DALLAS – March 5, 2012 – The “Truck of Texas” trophy is on its way back to Texas after making a stop at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri where the award-winning truck is built. The Texas Auto Writers Association named the 2012 Ford F-150 the “Truck of Texas” after the annual Truck Rodeo in October.

Employees at the plant enjoyed having the opportunity to see up close the prestigious trophy that stands nearly three-feet-tall and represents Ford’s commitment to quality. F-150 Lean Manufacturing Manager Will Cowell, a veteran KCAP employee who has dedicated 20 years to Ford, praised the work ethic of his colleagues on receiving the accomplishment.

“In 2011, Kansas City built the best quality truck (F-150) in North America,” Cowell said. “That’s possible because of the men and women at the plant. A big thanks to all the employees of the Kansas City plant.”

Cowell also explained why Texas and the F-150 work so well together.

He said, “We’re like matched pairs and matched partners. Texas has a saying ‘Don’t Mess with Texas,’ and Ford’s saying is ‘Built Ford Tough.’ What better partnership!”

Forty-eight vehicles were evaluated by 57 registered TAWA members. Ford won in seven additional categories for its trucks, crossovers and EcoBoost™ engine technology. Trophies were presented for the following awards:

• · Truck Line of Texas: Ford Motor Company
• · CUV of Texas: 2012 Ford Edge
• · Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch Super Duty
• · Luxury Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost
• · Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
• · Mid-Size CUV: 2012 Ford Edge Limited
• · Outstanding Feature: Ford EcoBoost Engine Technology

The Truck of Texas trophy will be on display for guests of the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo from February 28 – March 18.   The trophy will then go on a statewide dealer tour through September.