Volvo plans to ditch vehicle keys

Volvo has already experimented with digital keys, with a scheme enabling delivery companies to access a auto with a one-time key in order to drop off packages in the boot. Meanwhile, physical keys will continue to be offered for people who want them.

Additionally, one phone can contain “digital keys” to multiple Volvos. This with harness Bluetooth technology to grant access to your vehicle – not to mention to start it up once you’re sat in the driver seat. Rather than having a real key, Volvo owners will use an app on their smartphone.

Volvo has in the past few years invested heavily in new plants and technology as it strives to move the brand further upmarket and compete with German premium vehicle makers like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. On arrival a customer could simply locate the rental vehicle via Global Positioning System, unlock it and drive away, avoiding those frustrating queues at airport or train station auto rental desks. “Drivers will make sure their phone is charged if they know it is also their auto key”.

Volvo Car Group forecast record sales and higher profit this year, after strong demand for its cars in Europe and the United States saw it treble operating earnings in 2015. People all over the world can easily book and pay for a rental auto (obviously a Volvo) and later, a digital key will be sent directly to their smartphone.

“Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a Volvo can be accessed and shared”, said Henrik Green, a Volvo’s vice president of product strategy.

Volvo’s digital key will be offered from 2017. The Gothenburg-based company’s past year achievement, mostly boosted in the later stages of 2015, was mainly due to the launch of the new XC90 SUV. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017. “We look forward to seeing how else this technology might be used in the future and we welcome any and all ideas”. The technology can add convenience by removing the need to rummage around in the bottom of a bag for a physical key.

A pictures accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire.