Forvia Hella has officially launched series production of its latest steering sensor technology, a crucial building block for fully electric steer-by-wire systems. The milestone, achieved in collaboration with a Chinese automotive manufacturer, represents a significant step forward in advancing next-generation vehicle control and shaping the future of mobility.
Steer-by-wire (SbW) technology is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the transition toward autonomous driving. Unlike traditional steering mechanisms, which rely on a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle’s wheels, steer-by-wire replaces that hardware with electronic controls. By transmitting inputs purely as electrical signals, the system delivers more precise, responsive, and software-driven steering behavior.
At the core of this innovation are Forvia Hella’s advanced steering sensors. These sensors measure both the torque applied to the steering wheel and the exact steering angle, transmitting the data instantly as an electrical signal to the vehicle’s control unit. Because the mechanical steering column and other hardware are no longer required, automakers gain new flexibility in vehicle design and system architecture.
This transformation offers several key benefits. First, steering characteristics can be adapted dynamically, whether to suit specific driving situations—such as city maneuvering or highway cruising—or to match driver preferences. Second, the absence of mechanical constraints allows for fresh approaches in cockpit and interior design. By freeing up space within the cabin and engine compartment, manufacturers can explore more modular architectures, reduce component variants, and lower overall costs. Importantly, removing rigid hardware structures also contributes to improved crash safety, further enhancing passenger protection.
Forvia Hella highlights that this new generation of steering sensor technology not only supports functional innovation but also enables scalability for mass production. “With the recent series launches, we are consistently advancing the development of fully electric steering systems and addressing a key topic for the future,” said Jörg Weisgerber, Managing Director of Electronics at Forvia Hella. “The positive feedback from our customers in Germany and in the important growth market of China underscores our strong capabilities to manufacture technologically sophisticated products in high volumes and at optimized costs – without compromising on quality and reliability.”
The introduction of these systems comes at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations. The shift toward electrification, increasing consumer demand for customization, and the evolution of ADAS and autonomous driving all converge in steer-by-wire technology. By eliminating mechanical components and enabling highly adaptable, software-controlled steering, Forvia Hella and its partners are helping lay the groundwork for vehicles that are not only more efficient but also safer, smarter, and more enjoyable to drive.
As production ramps up, Forvia Hella’s steering sensors will play a pivotal role in the adoption of steer-by-wire across both established and emerging markets. The company’s ability to deliver advanced electronics at scale positions it as a key enabler of next-generation mobility—where digital precision replaces mechanical limitations, and innovation drives the road ahead.
