Steer-by-wire: approvals and spares decide the import

What matters with steer-by-wire is type approval in two markets, not sales at home. The revised steering standard is in force and drops the rule demanding a mechanical link between wheel and steering. That changes your checklist order: approval first, then diagnostics and spares, and configuration claims only last.

Standards and costs moved together. GB 17675-2025 removed the mandatory mechanical connection; the autonomous-driving standard GB 44721-2026 is published and due in 2027. Unit cost for steer-by-wire has fallen from over 20,000 yuan to about 8,000 yuan, and electromechanical brakes are heading from 2,500 yuan toward 1,100 yuan by 2030.

Penetration tells the story. Wire-controlled chassis fitment in China runs near 5% in 2026 and is expected at 40% by 2030. Exports of Chinese steer-by-wire systems to Europe and Southeast Asia are expected near 1.5 billion yuan in 2026, a second sourcing route for importers.

Four things matter to dealers. Type approval is usually required separately where no mechanical backup exists, so confirm the dossier early. Higher equipment at the same price changes the deal, but electronics maintenance enters your TCO, and wire systems need diagnostic tools and software updates.

Before pricing, ask three things: type-approval documents and test reports for your market, a diagnostic tool and software update path, and spare prices with lead times. Then request two quotes, one with a mechanical backup, each including approval cost and a three-year spares budget.

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This article is published by EZ Auto. EZ Auto (Cheyixing Automobile Import & Export) specializes in exporting Chinese vehicles — new, used and parts — serving Latin America, Central Asia & CIS, Africa, the Middle East and the EU, with order-based sourcing, inspection with photo report, export documentation and ocean freight in one place.