26 Nov 2014 07:00
26th November 2014
Torotrak plc
("Torotrak", the "Company" or the "Group")
Flybrid Bus KERS Wins SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation
Torotrak plc (LSE: TRK) is pleased to announce that it won the prestigious 2014 Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Award for Automotive Innovation (AAI), for the Flybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System for buses and commercial vehicles.
Torotrak's product was shortlisted for the award in October 2014, alongside innovative automotive and low carbon technologies such as the new Jaguar Land Rover Ingenium engine family, and a new hybrid transmission from Vocis Ltd. The AAI is now in its fifth year, and recognises new UK-developed vehicle technologies which are expected to make a lasting impression on the motor industry in years to come.
With its considerably lower purchase price than most battery electric hybrids for buses and commercial vehicles, the fully mechanical Flybrid KERS can offer faster commercial payback for operators. This makes hybridisation more accessible for a wider range of end customers, and thus increases the potential for overall CO2 saving. This potential, and the commitment to commence manufacturing the systems in the UK for manufacturer Wrightbus, contributed to the technology's success in the AAI.
The AAI considers commercial viability, customer demand, and potential impact on the wider industry as part of its judging criteria, with previous winners exhibiting a strong theme of low carbon innovation. Winners of the SMMT's AAI have included the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine (2013), the Optare Versa EV bus (2012), and the Jaguar Land Rover Range_e (2011) - all considered leaders in emissions reduction.
Jon Hilton, Torotrak's Sales and Product Development Director, said: "This award is an important recognition of our Flybrid KERS technology and its capabilities. It shows that there is real faith in the commercial viability of a non-electric hybrid system for these heavy vehicle applications, and that by making hybridisation more accessible and affordable, we can make a real impact on fleet emissions - and running costs. We hope that this will raise further awareness of our technology, and help us expand our reach into international bus and commercial vehicle markets."
For more information, please visit www.torotrak.com or contact:
Torotrak plc Jeremy Deering, Chief Executive / Rex Vevers, Finance Director | Tel: +44 1772 900931 |
Charles Stanley Securities (financial adviser and joint broker to Torotrak) Marc Milmo / Karri Vuori / Carl Holmes | Tel: +44 20 7149 6000 |
N+1 Singer (joint broker to Torotrak) Ben Wright | Tel: +44 20 7496 3000 |
Tavistock Communications (financial PR) Simon Hudson / Lulu Bridges / James Collins | Tel: +44 20 7920 3150 |
About Torotrak
Torotrak is a leading developer and supplier of variable drive transmission, engine boosting and kinetic energy recovery systems for vehicles. Our portfolio of technology solutions substantially improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions in vehicles through harnessing the power of supercharging to enable engine downsizing, capturing and recycling energy that would otherwise be lost and managing the engine at the optimum point.
About Flybrid KERS
Flybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems use a high speed carbon fibre and steel flywheel to store kinetic energy, which would otherwise be wasted when the vehicle applies its brakes. This stored energy is then used to reduce load on the engine when the vehicle accelerates, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions. The systems use no high voltage components or batteries, and as a result can offer comparatively low cost, long life hybridisation.
About the SMMTThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) exists to support and promote the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad. Working closely with member companies, SMMT acts as the voice of the motor industry, promoting its position to government, stakeholders and the media.
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