Readers of Automotive Management are invited to play a part in the award of the Castrol/IMI Gold Medal 2000. The medal is the industry's premier single award and it will go to “the individual who, or group or organisation which has, made an outstanding contribution to the UK motor industry in the widest sense”.

Winner of the 1999 award was Euro NCAP chairman Max Mosley who won manufacturer support for raising safety standards through crash tests.

The previous winner was Jaguar's then chairman and chief executive Nick Scheele for his efforts in raising production and new model vision. Mr Scheele has since been appointed president of Ford of Europe.

Now AM readers can play a part in finding a worthy successor to these two men. Editor Tony Willard, one of the judges, said: “Max Mosley and Nick Scheele are a hard act to follow. But I am sure somone or an organisation will emerge worthy of adding to a list of winners stretching back more than 70 years. Castrol has been the IMI's partner throughout.

“I voted for Mr Mosley after discussing the short list with colleagues. This year Castrol and IMI have invited AM alone to be the publication assisting them to identify people for the short list.

“I hope readers will want to participate. The identity of all who contact us will remain strictly confidential which allows executives to suggest someone working for a rival business if they wish.”

The award will be presented at the IMI's annual dinner in London next March. The names on the final shortlist - which will include AM's nomination - will be published in November.

The medal was introduced in 1928 by Lord Wakefield, Castrol's founder, and first awarded the following year. * Play a part in choosing the gold award winner by e-mailing, faxing or writing to editor Tony Willard. Please include your name, company and phone number.