Chrysler's Ram Trucks win big in Texas

When it come to pickups, automakers treat the Texas Auto Writers Association's annual awards as if they were Oscars, Emmys and Nobel Prizes all wrapped into one -- and dropped into the bed of a half-ton.

As the auto writers like to point out, Texas is the country's top state for pickup and SUV sales.

This year, the association deep in the heart of Texas picked the 2013 Ram 1500 as the "Truck of Texas." It was impressed that Chrysler's truck arm was able to get 42% more power and better fuel economy out of its 3.6-liter V-6. Throw in an eight-speed automatic transmission, new infotainment system and other upgrades, and you have a winner.

Ram won, too, for its overall line.

Chrysler Group also had another winner: the Jeep Grand Cherokee won as "SUV of Texas" for the third year.

It wasn't a Chrysler sweep. Buick's redone 2013 Enclave was crowned top crossover.