Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota took top honors at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Truck Rodeo outside of San Antonio, Texas this past weekend. TAWA members named the all-new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 "Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas," giving Dodge top honors over 3/4- and one-ton competitors. The 2010 Dodge Dakota also won "Mid-size Truck of Texas."

"We're very proud of these awards; they affirm our leadership in the truck market," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO Dodge Ram Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "In a head-to-head competition, our all-new 2010 Ram Heavy Duty un-seated last year's winner, right in the pickup truck capital of the U.S. Ram is not only the best heavy-duty truck we've ever built; it's the best heavy-duty truck on the market, hands down. We're also proud that the Dodge Dakota won its category, affirming Dakota's capability and versatility."

Judging by the 40-plus TAWA members occurs over two full days of on- and off-road evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant's overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

"Trucks are the work horses of Texas, said Harold Gunn, President of TAWA. "And the Truck Rodeo is the most comprehensive evaluation of new trucks and SUVs in the country. The wins for Ram Heavy Duty and Dodge Dakota are significant because our Truck Rodeo offers journalists a chance to judge vehicles in side-by-side comparisons and these top awards were given based on individual impressions and by secret ballot."