Hyundai Mobis develops wheels that can rotate 90 degrees

Hyundai Mobis' e-Corner Module [HYUNDAI MOBIS]

Hyundai Mobis has developed wheel technology that is able to rotate by 90 degrees to enable sharper cornering and easier parking.

Hyundai Mobis said Sunday it developed wheel technology dubbed e-Corner Module that combines functions for driving, steering, braking and suspension in a package that can be installed on each wheel. The module takes away the need for mechanical parts such as drive shafts that connect the steering wheel to the wheels, according to Hyundai Mobis.

“The application of the e-Corner Module takes away the need for some mechanical parts that used to connect components, which allows the vehicle to have more space,” the company said. “It also allows for easier changes in the wheel base and easier design of doors and vehicle size.”

Before, a car’s wheel generally was able to rotate 30 degrees, which limited cars making sharp cornering or parallel parking in a compact space.

The 90-degree-rotating wheels, according to Hyundai Mobis, allow the vehicle to move from side to side, instead of back and forth, and also a 360-degree rotation on where it stands.

The system which was first premiered at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show is currently under review for mass production, Hyundai Mobis said. It is planning to receive orders from carmakers in the near future.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]