Texas Auto Writers' Association Names 'Truck of Texas'

- Ford Motor Company brands capture seven awards from the Texas Auto Writers' Association - more than any other automaker. - Ford named "Truck Line of Texas" for fifth consecutive year.

DALLAS, Dec. 3 -- Texas and Ford trucks are a perfect fit -- and the Texas Auto Writers' Association confirmed Ford's lock on the full-size truck market in the Lone Star State by naming the redesigned 2004 F-150 the "Truck of Texas."

"Nobody knows trucks better than Texans, and they've given the F-150 an emphatic endorsement," said Jim O'Connor, group vice president for North America Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Motor Company. "Approximately one of every seven new F-150s sold in the United States is sold in Texas -- the F-150 has truly earned the right to be the Truck of Texas."

With more than 20 best-in-class capabilities and class-exclusive features and its distinct five-series lineup, the 2004 F-150 changes expectations about what a truck can be. The F-150 boasts revolutionary new interiors and the industry's widest variety of configurations. It leads its class in towing, payload capacity, cargo box volume and low-end torque. The 2004 model also offers the quietest cab and strongest frame in the industry, and is the first full-size pickup to feature an all-four-door lineup.

In addition to winning the coveted "Truck of Texas" award, Ford also was named the "Truck Line of Texas" for the fifth consecutive year. The Ford Escape received the award for "Best Compact SUV," and the F-350 Super Duty Diesel was dubbed "Best Heavy Duty Pickup."

Other Ford Motor Company winners include the Range Rover HSE as the "Best Luxury SUV" and the Volvo XC90 as the "Best Crossover SUV."

"Texas is the number one truck market in the United States, and Ford is the best-selling truck line in Texas," said O'Connor. "As far as we're concerned, it doesn't get much better than receiving these awards. Texas has been and always will be Ford Truck Country."