Nexteer’s MagnaSteer Actuation Technology will be used, and will be integrated with Sheppard’s suite of power steering gears – Wabco is acquiring Sheppard and the purchase is expected to complete later this month.
An existing exclusivity agreement between Nexteer and Sheppard means Wabco can offer a compact, cost-effective solution that enables active steering control for commercial vehicle manufacturers in North America. Wabco also has access to this technology for all medium- and heavy-duty commercial truck markets outside North America. This access is on an exclusive basis, except in China.
“This cooperation agreement marks another key milestone as Wabco advances toward enabling self-driving commercial vehicles,” said Jorge Solis, Wabco president for the truck, bus and car OEM division.
“We have a clear line of sight on the fundamental technologies – such as active steering, active braking, electronic stability control and other advanced driver assistance systems – which will enable significant intermediary steps on our industry’s path to realise fully autonomous driving.”
Fully autonomous commercial vehicles require lateral and longitudinal dynamic control. Wabco says the latest deal for lateral control with Nexteer’s active steering complements its existing longitudinal control with active braking, stability and suspension controls.