SMMT News

Shortlist for UK’s best automotive innovation announced

02 October 2014 #SMMT News

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has announced the shortlist for its 2014 Award for Automotive Innovation, with contenders ranging from Formula 1-inspired energy recovery systems to advanced new engines.

Now in its fifth year, the Award – sponsored by GKN and supported by The Times – recognises new UK-developed technologies with the potential to leave a lasting impression on the whole industry for years to come.

SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation 2014 shortlisted entries:

An advanced range of sound-deadening materials for electric and lightweight vehicles.

Use of CO2 in a transport refrigeration system, adapted from sea containers, and being pioneered in a trial with Sainsbury’s.

Liquid air technology for efficient transport and cooling systems.

New family of compact, lightweight, low-emissions diesel and petrol engines.

Formula 1-inspired fully mechanical energy recovery system to improve efficiency in buses.

Hybrid automated manual transmission using an electric motor to deliver extra power, smoothness and efficiency.

 

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The UK has an abundance of world-class automotive design and R&D talent, a fact perfectly embodied by the quality and breadth of this year’s shortlist. The Award for Automotive Innovation is a great example of the work SMMT is doing with its members and government to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of global vehicle development. I very much look forward to judging the Award.”

UK automotive businesses invest billions every year in automotive R&D. In 2013, industry committed £1.9 billion to furthering the technologies that have seen the UK position itself high in the global automotive hierarchy.

The shortlisted entrants will present their innovations to a panel of industry experts, with the winner announced at the SMMT Annual Dinner on 25 November. As a first for the Award, shortlisted entrants this year have the opportunity to present their innovation at the 2014 Automotive Engineering Show, as part of the Advanced Engineering UK Group of events, on 12 November.

For full details, go to Award for Automotive Innovation webpage.

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