Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wheel, particularly for use on automotive vehicles. The wheel has a wheel rim and a wheel disc connectable to each other. The method includes shaping the wheel disc, shaping the wheel rim, manufacturing the wheel disc to form a first centering element and manufacturing the wheel rim to form a second centering element. The centering elements allow the wheel disc and the wheel rim to be connectable to each other via the first and second centering elements in a centered or concentric way.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel disc and a rim that are welded together. The wheel disc includes a full face disc portion with a disc lip extending in an inboard direction. The rim includes a main rim body with a rim lip that extends in an outboard direction, and which is in an overlapping relationship with the disc lip. The rim lip is defined by a smaller diameter than the disc lip such that the disc lip engages an outer peripheral surface of the rim lip. A weld is formed along a distal end of the disc lip to secure the wheel disc and rim together. This provides a vehicle wheel assembly that has a full, flat face, flangeless appearance.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance and vehicle stability system as provided that includes a plurality of wheels, each driven by an independent electric motor. Each of the electric motors provides rotational drive to its respective wheel. The electric motors may also provide braking through a retarding force. A controller is electrically connected to the electric motors. A plurality of vehicle sensors are electrically connected to the controller for detecting vehicle information indicative of vehicle stability. The controller receives information from the vehicle sensors and controls the electric motors and braking device to maintain vehicle stability, for example, during a hard braking maneuver to avoid a collision with an obstacle. The controller commands the appropriate electric motor and/or braking device to accelerate and/or decelerate the appropriate wheel to maintain control of the vehicle.