U.K. Auto Industry Rewarding Groundbreaking Ideas

The search for the U.K. auto industry’s next big advance is under way.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ fourth annual automotive innovation competition is seeking fresh ideas, inventive concepts and pioneering products that have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the auto industry and provide tangible benefits to motorists.

It is open to U.K. companies and individuals, and the winner will be announced Nov. 26 at SMMT’s 97th annual dinner in London.

“Recognizing innovations from a wide variety of disciplines across the automotive sector, it acknowledges the time, effort and investment that the businesses in the U.K. motor industry dedicate to R&D and innovation,” the organization says of the competition in a statement.

SMMT interim CEO Mike Baunton says the award is aimed at designers and engineers who are working on the technology of tomorrow.

“U.K. automotive is working hard to stay at the forefront of our global industry, and SMMT's Award for Automotive Innovation will draw attention to some of the best ideas that could benefit the sector for years to come,” he says.

Last year’s award winner was Optare for its Optare Versa EV, the country’s first fully operational, fullsize battery-powered electric bus.

Optare Deputy CEO Glenn Saint says winning the award was a major boost to the company’s efforts to make electric buses an integral part of the U.K. transport infrastructure.

“It significantly raised awareness among key audiences, leading to an increase in inquiries from both domestic and international markets, and has confirmed our status as the U.K.’s leader in the field of low-carbon buses,” he says.