GRAND BLANC, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CNXMotion has been recognized as a 2021 Automotive News PACEpilot Innovation to Watch for its innovative Brake-to-Steer technology which provides an additional layer of vehicle safety and redundancy by using the electronic brake system to safely steer the vehicle while simultaneously controlling its speed.

“CNXMotion’s technology offers a cost-effective way for automakers to achieve safety needs by leveraging the vehicle’s existing systems, enhancing the steering safety net,” said Greg Katch, General Manager, CNXMotion.

In a fully autonomous vehicle without a physical steering wheel present, Brake-to-Steer can be used as a redundancy strategy to facilitate a safe pull-over if the primary and/or secondary steering systems were unavailable. The function would take over lateral control of the vehicle by selectively applying brake commands to individual wheels while maintaining speed through powertrain control.

Brake-to-Steer can also be used as another layer of redundancy in a Steer-by-Wire system by taking the driver’s input through the steering wheel position and maintaining the lateral control of the vehicle in a similar method described in the fully autonomous use case.

Benefits of Brake-to-Steer

– Cost: The Brake-to-Steer technology leverages the vehicle’s existing braking, steering, and propulsion systems. Depending on the vehicle’s architecture, the function itself could also reside on an existing controller, eliminating the cost of any additional hardware.

– Flexibility: Not only can the function exist within the existing hardware architecture, Brake-to-Steer can also be used to provide an additional layer of vehicle safety and redundancy on vehicles with Steer-by-Wire all the way to fully automated vehicles without the presence of a steering wheel.

– Safety: The cost and flexible Brake-to-Steer technology provides for an early adaptation redundant safety layer that otherwise may not be available to those vehicles in the market today.

CNXMotion is honored to be recognized as a 2021 PACEpilot Innovation to Watch. For more information about CNXMotion’s award-winning technology, visit www.cnxmotion.com.

About the 2021 Automotive News PACEpilot Program

Automotive News honored 10 emerging innovations from global suppliers to small startups with the 2021 Automotive News PACEpilot program. For complete details of the Automotive News PACEpilot program and this year’s Innovations to Watch, visit www.autonews.com/pace.

CNXMotion would like to congratulate partners, Continental and Nexteer Automotive. Continental was a 2021 PACEpilot finalist for its Trailer Hitch Assist technology and a 2021 PACE finalist for its Curved Plastic Lens Display. Nexteer was recognized as a 2021 PACEpilot Innovation to Watch for its Steer-by-Wire with Stowable Steering Column.

ABOUT CNXMOTION

CNXMotion was established as a 50/50 joint venture between Continental and Nexteer Automotive in 2017 to innovate motion control solutions for advanced applications and accelerate R&D activities for the parent companies. CNXMotion employs about 30 people in its state-of-the-art facility located in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

CNXMotion focuses on R&D activities, including rapid evaluation, design and prototyping. Capitalizing on Continental and Nexteer’s history of innovation and leadership in advanced braking and steering respectively, the joint venture combines global resources and expertise to deliver advanced motion control systems solutions for the challenges in a quickly evolving mobility landscape. www.cnxmotion.com

ABOUT CONTINENTAL

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2020, Continental generated sales of €37.7 billion and currently employs around 193,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

To learn more visit www.continental.com.

ABOUT NEXTEER

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316), a global leader in intuitive motion control, is a multi-billion-dollar global steering and driveline business delivering electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steering columns, driveline systems, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving enabling technologies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has 27 manufacturing plants, four technical and software centers and 13 customer service centers strategically located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The company serves more than 60 customers in every major region of the world including BMW, Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China.

To learn more visit, www.nexteer.com.