Earlier today, In a testament to the automaker's commitment to staying on the cutting edge of vehicle technology, Volvo issued a press release announcing its plans to offer a digital alternative to traditional physical keys and fobs.
The Bluetooth-enabled app enables customers to start their engines, unlock doors, and share their vehicle directly from their smartphones. Additionally, the app will eventually offer an innovative new way for customers to pay for and operated rental vehicles.
“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.”
Testing is scheduled to begin this spring, with a limited number of equipped production vehicles being offered in 2017. Customers will still be able to request physical keys is they want them.
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