Volvo app to replace key
Smartphone may be the 'key' to starting cars in futureVolvo has announced overnight it will offer consumers a smartphone app to unlock and start their Volvo, with the technology to roll out commercially from 2017.
Based around Bluetooth connectivity, the smartphone app will emulate all the functions of a conventional car key – including opening the boot and starting the engine. Volvo intends for the digital key app to be operable across multiple cars from the one smartphone (or more, if the owner wishes). This will support families with more than one Volvo in the garage.
As an extension of the new technology, customers will be able to download the app to operate a Volvo owned by a rental firm, even locating the car by GPS. According to Volvo, this will eliminate queuing in airports to fill in the paperwork and have the key handed over.
Volvo owners with the app on their phone – for a specific vehicle – will be able to forward the digital key to anyone (friends, family or colleagues, for instance) needing to drive the car.
"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 Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.
"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."
Initially the new technology will be trialled in the northern hemisphere spring of 2016 (our autumn) through Volvo's car-sharing firm, Sunfleet, in Gothenburg. Volvo will begin making the digital key available on select models from 2017. The digital key app will premiere at the Ericsson booth of the Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, from February 22-25.
"There are obviously many permutations when it comes to how this shared key technology can be used," added Martin Rosenqvist, New Car Director, Special Products at Volvo Cars. "We look forward to seeing how else this technology might be used in the future and we welcome any and all ideas."
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