The kenwood steering wheel remotes have the actual transmitter on the end of that cord you mention.
This is quite useful, as it allows you to position the buttons in a comfortable (and safe) position on the wheel, and then place the transmitter so it can "see" the empeg.

Jazz
(List 112, Mk2 12 gig #40. Mk1 4 gig #30. Mk3 1.6 16v)