The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the shortlist for its highly sought-after Innovation Award.
The award, now in its second year, is designed to recognise and honour cutting-edge research and development work within the UK automotive sector.
All of the shortlisted candidates have developed technological solutions to make motoring either safer or more environmentally friendly.
SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation 2011 shortlisted entries:
· Ashwoods Automotive – The Hybrid Drive System
· ABB Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure – The Terra 100.2 dual post plus base station
· Flybrid Systems LLP – The CFT KERS
· Intelligent Energy – The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter
· Jaguar Land Rover – The Range_e
· WABCO Holdings – The WABCO TailGUARD
Sponsored by GKN Driveline, the award received entries from across the automotive sector, including cars, components, aftermarket and commercial vehicles.
“The calibre of entries for this year’s Award reflects the strength of the automotive sector and the value of investing in new products and technologies,” said SMMT Chief Executive, Paul Everitt. “I am delighted that UK automotive has again demonstrated it is world-class in the fields of product development and design and I look forward to judging the winner of this year’s Award.”
The shortlisted entries go through to the final stage of the competition, at which they will present to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of industry leaders. The winner will be announced at SMMT’s Annual Dinner on 22 November at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
On 12 October, SMMT will host a live webinar at 10:00am with the six shortlisted entries, during which Paul Everitt, will discuss the importance of innovation in the automotive industry and each shortlisted entry will discuss their submission. To register for the webinar, click here.
Last year, Gordon Murray Design’s revolutionary iStream manufacturing process won the award.
