Jaguar Land Rover Range_e concept based on the plug-in hybrid diesel-electric vehicle technology recently received the 2011 Award for Automotive Innovation by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Sponsored by GKN, the award was presented to Jaguar Land Rover by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker and Rob Rickell, GKN Global Engineering Director.
The award-winning technology was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show during March, which has been termed as the most remarkable achievement of the year in U.K. research and development for the global automobile market.
SMMT Chief Executive, Paul Everitt commented, “Jaguar Land Rover has engineered and manufactured a highly efficient and technologically advanced prototype vehicle that clearly demonstrates industry’s commitment to lowering vehicle emissions and creating exciting products for demanding consumers.” Concluding the statement, Everitt said, “This award champions industry innovation, promoting cutting-edge automotive engineering and design that the UK is famed for around the world.”
The new concept from Jaguar Land Rover is a luxury all-wheel drive vehicle which is powered with a plug-in hybrid system. The technology combines a 69 kW electric motor and a 14.2 kWh lithium-ion battery with the Land Rover's 3-litre, 242 bhp, TDV6 diesel engine. Based on the Range Rover Sport, the vehicle is capable of covering more than 20 miles on its electric power and creates zero tailpipe emissions.
Jaguar Land Rover Chief Engineer for Hybrids, Peter Richings, while accepting the award, mentioned, “Innovation and technology are the lifeblood of our business and we are delighted that our work has earned this recognition from our industry peers.”
Talking about the innovative technology, Richings stated, “Range_e demonstrates the advances we are making in cleaner and more fuel efficient performance without compromising the performance and all-wheel drive capabilities that are at the heart of our brand and we look forward to bringing its benefits to the market in the near future.”
Thus, the company's success in the new plug-in hybrid diesel-electric vehicle concept is evident with the accolades it has garnered and further vows to pull the masses in the coming time.
