Hyundai Mobis develops world's first foldable steering system

[Photo provided by Hyundai Mobis Co.]

Hyundai Mobis Co. under South Korean auto conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group has developed the world’s first foldable steering wheel, gaining a stronger foothold as the supplier in future mobility of connected and self-driving vehicles.

Hyundai Mobis said on Monday that it has successfully developed foldable steering system technology that allows a driver to fold and unfold the steering wheel whenever necessary after two years of R&D. The steering wheel can move forward and backward up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches), the company said.

The Korean company has applied for patent for the world’s first technology at home and abroad.

Hyundai Mobis has applied a technology dubbed Steer by Wire that controls steering with electrical signals. Steer by Wire system automatically allows optimal steering performance such as at parking spaces and on highways, which enhances stability, and allows the driver to drive in a stable manner on circuits or winding roads. It also minimizes vibrations when driving through rumble strips or speed bumps.

Hyundai Mobis employed redundancy design of some core electronics parts to ensure normal steering in an emergency.

The company aims for a niche market in future mobility age by offering customized purpose-built vehicle to appeal to finished carmakers beyond its parent through innovative future technologies.

“Hyundai Mobis goes beyond simply reinterpreting existing technologies and instead develops parts technologies that apply to future cars in entirely novel ways,” said Choi Jang-don, managing director at Hyundai Mobis. “We will continue to develop future-oriented innovations based on our know-how of core technologies.”

Shares of Hyundai Mobis closed Tuesday 2.07 percent lower at 260,500 won ($217.17).

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