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VOLVO is aiming to achieve true keyless car operation via a phone app, with trials starting this year.

The Swedish company plans to start introducing the system in production cars in limited numbers in 2017, allowing some drivers to dispense with the physical key to open and start their car.

Apart from a similar phone app system offered by Tesla, other keyless cars use proximity radio waves from a key fob to unlock doors and ignition systems, but they still require the driver to carry the key.

In Volvo’s case, the driver will only need to carry a phone with the matching app for the car, connecting via Bluetooth. It will also open the boot and allow the engine to be started remotely, as well as turning on functions such as cooling and heating remotely.

The company says the system will allow Volvo owners to share the digital start app with other people, such as family members or co-workers, and even receive a digital car key for a rental car.

The system means multiple digital keys could be carried on a phone for those with access to more than one Volvo car.

Volvo already has a phone app – Volvo on Call – that allows Volvo V40 owners remote access and control over a wide range of in-car features.
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The new system takes it further, relieving the driver of having to carry the car’s key at all.

The system means multiple digital keys could be carried on a phone for those with access to more than one Volvo car.

Volvo Cars vice president of product strategy and vehicle line management Henrik Green said Volvo was not interested in technology for the sake of technology.

“New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time,” he said. “Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way.

“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.”

The keyless system was demonstrated at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where Volvo said it was open to suggestions for ways to improve the system.

Volvo says it will pilot the technology later this year at its car-sharing firm Sunfleet, at Gothenburg airport in Sweden.

A limited number of cars then will be made available to the public in 2017.

Volvo promises physical keys will still be available to customers who want them.

By Ron Hammerton

 

Phone home: Forgot the key? No problems with Volvo’s phone app digital key that will go on trial on share cars in Sweden in the second half of this year.

Phone home: Forgot the key? No problems with Volvo’s phone app digital key that will go on trial on share cars in Sweden in the second half of this year.

 

 

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