Physical keys may become a thing of the past sooner rather than later thanks to new Volvo technology currently in development.
Volvo's innovative new physical key-replacing app will eventually do more than just unlock and start your vehicle. The newly announced technology aims to innovate the way families and friends share cars, as well as provide a more convenient method for vehicle rentals.
In a press release from earlier today, Henrik Green, Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars, explained the reasoning for the new technology. “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,” he said. “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.”
Swedish car sharing firm Sunfleet will begin initial testing of the new technology at the Gothenburg airport this spring. Volvo expects the first vehicles equipped with the new technology to be made available in 2017.
Volvo reveals plans to replace car keys with a smartphone app starting in 2016 https://t.co/Ul8cNXCIEG by @psawers pic.twitter.com/bhxvDtzOft
— VentureBeat (@VentureBeat) February 19, 2016