The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Award for Automotive Innovation, sponsored by GKN Driveline and supported by The Times, is today launched for its third successive year.

The Award recognises innovations within UK automotive manufacturing, design and engineering, acknowledging ideas that have already benefitted, or have the potential to deliver excellence in the sector.

Companies, teams and individuals from across UK automotive are invited to participate in the competition, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts including Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive; Dave Salt, GKN Driveline chief engineer, Ian Downing, business growth fund investment director, Rob Llewellyn, TV presenter and automotive enthusiast, and Robert Lea, industrial editor The Times.

“This Award recognises the exceptional strength of UK automotive innovation, design and engineering. We hope that by celebrating success and showcasing talent we can help fast track new ideas and business opportunities,” said Everitt. “There is no doubting the high calibre of automotive talent out there; the Award for Automotive Innovation 2012 calls for cutting-edge entries which demonstrate technical strength and ingenuity from across the UK sector.”

The Award for Automotive Innovation 2012 is free to enter at the SMMT website and the winner will be announced at SMMT’s 96th Annual Dinner on 27 November 2012.