Hyundai Motor Corporation has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its four-wheel independent steering system, clearly attempting to outperform General Motors (GM).
On April 28, 2022, the corporation submitted an application to the government titled “Method and System for Controlling In-Situ Rotation Mode of Four-Wheel Independent Steering Type Vehicle.”
The new system is similar to GM’s independent wheel steering system used in the new Hummer EV. On the other hand, Hyundai’s version will allow vehicles to travel entirely sideways or rotate 360 degrees while remaining in the same place.
The application solely outlines how the technology works, with no hint of when or which car it will be installed. However, because of its intricacy and utility, the carmaker will most likely integrate this technology in its high-end full-size luxury vehicles.
Hyundai has merged the new technology with the Electronic Control Unit, according to the paper (ECU). This technology will be accessible to drivers via a toggle switch on the gear shifter.
According to industry analysts, the technology will not be ready for full-scale commercial production anytime soon. The system is sophisticated, requiring extensive R&D at every stage of its development. They also feel that this feature will attract many new purchasers for Hyundai in the future if and when it is released.
