The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Is Named the "SUV of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association

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Already the most-awarded sport-utility vehicle in history, Jeep Grand Cherokee has been named “SUV of Texas” – for the second consecutive year – by nearly 60 journalists representing the opinion-leading Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). The award was one of three captured by Jeep vehicles during the annual TAWA Rodeo – a two-day test of the industry’s newest SUV and truck lineup over a variety of on-road and rugged off-road terrain – held last Friday and Saturday at the Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas, near San Antonio.

The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – with more fuel efficiency, power and torque for 2012 – was named “Mid-size SUV of Texas,” and the ultra-premium Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit was named “Luxury SUV of Texas.”

“We are delighted that the influential journalists representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have once again recognized Jeep vehicles with several awards, and particularly the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the ‘SUV of Texas,’” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Winning this award last year started a string of Grand Cherokee accolades that made it the most-awarded SUV of all-time. More importantly, we know that these TAWA awards translate directly into sales. Through September of this year, Grand Cherokee sales are up 78 percent in the U.S. In the same time period in Texas, sales are up nearly 200 percent.

“We thank the TAWA journalists for recognizing that Jeep is providing consumers a lineup of SUVs that deliver an unmatched combination of capability, refinement, craftsmanship and value,” Manley added.

Fifty-seven TAWA members were given two days of on- and off-road evaluation time with Jeep vehicles and their competitors. Consideration was given to everything from exterior styling and off-road capability, to the vehicles’ overall utility, value and fuel efficiency.

"Jeep Grand Cherokee has once again demonstrated its superior levels of performance, quality, interior craftsmanship, and reliability that make it an award-winning SUV,” said Mike Herzing, TAWA President. "Grand Cherokee is a tremendous value for consumers, and is clearly the 'SUV of Texas.'"

This year’s TAWA Rodeo marks the second consecutive year that Jeep Wrangler captured the “Mid-size SUV of Texas” award.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit captured the “Luxury of SUV of Texas” award in its first year of competition at the TAWA rodeo, beating vehicles from several luxury/premium brands.

**Courtesy of Media Chrysler.com