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Nexteer Automotive Innovates with Rear-Wheel Steering

On March 17, 2025, Nexteer Automotive proudly announced the launch of its new Rear-Wheel Steering (RWS) system, designed to enhance the driving experience for a variety of vehicles. This groundbreaking innovation aims to address the needs of modern drivers by providing a solution that is not only cost-effective but also lightweight, durable, and easy to integrate into existing vehicle platforms.

The Advantages of Rear-Wheel Steering

Nexteer’s RWS system can turn the rear wheels up to 12 degrees in sync with the front wheels. This capability offers significant improvements in maneuverability, stability, and safety, especially for larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles.

Enhanced Maneuverability

At low speeds, the RWS system significantly reduces the turning radius. This feature is particularly useful for drivers navigating challenging environments, like crowded city streets or tight parking spaces. The system allows for smoother parallel parking and better control when reversing or hitching trailers.

Improved Stability and Safety

When driving at higher speeds, the RWS system enhances chassis responsiveness, ensuring better vehicle stability during sudden lane changes or evasive maneuvers. This not only improves overall vehicle handling but also increases safety for drivers and passengers alike, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort, particularly while towing loads.

Design Principles Focused on Cost and Performance

Nexteer Automotive has strategically designed the RWS to tackle prevalent industry challenges. Its approach incorporates several key elements:

• - Cost-Effectiveness & Lightweighting: The new RWS design emphasizes lightweight principles that enable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly adopt it with minimal impact on fuel efficiency, crucial for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• - Component Reuse & Integration: Nexteer emphasizes the reuse of existing manufacturing processes and parts, allowing for easier integration with their Rack-assist Electric Power Steering (REPS) systems. This facilitates compatibility across a wide range of vehicle types while simplifying rear axle designs.
• - Durability & Reliability: The innovative anti-rotation design minimizes friction, enhancing strength and long-term reliability.

The alignment of RWS with modern advancements such as Steer-by-Wire (SbW) could further enhance vehicle safety by adding an additional layer of redundancy.

Proven Expertise in Motion Control

Nexteer’s history in the industry reinforces its credibility in developing RWS solutions. The RWS system draws upon technologies utilized in their industry-leading REPS and previous innovations in steer-by-wire systems. This experience not only showcases their expertise but also their commitment to pioneering mass-production steering technologies that improve driver experiences.

In fact, Nexteer is recognized for its expertise in motion control tailored for larger vehicles, creating additional synergies with existing driveline solutions.

Market Trends and Future Innovations

With the increasing demand for trucks and SUVs, alongside a shift towards electric vehicle technology, the new RWS system positions Nexteer to address evolving market demands. By enhancing urban driving experiences, they are not just focusing on safety but also on comfort in challenging environments.

“Nexteer’s approach to Rear-Wheel Steering delivers a cost-effective, lightweight, and easy-to-integrate solution for OEMs. This innovation meets the increasing demand for advanced vehicle capabilities,” said Robin Milavec, President and Chief Technology Officer of Nexteer Automotive.

Anticipation grows as Nexteer prepares to showcase the RWS system at the upcoming Auto Shanghai event, set to take place from April 23 to May 2, 2025. This debut promises to highlight Nexteer’s commitment to future mobility solutions that are safer, greener, and more exciting than ever.

About Nexteer Automotive

Nexteer Automotive, listed on HK 1316, is a global leader in motion control technology, providing innovative solutions such as electric and hydraulic power steering systems. They cater to over 60 customers worldwide, including prominent automotive manufacturers. As they continue to innovate, Nexteer focuses on tackling mobility challenges emerging from electrification and automated driving trends, positioning themselves at the forefront of the automotive industry’s evolution.

For more information, visit Nexteer's website.