Autoliv Inc. and Tensor, the U.S. autonomous‑vehicle developer, unveiled the world’s first foldable steering wheel for the Tensor Robocar on January 5 2026. The wheel can be used in conventional manual mode or retracted for Level 4 autonomous operation, allowing the vehicle to switch seamlessly between a driver‑controlled cockpit and a driver‑free cabin layout that eliminates the traditional steering column.
The foldable design incorporates an adaptive airbag system that automatically switches between a wheel‑mounted airbag for manual driving and a passenger‑side instrument‑panel airbag when the wheel is folded. The mechanism is engineered to meet all safety compliance requirements in both modes, while the retractable wheel frees up interior space and improves passenger comfort. The design also supports a flexible cabin configuration that can be reconfigured for different use cases, such as a lounge or a cargo area, when the vehicle is in autonomous mode.
From a business perspective, the launch signals Autoliv’s strategic shift beyond passive safety into active‑passive integration. Autoliv’s 2024 sales of $10.4 billion and record operating profit in Q4 2024 demonstrate the company’s financial strength and its ability to invest in new technologies. The foldable steering wheel positions Autoliv to capture a growing market for interior safety solutions in Level 4 and higher autonomous vehicles, a segment that is expected to expand as automakers seek to differentiate their autonomous offerings. The partnership also gives Tensor credibility and a competitive edge, as the Robocar will be manufactured by VinFast in Vietnam and is slated for volume production in the second half of 2026.
Tensor’s CEO Jay Xiao emphasized that the dual‑mode steering wheel “combines the best of both worlds,” allowing drivers to retain manual control when desired while enabling a fully autonomous experience when the wheel is folded. The collaboration also aligns with Tensor’s focus on privacy‑centric, zero‑cloud connectivity and a sensor suite that includes 37 cameras, 5 lidars, and 11 radars. By integrating Autoliv’s safety expertise, Tensor can accelerate its roadmap to Level 4 autonomy and broaden its appeal to premium markets in the U.S., EU, and Middle East.
Fabien Dumont, Autoliv’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, noted that the foldable wheel “creates a system that enhances both safety and comfort by adapting to the vehicle’s mode.” He added that the partnership demonstrates Autoliv’s commitment to “intelligent, adaptive safety” and signals the company’s readiness to explore additional revenue streams as autonomous driving becomes mainstream.
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