Reflecting the emphasis of EQUIP AUTO on innovation in the automotive world, for the past 30 years the event has featured the EQUIP AUTO International Grand Prix for Automotive Innovation. This special competition is designed to highlight some of the newest technologies in the aftersales market and the short listed entries for 2015 have now been announced.

The International Grand Prix for Automotive Innovation is recognised the world over with the awards made by 60 international journalists, who present Gold and Silver Trophies to the most innovative products or services in 5 categories. These are:

• OEM – New technologies,
• Spare parts and aftermarket,
• Garage equipment,
• Services – Service areas – Networks,
• Connectivity (New category in 2015)

The jury has now shortlisted 30 entries from hundreds of nominations and a final vote will take place on the 10th September, with the official awards ceremony taking place on Tuesday 13th October at EQUIP AUTO.

Some of the notable names on the short list include;

• NTN-SNR for a Lightweight PCS Hub Joint.
• Schaeffler Automotive and Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket with three nominations for Clutch disc with centrifugal Pendulum Absorber, Hybrid module and INA Gearbox.
• Continental Automotive for its VDO REDI sensor and OBD-BT-Dongle.
• Henkel Loctite Teroson for Tereson PU 9225 SF ME fast curing plastic repair adhesive.
• ContiTech for its Product information centre (PIC).
• 3M for its Colormatch Film. 
• HELLA for its CSC Tool
• Mirka for its OSP, Optimised surface preparation system.