NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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will install steer-by-wire technology on some high-end InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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models starting next year. The technology means that there is no physical steering linkage between the steering wheel and the wheels. It will be the first time that the technology has been used in mass produced vehicles. 

Steering wheel inputs are transmitted to a computer that interprets them and sends the information to the wheels. This type of technology has been used on planes for decades.

Nissan will also install a back up, traditional system incase there is a problem.

"In the future, if we are freed from that, we would be able to place the steering wheel wherever we like, such as in the back seat, or it would be possible to steer the car with a joystick," said Nissan engineer Masaharu Satou.

This technology makes it possible in the future that the car could automatically steer around obstacles or potential accidents. Nissan thinks that it could implement this in cars within 3 to 5 years. 

Source: Automotive News Europe