active lifestyle enthusiasts act as a valuable focus group for automakers and industry experts alike. With this year's event moving to a new data rich electronic scoring system, the outcome of consumer perspective metrics for manufacturers will be more comprehensive than ever.

Linda Water Nelson

 Linda Water Nelson has been writing about a wide variety of vehicles for more than 25 years. As sport vehicle editor of Texas Fish & Game magazine and for its website at Fishgame.com, she drives the newest trucks and SUV regularly.

A current member and former board member for the Texas Auto Writers Association, she is a judge for the Truck of Texas and SUV of Texas competitions. She is also an active member of the Texas Outdoor Writers Association and the Outdoor Writers of America Association.

 Her work focuses on the relationships between trucks, SUV and other passenger vehicles  and the quality of life of their owners and users. She is working on the launch of a new website, Bucket-List-Guide.com this year with an emphasis on vehicles, adventures and ideas about the outdoor life.

Nic Phillips

Nic Phillips is a Houston, Texas based automotive correspondent and evangelist for CultureMap.com – an essential source for real-time, digital coverage of culturally relevant breaking news and information, analysis and opinion on the arts, fashion, dining, music, events, politics, sports and society in Texas. 

A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Phillips co-founded the digital media venture with newsrooms in Dallas, Austin and Houston and has interests in creative entertainment, high performance lighting and control technologies and his latest venture, wattsON Power. 

The latter focuses on the supply of specialty rotary electric machines and critical power systems for industrial, oil and gas, conventional and renewable power generation and electric vehicle traction applications. 

Nic is a Vice President of the Texas Auto Writers Association, a Founding Director of the United Council of Automotive Media and he is a Director of the non-partisan public policy forum The Texas Lyceum.

Media Contacts

The ALV organization would like to thank OEMs for their continued support of this program. Please feel free to direct any questions to

Nina Russin, ninarussin@yahoo.com

Sam Haymart, sam.haymart@steedpublications.com .

 

Texas Auto Writers Choose 2015 Car of Texas and Family Car of Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Auto Writers (TAWA) refused to let a day-long deluge of rain keep them from diligently test driving and evaluating 54 vehicles Monday, both on and off the Texas Motor Speedway Racetrack.  The 52 journalists attending the annual Auto Roundup chose the 2015 Chrysler 300 as Car of Texas, and the 2015 Toyota Sienna as the Family Car of Texas.

Other Auto Roundup winners included: Best Value, 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe; Best New Feature, 2015 Dodge SRT Hellcat 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 Engine; and Best New Interior, the 2015 Lincoln MKZ's Black Label Package.

Winning the Sub-Compact Car Division was the 2015 Kia Forte5 SX, with the 2015 Chevrolet Trax LTZ runner up.  Compact Car of Texas was won by the 2015 Ford Focus SE, with the 2016 Acura ILX runner up.  Premium Compact was the 2015 Subaru WRX Ltd with the 2014 Mazda Mazda3 S 5-door Grand Touring runner up.

In the Mid-Size Car category, the 2015 Chrysler 200 was named the winner with the 2015 Mazda6 I Grand Touring runner up.  In the Mid-Size Luxury Car category, the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe was the winner with the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Black Label runner up.

In the full-size category, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack was the winner with the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid runner up. For full-size luxury car, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 was the winner, with the 2015 Jaguar XJ (long wheelbase) runner up.

Performance Compact was the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R, with the 2015 Ford Focus ST as runner up.  Performance Coupe was the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe runner up. Performance Sedan was the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, with the 2015 Cadillac CTS V Sport TT runner up.

The Minivan category was won by the 2015 Toyota Sienna Ltd., with the 2015 Chrysler Town & Country runner up. Activity Vehicle was the 2015 Lexus NX 200t F-SPORT, with the 2015 Jeep Renegade Limited a close runner up. 

Performance Utility was won by the 2015 SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with the 2015 Land Rover Ranger Rover runner up.  The Green Vehicle was the 2015 Lexus NX 300h, with the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE runner up.

The Super Car of Texas was the 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible, with the 2015 Nissan GT-R Premium runner up.

TAWA is one of the most reputable automotive press organizations in the industry, 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.  TAWA produces two driving events each year—the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.  Media members enjoy driving and evaluating new vehicles competing for the coveted Car of Texas or Truck of Texas trophies.  For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.

Media contact: Jo Ann Causey, 469-363-7371, joannholt@gmail.com 

 

SOURCE Texas Auto Writers Association

TAWA is very pleased to announce that the trophies for the 2014 Texas Truck Rodeo will be presented to the winners at the 2015 Houston Auto Show.  The presentation will be during the Preview Gala the night before the media day and the show opening. 

It is a great opportunity for TAWA to be presenting these awards in front of the Houston Auto Dealers Association membership.

Ford F-150 Named Truck of Texas at 2014 Texas Auto Writers Assn. Truck Rodeo

The all-new Ford F-150 was named Truck of Texas at the 2014 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo.

“This year, the Texas Truck Rodeo had a record number of vehicles on hand for our members to evaluate,’ said Michael Marrs, president of TAWA, “We want to thank all of our partners in the automotive industry as well as sponsors for making this such a great event.”

Sixty auto writers drove 75 vehicles on and off road for two days (Oct. 9-10) at the Knibbe Ranch outside San Antonio to choose the prestigious Truck of Texas.   This year’s Texas Truck Rodeo, which was sponsored by the Steel Market Development Institute, also saw the 2015 Lincoln MKC take the CUV of Texas; the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee capture the SUV of Texas title for an unprecedented fifth straight year; and Ford being named the Truck Line of Texas.

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.”

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.”

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk was named Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV); the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 was named Mid-size SUV; the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD was named Full-size SUV; and the 2015 Range Rover Evoque 5-Door was named Compact Luxury SUV.

"We are extremely delighted and proud that for the fifth consecutive year, the respected and influential Texas auto writers have named the Jeep Grand Cherokee the SUV of Texas," said Mike Manley, president and CEO of Chrysler Group’s Jeep Brand.

 

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit EcoDiesel 4x4 was named Mid-size Luxury SUV; and the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali was named Full-size Luxury SUV.  The 2015 Jeep Wrangler was named Off-road SUV.

Mid-size Pickup Truck title was won by the 2015 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab; and Full-size Pickup Truck was the 2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch.  Luxury Pickup Truck was the 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum; and Heavy Duty Pickup Truck was the 2015 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn.  Off-road Pickup Truck was the 2015 Ram Power Wagon.

Commercial Vehicle was the 2015 Ford Transit 250.  Other winners were Best Connectivity, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect Access; Best Powertrain, Chrysler Group 3.0-liter V-6 Eco Diesel Engine; and Best Technology, 2015 Ford F-150 King Ranch high- strength military-grade aluminum body.

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.  For more information, please visit www.texasautowriters.org.  TAWA’s communication are powered by PR Newswire.

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Media contact:  Communications@texasautowriters.org; 469-363-7371

Texas Auto Writers Association Names Winners of Excellence in Craft Competition

Dallas, TX, September 29, 2014…Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) announced the winners of their eighth annual Excellence in Craft Competition at a lunch event held at the Music Hall at Fair Park September 25.  The five categories and winning entries follow:

English Language Newspaper, judged by esteemed newsman, author, and four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee Hugh Aynesworth.

• 1.      Derek Shiekhi, Austin American Statesman article about Austin’s new police fleet using Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility vehicle to replace Crown Victoria models.
• 2.      Steve Wheeler, Baton Route Advocate, column evaluating the 2014 Toyota Corolla.
• 3.      Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, consumer report on replacement tire costs.

Spanish Language Newspaper, judged by bilingual Northwood University MBA candidate Francisco Chairez Yanez.

• 1.       Gretha Gudmundsson, El Lider USA, article on the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.
• 2.       Krystle Smart, El Lider USA, article on 2015 Chrysler 200 C.
• 3.       Fabian Campos, Mercado Billingue, article on the 2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Core.

Magazine, judged by award-winning journalist and author Carlton Stowers. 

• 1.      Marty Bernstein (co-authored by Jackie Jouret), Bimmer article on “The Amazing Mal Hoffman.”
• 2.      Beverly Smirnis, Greater DFW Metroplex Building Savvy article about SUVs in today’s Texas market.
• 3.      Steve Smirnis, Building Savvy Magazine article on four door cabs.

Radio, judged by longtime CBS stations newscaster and Radio Hall of Fame member Mitch Carr.

• 1.       The Car Pro Show (Jerry Reynolds hosts syndicated program on WBAP, KRLD and numerous other stations across the country with sidekick Kevin McCarthy).   
• 2.       In Wheel Time (Houston area radio show featuring Mike Herzing and Don Armstrong).
• 3.       The Automotive Reporter, radio show hosted by Harold Gunn in the Houston area.

Internet, judged by husband and wife entrepreneurs and car enthusiasts Scott and Sherri Tilley (theflashlist.com).

• 1.       Mark McNab, TopSpeed.com, article on the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.
• 2.       Marlon Hanson, FocusDailyNews.com, 2015 Dodge Challenger.
• 3.       Holly Reich, JeanKnowsCars.com, article about Land Rover Driving School.

“The Excellence in Craft Competition is the opportunity to showcase the work of our members,” said Michael Marrs, President of the Texas Auto Writers Association.  “The 2014 competition was an outstanding success, with Chairperson Durhl Caussey putting together an esteemed panel of judges that really had their work cut out for them due to a record number of 61 entries.”

Texas Auto Writers Association is a nonprofit organization that has promoted professionalism and quality in automotive journalism for more than two decades. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction: the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas college and university students with a journalism major.   The group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry. 

                                                            # # #

For more information about TAWA, visit www.texasautowriters.org. 

For media information, please contact Jo Ann Holt Caussey, VP Communications, at communications@texasautowriters.org.

 

 

 

 

The Texas Auto Writers Association is very proud to announce that the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) is the title sponsor for the 2014 Texas Truck Rodeo!

The steel industry is an integral part of automobile manufacturing, and in Texas that means trucks!  The Texas Truck Rodeo is the premier event for journalist members to evaluate the leading trucks, SUVs, and CUVs on the market, and with SMDI, there will be even more opportunity!

We look forward to meeting with the SMDI leadership at the Texas State Fair Auto Show media event as well as having them attend the 2014 Texas Truck Rodeo!

Here's the crux of the press release:

SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute that maintains and grows the use of steel in the automotive, construction, container and emerging markets.

“Texans know and love their trucks. When they need a vehicle to keep up with their workload and lifestyle, advanced high-strength steel offers the perfect balance between weight and performance,” said Ronald Krupitzer, vice president, automotive applications for SMDI. “With recent anticipation surrounding the use of alternative material designs in the automotive industry, SMDI and its member companies look forward to partnering with the Texas Auto Writers Association and sharing their insight on why time-tested materials, like advanced steel, will help to ensure the durability, strength and safety of future vehicles.”

Calling the partnership a "milestone," Michael Marrs, president of TAWA, said, “Steel is an integral part of the automotive industry; now that we are working with such a broad reaching group as SMDI that can provide timely information to our members on such an important aspect of the business, we have the opportunity to make our flagship event the best Truck Rodeo ever."

TAWA's rodeo brings journalists from throughout Texas and the U.S. to the Texas Hill Country to evaluate the nation’s top trucks and SUVs. The writers recognize excellence in several categories, including selecting the year’s coveted “Truck of Texas.” The TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo will be held Oct. 8-10 at the Knibbe Ranch outside San Antonio.

For more than two decades, TAWA has promoted professionalism and quality in automotive journalism. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction: the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Both events give TAWA’s journalists the opportunity to evaluate vehicles back-to-back on the street, track or off-road. Manufacturers and dealerships promote the award winners and the “Truck of Texas” is touted in national television commercials, including appearing in previous Super Bowl commercials.
Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas college and university students with a journalism major. The nonprofit group’s annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members’ exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

SMDI partners with government entities, industry organizations, steel producers and processors, fabricators and customers to conduct research surrounding new steel technologies and market growth opportunities; provides technology transfer to bring the resulting innovations to the marketplace and promotes the benefits of steel solutions to customers.

In the automotive industry, SMDI works to advance the use of steel, especially advanced high-strength steel, in the highly competitive automotive market through research, advocacy, and industry and government collaboration. SMDI’s automotive member companies include AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA, Nucor Corporation, Severstal North America and United States Steel Corporation.