Overview
On August 12, 2026, Nexteer Automotive, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, announced the introduction of its High Mount Direct Drive Steer‑by‑Wire Hand‑Wheel Actuator (HMDD). The HMDD features a compact high‑mount motor location, direct‑drive responsiveness, and a stationary hub, enabling OEMs to redesign steering system packaging and cockpit layouts for software‑defined vehicles.
Technical Highlights
The actuator’s architecture delivers up to 23 percent mass reduction compared with traditional column‑based steering systems, with the exact saving dependent on vehicle application and packaging requirements. HMDD supports both 12 V and 48 V electrical architectures and is compatible with left‑hand‑drive and right‑hand‑drive configurations across internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric platforms. The stationary hub eliminates the need for symmetrically designed driver airbags, facilitating next‑generation airbag integration. Design flexibility is expanded through possibilities such as center‑hub control, stowable or reconfigurable steering interfaces, and broader steering‑wheel placement options.
Software and Integration Benefits
HMDD is part of Nexteer’s broader Motion‑by‑Wire™ chassis control strategy, which also includes steer‑by‑wire, brake‑by‑wire, and rear‑wheel‑steering technologies. Its direct‑drive configuration and flexible software tuning allow for realistic road‑feedback, adjustable steering modes, and the potential for over‑the‑air (OTA) updates as OEM software strategies evolve. By standardizing hardware while permitting software‑defined differentiation, the actuator can reduce part complexity, accelerate development cycles, and provide a scalable foundation for future vehicle architectures.
Executive Commentary
Michael Hales, Executive Director of Research & Development at Nexteer Automotive, stated that the HMDD gives OEMs a new way to rethink cockpit and driver experience while enhancing steering feel, packaging flexibility, and safety‑critical performance. He emphasized that as vehicles become more software‑defined, technologies like HMDD create a flexible foundation for differentiated steering experiences and future vehicle architectures.
Market Recognition
The HMDD was recently named a finalist for the 2026 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award, recognizing its pre‑commercial innovation and strong market relevance.
About Nexteer Automotive
Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) celebrates 120 years of automotive innovation in 2026 and offers a portfolio that includes electric and hydraulic power‑steering systems, steer‑by‑wire, rear‑wheel‑steering, steering columns, intermediate shafts, driveline systems, software solutions, and brake‑by‑wire. Its customers span global OEMs such as BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota, Volkswagen, as well as Indian and Chinese manufacturers including BYD, Xiaomi, ChangAn, Li Auto, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, and Xpeng. More information is available on Nexteer’s Steer‑by‑Wire webpage.