The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has added a sustainability and diversity focus to its 2023 awards, which have been officially launched this week.

Nominations for a series of awards must be submitted to the industry body by November 30 and awards winners will be announced at its Annual Dinner on March 15 next year.

ITN news anchor, Nina Hossain – host of the AM Awards 2022 – will host the event which has evolved to “ensure that our Awards reflect the changing and challenging landscape”, chief executive Steve Nash said.

One of two new awards for 2023, The President’s Award 2023, sponsored by BMW/Alphera, will focus on environmental, sustainability and green innovation in learning with the aim of shining a spotlight on the individuals demonstrating a forward-thinking commitment to the rapidly evolving automotive technologies, the IMI said.

A new equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) award has also been launched in a bid to champion diversity in automotive by celebrating individuals who are leading the way in informing and educating to create a more inclusive sector.

The IMI said its EDI Award builds on the IMI’s Diversity Task Force launched in 2021.

Other awards categories include:

• Full-Time Student of the Year 
• Apprentice of the Year
• Contribution to the Work of the IMI
• Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry – sponsored by AutoTech
• Partner of the Year

Highlighting the importance of an annual awards event to the IMI, Nash said: “The automotive sector is facing huge challenges, but it is the commitment of continual professional development that we see every day that will make the difference to our success in the long-term.

“It is, therefore, critical to ensure that our Awards reflect the changing and challenging landscape and the efforts of individuals to ensure that they are ready for the future.

“They are a way of celebrating the champions who continue to keep training and keep learning to keep the UK motoring.”

To make a nomination for the IMI Awards, visit www.mi-nomination.com/theimidinner2023.