Retractable Steering Wheel For Elderly And Obese Awaits Production

By Author: Marty Bay
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TRW Automotive has recently developed a retractable steering wheel that would help elder, pregnant, and obese drivers to move freely inside their cars and this technology awaits production.
The retractable steering wheel was developed by TRW as inspired by the idea of providing better movements for drivers inside their vehicles.

This is also considered by its developer as a way of addressing the growing needs of elderly and pregnant car finders who are looking for cars that could offer them with additional space between the steering wheel and the driver seat as they exit and enter their vehicles.

In explaining the usefulness of this technology, Manuel Poyant who is the current Development Manager of TRW pointed out the benefits of the retractable steering wheel. According to Poyant (2011) “The key benefit [of this technology] is to make it much easier for elderly drivers or other drivers with reduced mobility to get in and out of the vehicle. Due to the significant growth of small city cars, this technology could open up the possibility for even smaller cabin ...
... designs."

Aside from its retractable feature that enables the driver to detach the steering wheel from its position by just pushing a single button, this technology also works just like the memory seats installed on most cars. The wheel could easily be attached to its original position and deliver its functions when the engine starts.

With its impressive features, TRW confirmed that several car automakers were interested on the technology. Due to this, TRD might be subjecting this to production in the next five years. This simply means that individuals who are trying to find cars for sale with this particular feature will need to wait for a few years.

In addition to this, the technology might also affect the prices of vehicle models that are equipped with the retractable steering wheel since this would surely be offered as an additional option.

However, most car experts expect that the changes on prices due to this will only be minimal and car makers might also provide special auto financing options for models that are equipped with the retractable steering wheel.