In Texas, at the 51st annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, the Green Car Journal awarded the Ram 1500 as the 2020 Green Truck of the Year. Continue reading to find out what makes it environmentally friendly.

Ram 1500 Deserves 2020 Green Truck Award

The Ram has a brand-new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel with 480 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 12,560 pounds. Furthermore, the average diesel truck can’t achieve a fuel range like the 2020 Ram 1500. It sees a driving range of over 1,000 miles. To accomplish this, Ram paired the truck with a 33-gallon fuel tank.

The Ram 1500 for 2020 achieves 32 highway MPG. Having fuel efficiency that high is good for the environment because there is a reduction in carbon emissions. Therefore, no truck is better for the Green Award then the 2020 Ram. It also offers other fuel-efficient choices such as the eTorque mild-hybrid V-8 HEMI and the V-6 Pentastar.

Ram is honored to have received the Green Award out of five finalists. Green Car Journal chose the truck by looking at environmental factors, along with safety features, style and capability.

FCA changed a few things for 2020 on this truck. The company increased torque and improved the fuel economy, plus there is less vibration and noise. This pickup is aimed at pleasing Ram owners. Above all, horsepower was increased by 8% and torque was raised 14% over the 2019 model. The Ram EcoDiesel is now available with all configurations and models; this includes the Ram Rebel.

What Do You Think of the 2020 Ram 1500

Do you think the Ram 1500 deserved the Green Truck of the Year Award, or would you have prefered a different pickup? Would you buy this new truck? Let us know in the comments below.

In conclusion, if you want to learn more about the Ram truck options, make sure you check out the Ram 1500 Night Edition available for 2020.

General Motors wants its Chevrolet Suburban to be the Official Vehicle of Texas. Supposedly, Texans love GM’s Suburban. Change.org has a petition that GM set up. According to that petition, a Suburban is driven out of a Texas dealer’s parking lot every 90 seconds. Close to 200,000 Suburbans are owned in Texas, plus 50% of all the top Suburban dealers in the US are there as well. That is a lot of dealers.

Is the Suburban Worthy as the Official Vehicle of Texas?

So we know Texans love the Suburban, considering that it is large and can easily fit 8 people. This is not the first time Texans have favored this vehicle. In 1986 it earned the title National Car of Texas.

The Suburban will turn 85 this year. That will make it the longest-running nameplate to be in constant production ever. GM wanted to do something big for the occasion. As everyone knows, if you want something to be big, it has to be from Texas.

The petition on Change.org has had a little over 430 signings so far. It’s unclear where GM wanted to be at this point. The number of sales doesn’t line up with how many signings there have been. However, the petition is only a week old and we are not sure that a lot of people know about it yet.

What we know is that this next-generation Suburban will feature an all-new independent rear suspension and should launch in late December. Furthermore, we expect it to feature the same engine it had last year, which means it will have a 6.2-L V8.

Will the Suburban Take Over?

Do you think the Chevy Suburban will win the title, Official Car of Texas? If you would like to help the Suburban win, you can sign the petition here. If not, leave us a comment below and tell us what vehicle you would like to see win.

Have you seen that GM is also adding Amazon Alexa to their vehicles?

Ford, up until now, has made people pay for FordPass Connect. This app comes with a lot of features for your vehicle. They provided five years free and then made you pay to remotely unlock your car. Now, they are going to provide you with essential features at no cost.

What is FordPass Connect?

FordPass Connect is an app you can download to your phone. You can schedule maintenance, start the engine and unlock the doors of your car. One downside to this system is that it does not include WiFi service. However, the fact that it will be free makes Ford think they will outwit their competitors.

One of the systems that give the most peace of mind is 911 Assist. It connects to your cell phone and will automatically call 911 if an airbag was deployed. This will also provide the first responders with your GPS coordinates.

Another plus is FordPass Rewards. When you sign up, you automatically join the rewards program. This gives lessees and owners points that you can put toward maintenance.

Right now, Ford is the only big brand providing services without having to pay for it. Some other features we did not mention yet were fuel level checks, roadside assistance and vehicle health reports. Some areas even provide Amazon Key for in-car delivery. If Chrysler, GM and other large companies decide to do this, other features may be added to use for free.

But, it’s important to note that GM has added Amazon Alexa recently.

What Do You Think?

What do you think Ford will add to this app later? Also, would you consider buying a Ford vehicle now that you know these additional features are available? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more updates right here at carblogwriters.com

Last year, we posted the Discontinued Cars for 2019 list. It captured a lot of attention because consumers want to know what to expect. That’s why we decided to do the same thing again this year, except it is the Discontinued Cars for 2020.

Considering that U.S. car sales dropped 11% in September, it’s time for a shake-up in the automotive world. If you want a deal on a vehicle, this list offers a great place to start. After all, dealers want to get these models off the lot as quickly as possible.

Audi TT

We first told you that this model would be discontinued back in May. This sporty coupe and convertible have been around since 1998, so plenty of people are disappointed in the news. The Audi TT will be replaced with a full-electric model down the road.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Gran Turismo & 3 Series Gran Turismo

This luxury automaker has been known for its extensive model variations. What’s interesting about these three options is that the consumer never got on board with these hatchback and four-door coupe variations. It makes sense for BMW to ax all three of these models from their upcoming lineup.

Buick Cascada

Do you remember when most models had a convertible option? Those days are gone, but the Cascada still persisted, until now. Since 2016, the Buick Cascada was offered as a midsize ragtop. In the first half of the year, the company only sold 2,000 units, so it was time to hit the chopping block.

Buick LaCrosse

This large sedan was originally going to be a refreshed model, but the automaker decided to concentrate on crossover SUVs instead. With the disappearance of the LaCrosse, the only remaining passenger car in the Buick lineup is the Regal.

Cadillac ATS

What’s interesting about the ATS is that it really isn’t being discontinued. Instead, it plans to undergo a name change for 2020. This vehicle is titled the CT4 in future models.

Cadillac CTS

We also lose the CTS for 2020. This midsize car ceases production in January to make room for the new CT5 instead.

Cadillac XTS

The Cadillac XTS has been around since 2013. What’s interesting about the lineup is that it was one of the only front-drive luxury sedans. As of now, this car is no longer being produced. Still, we don’t think too many people are disappointed.

Chevrolet Cruze

There was a time when the small car was the thing. While it had a nice ten-year run, this car can no longer compete against the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Chevrolet Impala

The Impala will no longer be produced after January. While it isn’t their lowest seller, it still doesn’t receive the sales that the company hoped for.

Chevrolet Volt

The Chevy Volt has been around since 2010 as one of the first extended-range electric vehicles. Initially, it had a gas engine that ran a generator. Then, in 2016, the second-generation Volt offers a 53-mile range before the engine took over. While the Volt won’t be produced any longer, we think it’s possible to see the platform used on electric crossover SUVs from the automaker.

Ferrari 488

Does it make you sad to know that the 488 GTB will be no longer? Don’t fret! It will be replaced with the F8 Tributo instead. This is more powerful, beautiful and lighter.

Fiat 500 & 500e

No one expected these models to make it. On top of that, we can’t imagine that the 124 Spider, 500X and 500L will make it much longer either.

Ford Fiesta

When gas prices were soaring, the Fiesta was introduced to meet a need, but it’s not popular anymore. Fuel prices dropped and consumers wanted crossovers like the EcoSport instead. Even though it’s been around since 2011, this model just won’t make it.

Ford Taurus

Can you believe this sedan has been around since 1986? Once Ford attempted to rename the Taurus the Five Hundred, but that didn’t work out well. From 1992 until 1996, it was the best-selling car in the country, but not any longer.

Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Last year’s Santa Fe was divided into the five-passenger Sport model and the seven-passenger XL. For 2020, the Hyundai Palisade takes the XL’s place in the lineup.

Jaguar XJ

You might be wondering why Jaguar’s flagship sedan is leaving production after five-decades on lots. We don’t have all of the answers but do know that a successor is coming around the corner. It’s supposed to be more upscale plus it competes against the electric Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan.

Lincoln MKC

This compact crossover SUV isn’t really leaving, but merely getting a new name. The Lincoln Corsair is brand new for 2020 and has a lot to offer.

Lincoln MKT

The three-row crossover is being replaced with an Aviator. It will offer more style and have additional capability.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nothing is happening with the 370Z coupe, but you can say goodbye to the convertible. It’s leaving the lineup for good.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid

We told you that the Rogue Hybrid was dead back in July. While the gas-powered crossover is the automaker’s top-seller, the hybrid model can’t remain sustainable at current sales rates.

Smart EQ ForTwo

This Smart has been around since 2008, but it never truly fit in. The company attempted to add an electric version back in 2013, but that didn’t help. Instead, we have to say goodbye to Smart Cars.

Toyota Prius C

The Yaris-based Prius ceased production. It will be replaced by the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

Volkswagen Beetle

Back in 1998, the Beetle was revived for modern times. It turned heads and brought back the nostalgia of times gone by. Unfortunately, by the time the second generation was launched in 2012, the VW Beetle lost its charm.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen & Alltrack

Bringing up the rear of the discontinued cars for 2020 list are the SportWagen and Alltrack. Blame it on the crossover SUVs once again, but these are no longer. In fact, it’s the first year that VW didn’t have a wagon since 1965. What will the world do?

Saying Goodbye to the Discontinued Cars for 2020

As we say goodbye to the discontinued car models in 2020, let’s remember that there are plenty of new vehicles to enjoy. Make sure you check out our 2020 All-New Car Lineup List.