VW Might Remove Indicator Stalks Similar to Tesla’s Approach

The plans by VW currently exist in a brief patent application that was initially uncovered by Car Buzz. The details are scarce, only mentioning that the controls would not be on the spokes of the steering wheel like Tesla but could be fixed to the interior of the wheel itself. It also suggests that these controls might not necessarily be physical buttons but possibly touch-sensitive surfaces providing haptic feedback.

Before Tesla, other automakers, like Ferrari, have already omitted blinker stalks. Ferrari did this to create space for prominent stationary shift paddles. It’s important to note that Volkswagen’s motivation differs from that of Ferrari.

Tesla’s way of integrating blinkers on the steering wheel is a bit cumbersome. Both are located on the left steering wheel spoke and function as haptic controls rather than physical buttons. Accidental activation of blinkers is common, and it’s not always clear if they are being used correctly. VW’s implementation of this system may offer improvements, but ultimately, a separate control away from the steering wheel, even if not in the form of a stalk, might be more ergonomic.

VW may need to reconsider its strategies. The company faces tough competition in the United States, with its product decisions sometimes appearing out of sync with market demands. It also encounters challenges in other regions, where inconsistent decisions regarding the design of its compact EVs have led to unnecessary delays. It’s clear that steering wheel-mounted blinkers alone will not be a game-changer for Volkswagen. After all, this is just a patent, and it does not necessarily indicate VW’s definite plans to implement such a system in its vehicles.

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