[Exclusive Interview] JTEKT: A Dual-Track Approach of Hardware and Software as the Era of Widespread Steer-by-Wire Adoption Approaches

May 15, 2026
Exclusive Interview

JTEKT Corporation

Executive Officer and CTO Mr. Katsutoshi Sakata

About This Interview

Building on its pioneering development of the column-type electric power steering (C-EPS) system in 1988, the first of its kind in the world, JTEKT (JTEKT Corporation) has continued to build on its technical expertise and track record in both hardware and software. While maintaining its focus on hardware as a manufacturing company, JTEKT is actively pursuing initiatives to break into new fields by leveraging its core technologies. Having in-house foundational technology for precise machining and control of actuators allows the company to maximize control effectiveness based on a thorough understanding of operating principles, which is a differentiating factor in competing with emerging companies that are gaining prominence through software-driven logic.

In this instance, MarkLines conducted an interview with JTEKT Executive Officer and CTO, Mr. Katsutoshi Sakata, focusing on technologies that play a central role in the company's mid- to long-term strategy, including the second-generation Rack Parallel EPS (RP-EPS) (photo 3), Linkless Steer-by-Wire (SBW: Syncusteer) (photo 4) first installed in the Lexus RZ in 2025, and the in-house developed cooperative steering control software (Pairdriver). We discussed a wide range of topics, from the current status and future direction of each product to strategies for addressing geopolitical risks and the mid- to long-term business outlook.

About This Interview
Q1
What is the current state of JTEKT’s automotive business (steering systems and drivetrain systems), and what are the future growth areas?
Q2
What are your plans for supply chain design in the wake of the pandemic and other geopolitical risks, your response to structural changes resulting from the U.S.-China divide, and your mid- to long-term business strategy?
Q3
What are the sources of competitiveness and points of evolution for electric power steering (C-EPS, RP-EPS, etc.) and linkless steer-by-wire systems (SBW: Syncusteer), and what will be the future competitive landscape?
Q4
What kind of company do you aim to be in 10 to 20 years, and what are the conditions for survival?
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