Chrysler Group Earns 15 Belt Buckles at the Texas Truck Rodeo

Hot Springs, USA, 10/30/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Ram trucks and Jeep and Dodge SUVs enjoy a solid reputation for ruggedness in their respective segments, a notion that was recently confirmed after a convincing display of dominance at the 2013 Texas Truck Rodeo. The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) held the event for the 21st time this year, with more than 40 automotive journalists test-driving vehicles and choosing winners in 24 different categories. The Chrysler Group impressively scooped up 15 of the signature belt-buckle trophies, with the upcoming 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel emerging as Truck of Texas.

The 2013 Texas Truck Rodeo featured more than 60 pickup, SUV and crossover models that were put through a series of head-to-head tests. After two days of driving on and off-road, judges selected Ram trucks or their features as winners in nine different categories. This year's Truck of Texas win marks the second consecutive nod for the Ram 1500, while other awards included the 2014 Ram 2500 as Heavy Duty Truck of Texas, the 2014 Ram ProMaster as Commercial Vehicle of Texas and the 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn as Luxury Truck of Texas. Ram received additional wins for Truck Line of Texas and Best Technology, Connectivity and Powertrain.

"Year after year, the Ram 1500 keeps improving to meet the needs of American truck drivers and deliver the top performance they demand from a full-size pickup," said Tim Parker, dealer principal of Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, an Arkansas Ram dealer. "When it goes on sale later this year, the new EcoDiesel model will bring extra low-end torque and unsurpassed fuel economy to beat the tough competition in its segment."

Powering the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that delivers 240 horsepower and a best-in-class 420 pound-feet of torque through a TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission. Drivers won't be punished at the pump for that impressive performance, though, with the new model expected to surpass 25 mpg on the highway to lead its segment. Inside the cabin, buyers can opt for the Uconnect Access infotainment system, which won TAWA's Best Connectivity award, to control entertainment, navigation, hands-free phone calls and voice-activated commands.

While Ram was asserting its power among pickups at the Texas Truck Rodeo, Jeep proved its superior edge in SUV segments, taking home the award for SUV of Texas with its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the brand grabbed Compact SUV of Texas with its all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Luxury Mid-size SUV of Texas with its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and Off-road Utility Vehicle of Texas with its 2014 Jeep Wrangler. Jeep also shared honors with Ram for Best Powertrain and Connectivity. Lastly, Dodge added to the Chrysler Group's tally with a win for the refreshed 2014 Dodge Durango as Full-size SUV of Texas.

"The tests at the Texas Truck Rodeo are really comprehensive, proving that Ram, Jeep and Dodge vehicles excel not only on the spec sheet but also in real-life conditions," added Parker. "Since many truck and SUV drivers are as demanding and knowledgeable as TAWA's automotive journalists, we are expecting to see a similar level of success in sales for the new model year."

About Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:
A winner of Chrysler’s Five-Star Dealer and Environmental Leadership awards, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been serving Arkansas drivers for years with new and pre-owned car sales, service and parts at their Hot Springs auto dealership. Whether you’re looking for a Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will find your ideal model with their unmatched customer-first approach. You can visit their showroom located at 4722 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, call them at 888-227-1487 or find them online at www.timparkerchrysler.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimParkerAuto.