Steel Industry Powerhouse Signs on as Title Sponsor of Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo

DALLAS, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), has signed on as title sponsor of the 2014 Texas Truck Rodeo.  The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) rodeo brings journalists from throughout Texas and the U.S. to the Texas Hill Country to evaluate the nation's top trucks and SUVs. The writers recognize excellence in several categories, including selecting the year's coveted "Truck of Texas."  The TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo will be held Oct. 8-10 at the Knibbe Ranch outside San Antonio.

"This is a milestone for our journalism organization," said Michael Marrs, president of TAWA.  "Steel is an integral part of the automotive industry; now that we are working with such a broad reaching group as SMDI that can provide timely information to our members on such an important aspect of the business, we have the opportunity to make our flagship event the best Truck Rodeo ever."

"Texans know and love their trucks. When they need a vehicle to keep up with their workload and lifestyle, advanced high-strength steel offers the perfect balance between weight and performance," said Ronald Krupitzer, vice president, automotive market of SMDI. "With recent anticipation surrounding the use of alternative material designs in the automotive industry, SMDI and its member companies look forward to partnering with the Texas Auto Writers Association and sharing their insight on why time-tested materials, like advanced steel, will help to ensure the durability, strength and safety of future vehicles."

For more than two decades, TAWA has promoted professionalism and quality in automotive journalism. TAWA produces two annual events that have gained national traction: the Texas Truck Rodeo and the Texas Auto Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. Both events give TAWA's journalists the opportunity to evaluate vehicles back-to-back on the street, track or off-road. Manufacturers and dealerships promote the award winners and the "Truck of Texas" is touted in national television commercials, including appearing in previous Super Bowl commercials.

Each year, TAWA awards scholarships to Texas college and university students with a journalism major.   The nonprofit group's annual Excellence in Craft Competition recognizes its members' exceptional coverage of the automotive industry.

SMDI maintains and grows the use of steel through strategies that promote cost-effective solutions in the automotive, construction, container and emerging markets. SMDI partners with government entities, industry organizations, steel producers and processors, fabricators and customers to conduct research surrounding new steel technologies and market growth opportunities; provides technology transfer to bring the resulting innovations to the marketplace and promotes the benefits of steel solutions to customers.

In the automotive industry, SMDI works to advance the use of steel, especially advanced high-strength steel, in the highly competitive automotive market through research, advocacy, and industry and government collaboration. SMDI's automotive member companies include AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA, Nucor Corporation, Severstal North America and United States Steel Corporation.

For more information:
Texas Auto Writers Association:  http://www.texasautowriters.org;
Steel Market Development Institute:  http://www.autosteel.org    

Contact: Jo Ann Holt, [email protected], 469 363 7371

SOURCE Texas Auto Writers Association