What does 4WS mean in vehicles?

[DelAlana]

4WS is the abbreviation for Four-Wheel-Steer, which refers to the four-wheel steering system, commonly known as rear-wheel steering or four-wheel steering. It is a patented technology of Foxconn, which claims to be the 'King of Corners' with this technology. There are mainly two types of four-wheel steering: same-phase steering, where the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels; and opposite-phase steering, where the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The purpose is to improve the operational stability of the vehicle at high speeds or under lateral wind forces, enhance maneuverability at low speeds, and reduce the turning radius in parking lots. Advantages of 4WS: 1. It can reduce the turning radius; 2. It improves maneuverability at low speeds. At low speeds, the rear wheels follow the actual trajectory of the vehicle more closely than with two-wheel steering; 3. It enhances handling and controllability at high speeds. At high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, helping to reduce vehicle sideslip or wobble.