cars news 10: Volvo to be First Automaker to Offer Smartphone App Keys

Volvo has announced that it plans to be the world’s first automaker to sell cars without keys. Instead, a digital key accessed via a mobile phone app will take the place of the physical key and is accessed via Bluetooth. The digital key will be able to lock, unlock, and start the car, and it will enable owners to gain access to different vehicles in other locations.

Using the app, people can book and pay for a rental car in their destination and have the digital key delivered to their mobile phone immediately. Once at their destination, customers will be able to access the vehicle once they’ve located it. This new app will also enable Volvo owners to share their cars via the app in a convenient manner since it will allow them to send their digital key to friends, family, and coworkers by using their mobile phones.

Volvo digital key with S90 and phone in pocket

“At Volvo, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time. Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way,” said Henrik Green, Vice President of Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars, in a release. “Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a Volvo can be accessed and shared. Instead of sitting idle in a parking lot the entire day, cars could be used more often and efficiently by whoever the owner wishes.”

Volvo will partner with Sunfleet, a car-sharing firm stationed at Gothenburg international airport to test out their digital key in spring 2016. In 2017, there will be a limited number of commercially available cars that will come with the new digital key technology, but physical keys will continue to be offered for those that want them. Last year, Volvo launched a program that allowed you to have your shopping delivered to your car instead of your home by providing a one-time digital key to a delivery company. Volvo will show its keyless car technology at the 2016 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from February 22 to 25 at the Ericsson booth.

Source: Volvo