SMMT kicks off 2014 Award of Automotive Innovation

The SMMT’s Award for Automotive Innovation, is returning for a fifth time this year. Sponsored by GKN and supported by The Times, the award recognises UK-born concepts and technologies that have the potential to transform the wider automotive industry. Ford Motor Company took the crown last year with its efficient, yet powerful, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which now features in more than 100,000 cars and vans across the country.

The Award will officially open for entries on 11 June, with a deadline of midnight on 12 September. A shortlisting process will follow, after which successful entrants will present their innovations to a panel of industry experts. The winner will be announced at the SMMT Annual Dinner on 25 November.

Commenting Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK automotive industry has a long history of exceptional engineering and design – a vital asset that is spearheading the UK’s automotive efforts on the world stage. The Award for Automotive Innovation is just one 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. It has always attracted an outstanding selection of entries, so we look forward to seeing what the industry has to offer in 2014.”

Nigel Stein, GKN chief executive, added: “We always look forward to supporting this Award. The standard of competition never fails to impress, and proves time and again that British engineering is up there with the best.”

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.