Institution news
The new medal, launched by IMechE’s Automobile Division in June 2023, recognises outstanding technical achievement and innovation in automotive engineering. Richard Parry-Jones, Fellow of the Institution, is best remembered for bringing a new, much higher standard of vehicle dynamics to Ford’s European cars, including the Mondeo in 1993 and the Focus in 1998, which redefined the industry for vehicles of its class.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, a leader in global mobility, was awarded for their outstanding technical achievement and innovation in automotive engineering with the development of the Toyota Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle, a project looking at how a consortium of partners could innovatively optimise packaging of fuel cell stack and balance of plant components in the under-hood compartment. The project aims to differentiate the zero-emission vehicle by obtaining a long range through maximising the stored H2 underneath the vehicle floor and retaining a fast-refuelling time. As part of the electrified powertrain, an e-motor is installed to drive the wheels.
Andrew Fraser CEng FIMechE, Chairman of IMechE’s Automobile Division says:
"The IMechE Automobile Division were delighted to honour Toyota with the award of the inaugural Richard Parry-Jones memorial medal, which is awarded to recognise an outstanding achievement in automotive engineering, which is exactly what we felt the team of Toyota and partners demonstrated in creating the Hilux fuel cell vehicle, delivered in a very short time and by a team based in Britain who were largely new to applying fuel cell technology. We felt it was especially appropriate that the project was part-funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, APC, which is a direct outcome of Richard Parry-Jones' foresight in leading the creation of the Automotive Council to foster government and industry co-operation.".
Richard Kenworthy, Managing Director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd says:
“The whole team of engineers in Toyota & our partners are honoured to be the first recipients of the Richard Parry Jones medal. His legacy is one of engineering innovation & excellence & we are humbled if we can be considered with such an auspicious engineer. The APC funded development of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered Toyota Hilux using components from the Toyota Mirai reinforces Toyota’s commitment to proposing a multipath, multi-technology approach to mobility. It is recognition of the hard work and dedication that the teams here at Toyota and within the wider consortium have attributed to this project. This project has enabled them to develop new skills and competencies in the field of hydrogen powered drive trains. I am incredibly proud of their achievement.”
Find out more about IMechE’s Scholarships and Awards.