DEALERSHIPS across South Lakeland are adding engineering success to their sales pitch following this year's International Engine of the Year awards.

BMW won the outright title for the third year in a row with the company's three-litre twin turbo unit as fitted to the 335i model.

This followed on from the success of the five-litre V10 that powers both the M5 and M6 and won the title in 2005 and 2006.

The three-litre six-cylinder unit also won the best new engine of 2007 and best engine 2.5-3.0-litre awards, with BMW units topping seven categories in all.

The 1.6-litre turbo engine, jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW, won the 1.4 to 1.8 litre category.

Found in the Peugeot's 207CC GT THP 150, three-door 207 GT THP 150, 3-door 207 GTi THP 175 and the MINI Cooper S, the engine should find its way into more platforms in the future.

Toyota also received recognition, picking up two awards with Prius's 1.5-litre hybrid unit winning the best fuel economy title and the 1.0-litre three cylinder engine that powers the Aygo heading up the sub-1.0 category.

The Prius also set a new record of 12 category wins.