Torotrak's Flybrid KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) for buses and commercial vehicles has taken first prize in the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) Award for Automotive Innovation 2014.
The high-profile device uses a mechanical flywheel hybrid system to store energy from a vehicle's motion, which can be transferred back to the drive system to power the vehicle.
It beat off competition from the Dearman Engine Company and Jaguar Land Rover, both of which were Highly Commended.
"The UK is one of the world's leaders in automotive engineering and R&D, a fact epitomised by Torotrak's Flybrid KERS," says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive and a member of the award judging panel.
"Not only a genuinely innovative concept, it is also in an advanced stage of development with huge potential to influence the wider automotive sector," he continues.
Sponsored by GKN and supported by The Times, the SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation demonstrates the wealth of design and engineering talent in the UK automotive sector.
The Award was presented to Jon Hilton, Torotrak's product development and sales director, by Nigel Stein, GKN chief executive, at the SMMT annual dinner on 25 November.
"Our system will be around one quarter the cost of a conventional battery electric hybrid, as well as substantially smaller and around a quarter the weight," stated Torotrak chief executive Jeremy Deering.
"Third party validated test results have been achieved with a thoroughly modern, lightweight, high efficiency vehicle from Wrightbus, indicating ongoing opportunities to provide the sector with a low-cost route to reduced emissions and substantially lower operating costs."
