Forvia Hella begins series production of new-gen steering sensor for Chinese carmaker

The international automotive supplier Forvia Hella has started series production with the latest generation of steering sensor technology for another leading Chinese automotive manufacturer—a key technology for fully electric steer-by-wire systems.

At the beginning of CY2025, the first two series projects for steer-by-wire steering sensors were successfully launched with premium manufacturers in Germany and China. Development and series production takes place within Forvia Hella’s electronics production network in Germany and China.

In steer-by-wire systems, steering commands are transmitted purely electrically, without the use of mechanical or hydraulic connections between the steering wheel and the front axle. In such a steering system, Forvia Hella’s steering sensors precisely and reliably detect the torque and angle of the steering wheel and transmit this information as a purely electrical signal. As previously required hardware components, such as the steering column, are no longer needed, steer-by-wire systems allow for steering settings to be adapted to specific situations or customer preferences. In addition, flexible design concepts for the engine compartment and vehicle interior can be realized, enabling innovative cockpit designs, cost advantages through modularization and reduction of variants, as well as increased crash safety.

“With the recent series launches, we are consistently advancing the development of fully electric steering systems and addressing a key topic for the future,” says Jörg Weisgerber, Managing Director 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.”

Forvia Hellahas been active in the steering sensor market since 2007 and is building on an already strong market position. The technological focus of the now fifth product generation, which for the first time implements steer-by-wire functionalities, is especially on the redundant and at the same time cost-efficient architecture of the sensor to meet the highest safety requirements.