Hubei Henglong Automotive Systems Group, the wholly-owned subsidiary of leading power steering components and systems supplier - China Automotive Systems (CAS), has acquired a 40% stake in the Swedish automotive technology company Sentient AB.
Sentient specialises in software development and hardware design for advanced steering functions, vehicle motion control and autonomous driving.
Sentient will help CAS to create a vertically integrated automotive technology company in the face of artificial intelligence and electrification, taking the automotive sector by storm. CAS is looking at energising its steering technologies to advance and empower autonomous driving in the foreseeable future. As a result, it will help capture more market opportunities and expanding its market share globally.
Having been in production and well received by drivers since 2013, the Swedish company’s foundational technology provides improved driving experience and consistent stability irrespective of the tyre characteristics, steering systems, road friction properties and suspension systems. In addition, the motion control technology has been tested and demonstrated on electric power steering (EPS), angle-overlay systems, steer-by-wire and fully autonomous vehicles (NHTSA level 3-5).
Sentient operates seven facilities within Sweden and an office in Suzhou, China. Its software functions for steering, vehicle motion control and autonomous driving can be integrated with its proprietarily designed hardware solutions, including power packs (SW, ECU, motor, housing) and complete steering gear systems. The Swedish company currently holds ten patents in steering, steer-by-wire, motion control and braking.
NB: Photo is representational; courtesy: Sentient