Infiniti plans to introduce steer-by-wire cars

These days, more cars can be shifted electronically or braked electronically. Now Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan, plans to start installing systems that allow cars to be steered electronically, instead of mechanically.

It believes it will be first with such systems in a mass-produced car.

Infiniti believes the ability to "steer by wire" will lead to more safety and precision, rather than the current method of mechanical steering, Reuters reports.

Electronic steering could show up on the first models within a year. It will work via an electronic link from the steering wheel to a computer.

No longer will turning the steering wheel lead to a series of gears that directly turn the wheels of the car. The advantages include future features that could help cars automatically avoid accidents.

Just in case, the Infiniti will have conventional mechanical steering as a backup.