Coming to a Chrysler dealer near you

He-Man dual controls

With the Chrysler-Fiat merger all but a done deal, at LotPro.com we thought we would get into the spirit of the occasion by passing on some news from Fiat in the U.K.

According to their most recent press release, the company wants to get young drivers into what is arguably its trendiest model by offering the He-Man dual control package for driver education vehicles at no charge to driving schools with the purchase of a Fiat 500.

Here is the press release from Fiat along with the conversions from European units:

Fiat Offer Puts Instructors in the Driving Seat

Already a leader in terms of safety, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated Fiat 500 is ideal for learners and new drivers, with its compact dimensions, prompt responses, light controls and excellent all-round visibility. In addition, affordable insurance and running costs, plus low emissions and impressive fuel consumption, mean the city car also appeals to instructors.

“This offer means instructors can field a desirable car that’s easy for pupils to drive, while benefiting from low costs and impressive residual values,” says James McMenamin, National Corporate Sales Manager for Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

Priced from £8,300 ($13,716.00), petrol examples of the Fiat 500 include a 1.2-litre version that can be taxed (licensed) for just £35 ($58) a year, thanks to low CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. The 1.3 MultiJet diesel version also slots into VED Band B and returns 67.3 mpg (56 mpg U.S.) fuel economy on the combined cycle.

Standard equipment on all models includes seven airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), power steering and a height adjustable driver’s seat, plus electric windows/mirrors and a CD/radio.

Lounge and Sport models also get alloy wheels, air conditioning and Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free entertainment and communications system.

Es ist ausgelassen, nicht wahr?

Here at LotPro.com, we do think it is hilarious. We can almost picture the engineers and PR folks at BMW laughing so hard over their steins of Schneider Weisse that it’s coming out their nostrils. In any case, in the spirit of the day, here is the press release from the U.S. headquarters describing their latest engineering “breakthrough:”

non-magnetic MINI E

•    New magnetic system delivers world-leading fuel efficiency to MINI PR0401
•    Hundreds, possibly thousands of miles range on a single electric charge
•    Drive across the USA in a MINI for just a few dollars
•    Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) system is the ultimate range extender

Drawing on the same Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT) which was announced by BMW in the UK today, MINI USA has developed its own unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile.

non-repulsive MINI E

MINI’s PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI E’s moving and fixed parts of each of its four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets’ natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving.

Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Magnetic Attraction Technology at MINI USA, said: “The Mini E is already leading the way in EV performance, reliability and eco-friendliness but this amazing new system will push it onto another level. We could soon be seeing families travel across the USA from coast to coast for just a couple of bucks.”

“The only energy this system uses is a small draw on the battery to start the vehicle moving forward and then the magnets take over and their natural properties do the rest. This has to be the ultimate range extender,” he added. “Anyone who has played with magnets as a kid or travelled on a Maglev train will understand precisely how this technology works and the kind of performance we are talking about.”

Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.

Once moving, only tiny amounts of electric current are required to switch on and off the magnets, as the polarity of the fixed and moving magnets is rapidly switched from positive to negative. The magnets first attract and then quickly repel each other pushing the wheels in the desired direction – either forward or reverse.

“For years, engineers have dreamed of developing perpetual motion for transport,” said Professor Loof, “And thanks to MINI PR, it looks like we are almost there.”

But wait, there’s more
In this press release, even the Brits have a go…

Note to editors: BMW announced in the UK today that its award-winning EfficientDynamics programme has been taken to the next level with the announcement of an innovative fuel and emissions saving system called Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT).

2009 Kia Rondo

(SEOUL) March, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Spectra, Rio5 and Rondo have been included in two MSN Autos Editors’ Top Pick lists in the USA.  Kia Spectra (LX) and Rio5 are named to the “Top 10 Cars for Less Than $15,000” list and Rondo is a top pick for “Best Family Cars for Downsizing.”  The three vehicles are lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of quality, space, comfort, value and warranty.

“These days, consumers are looking for ways to make their money go further and the Kia Spectra, Rio5 and Rondo models are just a snapshot into Kia’s full line of vehicles that make economical sense,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.  “By offering high-quality vehicles with wide-ranging amenities and comprehensive safety features, Kia vehicles are continuing to be recognized by top industry automotive review sites like MSN Autos.”

Spectra, noted for its front and back passenger space, audio system and comprehensive warranty, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value.  While Rio5 is the “hip younger sibling” to the Kia Spectra, according to MSN Autos, it is recognized for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, standard CD/MP3 capabilities, air conditioning and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that give way to its large hatch area.

Both vehicles also achieve impressive gas mileage, Spectra with a mpg of 23/30 (when equipped with the manual transmission) and 24/32 (when equipped with the automatic transmission) (city/highway), while Rio5 offers a frugal fuel economy of 27/32 (manual transmission) and 25/35 (automatic transmission).

Recognized in the “Best Family Cars for Downsizing” category that identifies those vehicles with a starting price lower than $25,000 and offers the best mix of cargo capacity, safety, reliability, features and value, Rondo is noted for its seven-passenger seating capacity along with top safety features, solid reliability, interior space and “impressive fit and finish.”  Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 20/27 (automatic transmission) (city/highway), while the 2.7-liter V6 is 18/26 (automatic transmission).

MSN Autos developed the Editors’ Pick lists by collecting feedback from industry analysts and conducting test drives.  It is the largest global network of online automotive sites, providing consumers with comprehensive research, buying and ownership services.

Editor’s notes: Standard equipment and specifications based on U.S. model and may vary depending on country.

Information revealed in press release

Audi shared this information on its latest generation LMP 1 sports car:

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Mar 9, 2009 -  Audi AG is the world’s first automobile manufacturer to develop a “second” generation diesel racing sports car. Audi aims to underline its supremacy and consolidate its expertise in car technology once more at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the all-new Audi R15 TDI.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is particularly suited for this: Efficient and economical cars are especially required for the French endurance classic. Lightweight construction, environmentally friendly drive concepts and well-thought out aerodynamics are the focus of attention at Le Mans just as they are during the development of production cars. For this purpose the regulations intentionally give the engineers plenty of freedom.

Audi Sport fully exploited this creative freedom and put a new LMP1 race car on the track that differs significantly from all previous Le Mans sports cars. “The R15 TDI has many detailed technical solutions never seen before on a sports prototype,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “To a certain extent we followed entirely new routes.”

Highly efficient TDI engine

The heart of the R15 TDI is a newly developed V10 TDI engine producing more than 600 hp, with a maximum torque output in excess of 1,050 Newton meters and which reflects the latest version of the TDI Technology invented by Audi. The power unit is more compact and lighter than the twelve-cylinder engine used in the preceding R10 TDI model. The specific fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions could also be reduced. Innovations in the turbo-charging and fuel injection areas simultaneously ensure improved engine response. The R15 TDI is also equipped with a new generation of even lighter diesel particle filters.

The new sports car’s aerodynamics, which play a particularly important role at Le Mans, are extremely refined. Like the DTM 2008 championship winning Audi A4, the airflow around and through the car was optimized with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Included among the many innovative detail solutions which can be spotted at first glance are a rear wing suspended from the top and a high nose.

Innovative vehicle electrical system concept

The Audi R15 TDI celebrates its race debut in the 12-hour race in Sebring, Florida in the USA on March 21. Audi Sport Team Joest plans to field three cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13/14.

Koreans are the new Japanese

The Korean automakers are rapidly becoming to the new millennium what the Japanese automakers were to the 70’s and 80’s. Back then, Honda, Toyota and Datsun rode the wave of relatively cheap labor and high quality to establish themselves as the brands to beat in the low to midsize passenger car segment.

And just as those brands became mainstream, the Korean automakers Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo (which failed on its own but has a presence in GM-branded models) were quick to follow in their footsteps. Although there were initial issues with quality and durability (the initial Japanese vehicles, you’ll recall, rusted hideously), these were addressed with better quality and some of the longest and most comprehensive new vehicle warranties in the industry.

And just like the Japanese, the initial Korean offerings were, shall we say, somewhat lacking in the styling department. That has also changed in recent years. The new Hyundai Genesis sedan, while somewhat derivative, is quite striking and the coupe variant has the aggressive looks of a serious performer.

New Kia Concept

Kia, for its part, has not been sitting idly by as its sister company grabs all the glory. The new Soul, soon to be in dealer showrooms, is a genuine competitor in the mini hauler segment now occupied by the Scion xB and the soon-to-be-available Nissan Cube while the new Forte sedan is scheduled to replace the forgettable Spectra sometime this summer.

As part of this new product onslaught, Kia introduced a mini-truck concept, the Soul’ster, at this year’s NAIAS and today, the company announced that it is about to introduce a second concept, this one an MPV, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March third. Here is the press release from Kia:

(SEOUL) February 24, 2009 — Kia will be displaying an all-new MPV concept, a range of Idle Stop & Go cars and an innovative hybrid at the 79th Salon International de l’Auto which opens in Geneva on 3 March.  There will be a total of 18 vehicles on the Kia stand [Stand 5231, Hall 5] including three models making their first appearance in Switzerland – the Kia Soul, upgraded 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV and upgraded new-look 2009 Kia Optima sedan.

All-new, the Kia No 3 Concept Car redefines the small MPV genre by creating a beautiful car that is also fun-to-drive.  The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar, an automatic sun visor and the new ‘face of Kia’ displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation.  The 159.25 inch long concept is finished in matte Titanium Grey with contrasting gloss-white accents.

Kia cee’d ISG

The new Kia cee’d ISG (Idle Stop & Go) models, which offer up to 15% fuel savings in city driving, are now on sale in many countries across Europe.  Kia’s innovative ISG system automatically switches the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic and restarts the engine instantly when the driver wishes to move off.  Kia cee’d ISG cars are available with a choice of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline engines and each of the three cee’d family body styles – five-door hatchback, five-door sporty wagon and three-door pro_cee’d.  The 1.4-litre ISG models at Geneva have a 137 g/km CO2 rating.

Kia cee’d Hybrid

Kia Motors has produced a fleet of prototype Kia cee’d Hybrid cars especially for testing and evaluation in Europe.  The cee’d Hybrid uses an upgraded powertrain with Kia’s Gamma 1.6-litre gasoline engine, mated to a 20 hp, 77.5 lb.-ft. AC synchronized electric motor, a CVT transmission and the new ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system.  Kia calculates that the cee’d Hybrid accelerates to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 115 mph.  The prototype achieves fuel consumption of 49 mpg and a CO2 figure of 109 g/km – down 25% compared to the standard 1.6-litre gasoline cee’d.

While most of us here at LotPro.com dream of driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the occasional Bentley Continental GTC Speed, the fact is that all of us here, like most of you out there (Jay Leno being one of the exceptions), live in a world where our incomes are encumbered by mortgages, utility bills and keeping food on the table. As such, the aforementioned vehicles have as much to do with our reality as a date with Kate Moss.

Fortunately, the editors at Forbes.com have come up with a list that might seem mundane in comparison but at least it bears a resemblance to reality – the best vehicles for carpooling. Using data from Kelley Blue Book, Forbes considered only 2009 vehicles that have received five out of five stars on all crash tests and at least four out of five stars on rollover results. The group was then pared down by awarding each vehicle points based on seating capacity, fuel efficiency, amount of front and rear headroom and legroom, and the presence of standard or optional navigation and entertainment systems.

2009 Kia Optima

The winner for 2009,  the newly-updated Kia Optima, was mentioned in a press release from Kia. Here is a portion of that release:

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 9 / — Recently named a “Best Bet” by The Car Book 2009, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that the Optima sedan also has topped the recently released “Best Vehicles for Carpooling” list by Forbes, available on Forbes.com. Refreshed for the 2009 model year, Optima was lauded for combining excellent class-leading safety features, a spacious interior and impressive fuel efficiency – all for excellent value, starting at less than $18,000.

“It’s great to see our vehicles winning more and more industry accolades, and it’s an honor for Kia Motors to sit atop the Forbes ‘Best Vehicles for Carpooling’ list,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “The 2009 Optima demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering consumers dynamic vehicles designed with an emphasis on quality, safety, comfort and affordability.”

The price is right

The 2009 Optima is the recipient of a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As with the rest of the Kia line-up, Optima is equipped with many standard safety features, including six airbags (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), brake assist system (BAS) and four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) also are standard.

The Bottom Line

While neither a Bentley nor a supermodel, the Kia Optima is a solid performer in the mid-size segment, giving car buyers a long list of standard features as well as a top safety rating.

Why are we still writing about trucks?

Here at LotPro.com, it has always been about cars and more cars. The advent of high gas prices last summer was cause for celebration. With any luck, pickup trucks would revert to their proper place as a means of transport for farmers and construction workers, while gas-guzzling SUV’s would die a quick death. Unfortunately, the credit mess caused the entire automotive world to come crashing down on itself and at the end of the year, the Ford F-150 was still the best-selling nameplate in the U.S.

That being said, it seems like we have spent an inordinate amount of time writing about the new F-150, while the Dodge Ram has languished in the shadows. So when the new pick-em-up from Auburn Hills received Truckin’ Magazine’s TOTY award, we figured “what the heck”.

So here, in all its glory, is the news release from Chrysler:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 6 / – The game-changing all-new 2009 Dodge Ram continues to win praise by consumers and media. The all-new Dodge Ram was named 2009 Truck of the Year in the current issue of Truckin’ magazine.

“It’s an honor to have Truckin’ magazine recognize our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram with this significant award,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice-President Jeep(R)/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. “This award speaks loudly about the design and capability of our Dodge Ram along with its benchmark interior and unmatched ride and handling.”

1994 Ram

“Overall, the sleek design represented the most dramatic change in Ram design since the ’94’s love-it-or-leave-it big-rig look, and we think it’s a hit,” said Bob Ryder, Senior Tech Editor, Truckin’. “The Dodge Boys have really done their homework on this one. The quality of materials, including wood trim, chrome accents, and leather, is miles ahead of the previous generation, and really makes the Dodge look luxurious.”

Ram Box

The all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes the first-in-segment RamBox(TM) cargo management system that includes versatile, weatherproof, lockable, illuminated, drainable storage bins, pickup bed dividers, a 2-foot bed extender, and a cargo rail system with sliding adjustable cleats. The 2009 Ram also includes the first-in-segment coil-spring, five-link rear suspension fitted to a solid rear axle providing ride and handling not found on any other pickup truck. A new 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine with fuel-saving MDS technology provides more horsepower (390 hp) and torque (407 lb.-ft.) and its best-in-class aerodynamics — .387 Cd — helps improve fuel economy and performance.

In addition, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram includes first-in-segment, factory-installed 4-inch dual exhaust styled dramatically into the rear bumper, first-in-segment store-in-the-floor storage bins with nearly twice as many bins (42) than the previous model (26) and 35 safety and security technologies. Standard features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes all-speed traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist and anti-lock brake system (ABS). Significantly upgraded interiors with segment-first surround-sound audio system and live SIRIUS Backseat TV(TM) round out the interior.

Recently, the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned 5-star ratings for driver- and front-passenger protection in a frontal crash, the highest ratings in the U.S. government’s safety crash test program.

In addition to winning Truckin’ magazine’s Truck of the Year, the all-new Dodge Ram has picked up several key awards since its introduction:

  — Ward’s AutoWorld - Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2009 (2009 Dodge Ram 5.7
HEMI engine)

– Texas Auto Writer’s Association (TAWA) - 2009 Full-Size Pickup Truck of
Texas

– Edmunds.com - Inside Line Editors Most Wanted 2009

– Autobytel.com – 2009 MyRide/Autobytel Editor’s Choice Awards - Truck of
the Year

– Maxim - Achievement in Party-Enabling Technology (RamBox)

– Automotive Journalist Association of Canada - Best New Pickup

– Sobre Ruedas - Sobre Ruedas Best Pickup Truck for ‘08

Kia Amanti

 Economic Concerns and “Change” Produce New Car Buying Perceptions of Total Value

Here at LotPro.com, we can remember the time when car buying decisions were based on whether you were a Ford guy, a GM (specifically Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, etc.) guy or a Chrysler guy. But let’s face it; if you can remember that far back, you are officially an “old” guy.

In today’s auto sales climate, quality and the perception of that quality have become more important than ever. J.D. Power started it all in 1981 with the company released its first Customer Satisfaction survey (Power calls it an Index) and again in 1987 when it released the automotive Initial Quality Study. Since that time, a number of companies have thrown their hats into the ring and have come up with their own unique methods of measuring customer loyalty and their perceptions of vehicle quality.

For its part, San Diego-based Strategic Vision has come up with its own matrix in evaluation customer perceptions of vehicle quality and brand loyalty. What follows is the company’s latest press release:

New Mazda3

For immediate release – Monday, November 10, 2008

San Diego – Strategic Vision today announced its 2008 Total Value Index® (TVI). TVI Scores fell across all brands reflecting economic concerns. During times of economic difficulties, automotive customers will examine the Total Value of potential vehicle choices with greater discrimination.

This greater customer scrutiny of automotive products will lead to new opportunities across all brands for the future. Customers are looking to the products to find the cues of quality that denote long term value with the best pricing, even among luxury vehicles. “When economic conditions become more favorable, the manufacturers who have focused their efforts in enhancing product quality and communicating messages of trustworthy products and overall value will be in a position to regain and even take over new market share,” reports Alexander Edwards, Strategic Vision’s president of automotive.

The economy has affected more than just the consumer’s willingness to spend money. As customers are bombarded with gloomy financial news on almost all fronts: stock markets down and fluctuating wildly, homes in foreclosure, plants closing and corporations laying off personnel, every decision has to be weighed against the individual consumer’s personal standard for Security. A vehicle purchased today must withstand even more demanding scrutiny. As a result, TVI brand scores are down across the board with a one notable exception. Pontiac made a stunning 25 point advance in TVI scores by combining competitive pricing with perceived interior quality. The Pontiac G6 is a good example of how Pontiac has exceeded customer expectations with price, value and interior quality cues.

Toyota Motor Sales is still the company to beat in customer value, although the Toyota brand was part of the overall trend of falling TVI Scores. Toyota Motor Sales has had 30 leaders in TVI over the past four years. In 2008, they add an astounding ten more: seven for Toyota (Yaris hatchback, Prius, Solara Convertible, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia and Tundra) and three for the Lexus (IS250/350, LS and RX400 Hybrid). Toyota’s consistent foundational messages of quality and reliability delivered over many years have generated consumer trust in Toyota products. “This trust is a crucial first step to success in today’s market,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and CEO of Strategic Vision.

Ironically, Toyota’s strong perceived reliability and durability expectations may slow Toyota’s sales during this economic slowdown. Customers may begin to evaluate if now is the right time to purchase a new vehicle and many Toyota and Lexus buyers may decide to “put off” the purchase of their next vehicle and wait for more favorable economic conditions.

 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

General Motors did well in Total Value with four segment leaders. Chevrolet’s strong tradition of value in both the sports car fun of the Corvette and the hardworking practicality of the Tahoe and Sierra were recognized. American Honda (with the Accord, Coupe, Odyssey and Ridgeline – all 2007 leaders) and Volkswagen of America (with the A3, Q7 and Passat Wagon) each had three models leading in their segments. Mazda is also worthy of mention as customers felt that they have received the “zoom-zoom” for their money in the Mazda3 Sedan and CX-9.

Buyers rated the following vehicles top in Total Value (TVI) in their segments:

The calculation of TVI begins with explicit statements that owners make about value (e.g. expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value, etc.). TVI then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience, and it is here that Strategic Vision finds “True Value” — the worth of the attribute weighed against the costs.

New Series to Feature Lightweight Gallardo LP 560-4

If you’re one of those individuals with a spare $249,000 (at today’s exchange rate) plus taxes and entrance fees, you, too, can enter what Lamborghini is touting as the “world’s fastest one-make series.”

Set to debut in May of 2009, the Blancpain Super Trofeo will feature a lightweight version of the Gallardo LP 560-4. The Super Trofeo (super trophy) features a reworked chassis and a significantly reduced weight of 2866 pounds – a reduction of 133 lbs over the Superleggera and 287 lbs. over the coupe version.

The 5.2 liter V-10 has also been massaged to give the “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” engine found in the Super Trofeo a total of 570 hp – 40 more than the more plebian models.

Gentleman Racers

According to Lamborghini, the company will build cars for a 30-strong grid and entry, in addition to the aforementioned fees, will be made available to individual professional and ‘gentleman’ drivers, as well as Lamborghini dealer teams. According to Automobili Lamborghini President Stephan Winkelman, “Both on-track and off, our championship will reflect the Lamborghini brand, with extreme, high performance racing and stylish and luxurious trackside facilities. This gives our Lamborghini clients, as well as professional and gentleman racing drivers looking for a new challenge, the opportunity to experience Lamborghini in the ultimate driving environment.”

As if that weren’t enough enticement, Lamborghini also promises that one of the factory cars will be reserved for celebrity “guest drivers” (hopefully not Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton) in each round.

Series to begin next May

There will be 6 rounds in the May – October series that will take place at Silverstone, UK, Adria, Italy, Nuremburg’s Norisring in Germany, Spa, Belgium, Circuit de Catalunya, Spain and at Monza in Italy and will take place alongside other established racing events such as the FIA GT Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.

Bring a Buddy

Teams can consist of either one or two drivers and, lest you think you’ll be roughing it, the Italian marque will treat guests to ‘Lamborghini Village’, a luxurious paddock package “in true Lamborghini style” for drivers, sponsors and guests. Magnifico!

Truck Sales in the Land of $4 Gas

It’s no secret that many of us here at LotPro.com find the idea of the average family riding around in a heavily-optioned, leather-lined, gas-guzzling extended cab four-by-four pickup truck to be a special form of lunacy. The closest thing many of these “air haulers” will come to off-roading is accidentally jumping a curb and riding over the well-manicured lawn of the local shopping mall. For evidence of how far the pickup has strayed from its original intent, one has only to look at the precipitous decline in sales this summer that was the direct result of skyrocketing fuel prices. With gas prices nudging $4 per gallon, the wannabees fled the market – leaving only those who really needed a truck as the customers that were driving them off dealer lots in the second half of the year.

And while the market has rebounded somewhat from this summer’s truck sales debacle, it appears as though the sales numbers for these vehicles will never reach the same heights again. But lost in the roller coaster ride of sales in the past year are two simple facts; Fact number one: there still are, and will continue to be, legitimate markets for pickups in the U.S. Fact number two: The biggest market for pickups in America is Texas.

2008 Truck of Texas

Texas is big. No doubt about it. If you’re traveling from Beaumont in the east to El Paso in the west, you’ll cover almost 840 miles. That’s further than Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and only 50 miles less than driving from Rome, Italy to Paris, France. And the whole time you’re driving in the same state!

Texas is also in the oil drilling business, the oil refining business, cattle ranching, farming and construction. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (which Texas has plenty of) to see why most pickup owners in Texas are serious about their trucks. Texans are so big on trucks, in fact, that in 1992, the Texas Auto Writers Association™  (TAWA™) founded the “Texas Truck Rodeo. ™”

The Truck Rodeo is held the third weekend of October and, for three days, members of  TAWA drive trucks and SUV’s on on-road and off-road courses. Winners are honored in various categories, with the overall winner receiving a silver cup “traveling trophy” along with the honor of being named “Truck of Texas” and “SUV of Texas”.

According to TAWA president Harold Gunn, “’ Truck of Texas’ is really the most important award of its type in the industry. We love trucks down here, and we really use these vehicles everyday. And since we spend so much time in our vehicles, for us it’s not just about how the horse feels being towed, but how your butt feels sitting in the truck, too.”

2009 Ford F-150

Ford Sweeps Top Awards

For the sixth consecutive year, a Ford truck has won top honors – this year it went to the new 2009 F-150. Ford also won CUV and SUV of Texas, while Ford’s lineup of trucks also won Truck Line of Texas.

Here is a complete list of winners:

TRUCK OF TEXAS – 2009 FORD F-150

SUV OF TEXAS – 2008 FORD EXPEDITION KING RANCH

CUV OF TEXAS – 2009 FORD FLEX

TRUCK LINE OF TEXAS – FORD

OUTSTANDING FEATURE – DODGE RAM BOX

FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK – 2009 DODGE RAM 1500, LARAMIE 4X4

MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK – 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA D-CAB 4X4

LUXURY PICKUP TRUCK – 2009 FORD F-150 KING RANCH

HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCK -  FORD F-350 CABELA’S EDITION

FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE – 2009 GMC 2WD YUKON HYBRID

MID-SIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE – 2008 FORD EXPLORER

COMPACT SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE – 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XSPORT

FULL-SIZE LUXURY SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE HYBRID

MID-SIZE LUXURY SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE -2009 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 BlueTEC

LUXURY CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE – 2008 LINCOLN MKX

COMPACT CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE – 2009 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5X

MID-SIZE CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE – 2009 MAZDA CX-9

FULL-SIZE CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE – 2009 FORD FLEX

The Bottom Line

There are still markets out there where a pickup truck is more than a status symbol. So from LotPro.com, a tip of the Stetson to TAWA and to Ford for a job well done.