Two Sussex engineering firms working on projects aimed at improving the perfomance of motors have been awarded government grants.

Powertrain Technology, of Shoreham, will use its Department of Trade and Industry smart award to fund a feasibility study into a more fuel-efficient engine.

The firm is aiming at 20 per cent improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

Managing director John McClelland said: "Winning the award provided independent recognition for the technology and market potential for the project.

"Patents are currently being filed and concepts and calculations to date are very encouraging."

Powertrain is working on the project with a subsidiary company, EMX.

A working rig is expected to be available by the end of the year and the team hopes the results will lead to follow-on work.

The second award was to Elektro Magnetix, based at the Sussex Innovaton Centre at Sussex University.

A £45,000 grant will support a study into the development of a cooling system to enable light electric motors to produce all the power of larger versions.

The smaller motors would be used in electric cars, aerospace, locomotives, machine tools and undersea vehicles.

Managing director Eddie Wearing said: "This will enable our research team to carry out important work that should eventually deliver valuable efficiency benefits to users across industries and stimulate demand for electric motors across various sectors.

The project will be carried out by a team at the firm's headquarters and include the development of software and the building of test prototypes.