STEER-BY-WIRE AND THE CHAUFFEUR PROJECT
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ZF has formed a 50/50 joint verdure with Bosch to create ZF Lenksysteme, which will develop "steer-by-wire" electronically controlled steering systems. Its RAS-EC rear-steer system is already on the market, but a front-axle system has yet to appear.
Dr Peter Kilgensteln, who heads the division, says: "We have to overcome a block in our customers because steering Is a very safety-sensitive topic." Legislative difficulties are just as much a problem at the moment, although the firm believes that a legal framework for electric/electronic steering will be in place within a couple of years.
The first applications of steer-by-wire will be in four-wheelsteer applications on light CVs, but the long-term aim of the project is fully automated steering. ZF is involved with the Chauffeur Project to develop an automated motorway convoy or "platoon" system. We have already seen Mercedes-Benz's demonstration of this technology (0M29 July-4 August 1999).