<h1>Automotive supplier's Direct Drive Hand Wheel Actuator raises regulatory, product liability, IP, export control and contract compliance risks</h1> A global automotive supplier announced a Direct Drive Hand Wheel Actuator for steer-by-wire systems, claiming enhanced steering feel, redundancy, and compatibility with 12V/48V architectures. Legally relevant points include potential regulatory and safety certification requirements for electronic steering, product liability exposure if redundancy or fail-safe functions prove inadequate, and contract implications with OEM customers regarding performance specifications, warranties and supply commitments. The supplier's vertical integration and multi-channel sensing raise IP, trade-secret and export-control considerations, while cross-platform compatibility and simplified architecture may affect aftermarket obligations, software update liability, and compliance with emerging automated-driving standards.