Seoul: Hyundai Mobis, South Korea’s largest auto parts maker, said on Monday it has developed a foldable steering wheel for future vehicles.
The affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group said it developed a foldable steering system after two years of research. The company said it is currently working to acquire patents for the new system.
The steering wheel folds into the dashboard. It then moves up to 25 centimetres back and forth creating more space for the driver’s seat.
The driver’s seat rotates 180 degrees after folding the steering wheel and faces passengers in the rear seats.
Hyundai Mobis said it applied steer-by-wire (SBW) technology with the system to secure durability and safety, reports Yonhap news agency.
SBW is a solution that transmits electrical signals to wheels for steering operations. It removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels, allowing for more comfortable and responsive steering.
With the new system, Hyundai Mobis said it plans to beef up its presence in the future mobility sectors, including autonomous cars, and develop more advanced auto solutions that can be useful to global automakers.
