The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched the '2010 Automotive Innovation Award' for the UK automotive industry.

It aims to encourage the creation and development of new innovative products, technologies and ideas that could change the fact of the industry, as well as to recognise existing products which have already contributed to automotive excellence.

Supported by sponsoring partners GKN Driveline and The Mail on Sunday's Live Magazine, the inaugural award will also recognise award entries which have already contributed to excellence in design, creation and engineering in the UK's automotive sector.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: "The opportunities and challenges faced by the motor industry make it one of the most exciting places to make your career. The Automotive Council has created a new focus on innovation and the potential of new technologies, so I am proud to be launching this Award and am looking forward to receiving high calibre submissions from all sectors of the industry."

The award is open to any individual and entries will be judged by a panel of automotive industry experts and the winner will be announced at SMMT's Annual Dinner on November 23, 2010, at Hilton Park Hotel.