Submissions invited for automobile innovation rewards

Date: 22/7/2011

Automobile manufacturers are being urged to send in their submissions to be included in a competition that rewards innovation in the sector.

The deadline for entries to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) Award for Automotive Innovation passes at midnight on August 24th, with the experts set to judge the contenders including Jerry Hardcastle, Vice-President of Vehicle Design and Development at Nissan.

He will be joined by Chartered Engineer and Motoring Journalist Ralph Hosier and Chief Executive of the SMMT Paul Everitt on the panel for the GKN Driveline-sponsored prize.

Mr Everitt said: "Innovations in safety technology and fuel efficiency have transformed our sector and through this award, SMMT is seeking to demonstrate the contribution the UK makes to this diverse global sector."

Last year's winner was Gordon Murray Design for the iStream, which focused on a separate body chassis assembly process.

In terms of large-scale vehicle production, SMMT notes the innovation helps to reduce negative environmental impact and costs.

It has also been used in the manufacture of the T.27, which was unveiled by Gordon Murray Design earlier this year and claims to be the world's most efficient electric car.

Posted by Nick Anderson