Introducing Rear-Wheel Steering (Again): More Comfort, Control & Confidence in a Changing World

Imagine a world where parallel parking is easy, trailering at high speeds feels stable and cornering a tight turn with a large vehicle is no big deal. That’s the power of Rear-Wheel Steering (RWS)… and it’s just the beginning.

What is RWS?

RWS is like having an extra set of helping hands (or wheels) to give drivers more control, comfort and confidence. RWS allows your vehicle’s rear wheels to turn in addition to the front wheels, improving maneuverability and stability.

At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, giving you a tighter turning radius – perfect for parking in cramped city spots or maneuvering a trailer with precision.

At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing stability.

Why Drivers Want RWS

• Big Vehicles + Big Maneuverability in Small Spaces: RWS makes driving larger, heavier vehicles with long wheelbases like SUVs, Trucks and EVs feel surprisingly nimble. RWS makes driving big feel small – hugging corners, squeezing into tight parking spaces, navigating crowded city streets or hitching a trailer.
• Big Vehicles + Big Stability at High Speed – Even When Towing & Trailering:  RWS enhances responsiveness, stability and safety by improving control during quick lane changes, evasive maneuvers or even sudden crosswinds. It also enhances driver comfort and reduces fatigue, especially on long hauls while towing and trailering.

Why OEMs Want Nexteer’s RWS

• PROVEN – Nexteer’s Legacy of RWS: Nexteer has been a pioneer in this space for years. Remember Quadrasteer? That was us! Nexteer led the way in RWS-for-mass-production back in the early 2000s.
• Cost-Effective & Lightweight: Nexteer’s RWS solution is designed to minimize weight, helping OEMs adopt this feature with minimal impact on fuel efficiency or EV range.
• Component Reuse & Efficient Manufacturing: Designed to maximize component and manufacturing process reuse, RWS leverages Nexteer’s industry-leading Rack-Assist Electric Power Steering (REPS) systems technology.
• Simplified Integration: Nexteer’s rear-steering technology is easy to integrate with all vehicle types, as well as potentially helping OEMs to simplify some rear axle designs.
• Durable & Reliable: Our anti-rotation design minimizes friction, enhances strength and ensures long-term reliability (and happy owners).
• Innovative, Easy-to-Work-With Collaborator:  Nexteer is well-known for its award-winning Steer-by-Wire (SbW), market-leading REPS and RWS legacy.  Plus, OEMs often tell us that what sets us apart from other global suppliers is HOW we work as a collaborative extension of their engineering team.

The Tech Behind the Magic: Steer-by-Wire (SbW)

RWS is a form of SbW, which replaces mechanical steering connections with electronic controls. This innovation unlocks new possibilities for  and operational efficiencies. With by-wire technologies, vehicles can respond more dynamically to changing road conditions, making driving smarter and safer with next level comfort and control.

Evolving World = Evolving Needs

RWS has been around for a while – but mostly limited to high performance or luxury vehicles. But RWS has been getting a resurgence with broader applications to adapt driving to emerging trends. Here are just a few.

• Growing Urban Congestion: City populations are growing globally – more people, less space, tighter driving and parking.
• Growing Popularity of Heavier, Long-Wheel Base Vehicles:  Such as EVs in Europe and China, SUVs in APAC and China, Trucks and SUVs as a North American mainstay, etc.
• Growing Popularity of Adventure-Seeking:  Many analysts note a growing interest in adventure activities such as camping, RV-ing, etc. globally across N.A., Europe and APAC regions – translating into a growing appreciation for trailering, towing and hitching made easier.

Our Shared Road Ahead

With Nexteer’s RWS, drivers get more than just better maneuverability – they gain greater confidence, control and comfort on every journey. Our OEM customers get more than a technology upgrade. They get a partner.  As driving demands evolve, Nexteer continues to anticipate, adapt and offer solutions that meet the moment and make the future of mobility safe, green and exciting.