Steer-by-wire systems could be in mass production in five years, says Nissan. The OEM is confident it can overcome the legislative hurdles that have so far prevented its introduction. Safety legislation makes it illegal for vehicles capable of more than 40km/h to rely on an electronic link between the steering wheel and rack in Europe. Cars must have a mechanical link in case the system fails, but this makes electronic controls pointless. Project leader Masahiko Tabe said: "We believe that the opportunities to add safety systems like automatic counter steering and crash avoidance systems that steer by-wire creates can change governments' stance." Nissan has developed the EA2 concept car, based on the Murano SUV, to demonstrate the benefits.
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