Thales Introduces Advanced Vehicle Access Solutions with Digital Car Key and NFC CARd Key

(IN BRIEF) Thales has introduced an advanced vehicle access solution combining digital car keys with the newly launched NFC CARd Key, designed to enhance convenience and security in the automotive industry. The digital key, compliant with Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standards, allows drivers to lock, unlock, and start vehicles using a smartphone, while the NFC CARd Key offers a reliable, contactless alternative for situations where smartphones are unavailable. Built for durability and customizable for branding, the NFC CARd Key ensures secure communication with vehicles via encrypted technology. Thales’s solutions cater to private users and businesses, enabling digital key sharing and improving operational efficiency. As the global digital car key market grows at over 21% annually, Thales leverages its 15+ years of expertise in connectivity and cybersecurity to deliver flexible, innovative mobility solutions for automakers and drivers.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 20-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales, a global leader in advanced technology solutions, is redefining the car access experience with its comprehensive digital and physical access solutions for the automotive industry. Combining its proven expertise in connectivity and cybersecurity, Thales now offers a seamless blend of digital car keys and the newly launched NFC CARd Key, ensuring secure, flexible, and innovative vehicle access options for drivers and manufacturers.

Enhanced Access with Digital Keys and NFC CARd Key

The Thales digital car key solution adheres to the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard, enabling drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles with a smartphone. Complementing this technology is the NFC CARd Key, a cutting-edge contactless card that provides a reliable alternative when smartphones are unavailable. With a simple tap, the NFC CARd Key establishes secure, encrypted communication with the vehicle, allowing instant access and ignition.

Designed for durability, the NFC CARd Key is built to withstand high temperatures and offers over a decade of reliability in real-world conditions. Beyond functionality, the card serves as a branding opportunity for automakers, offering customizable designs with advanced printing options like 3D effects and tactile varnishes.

Innovative Features for Diverse Use Cases

Thales’s solutions offer enhanced flexibility for private car owners and businesses alike. Drivers can securely share vehicle access digitally with family or friends, while rental companies can streamline operations by eliminating the need for physical key handovers. The system’s secure enrollment process ensures credentials are safely stored in the vehicle, mobile devices, or the contactless card, enhancing convenience without compromising security.

Addressing Market Growth in Digital Car Keys

As the automotive industry rapidly transitions from traditional to digital solutions, the global digital car key market is projected to grow by over 21% annually through 2031, according to Transparency Market Research. Thales is at the forefront of this evolution, integrating its cybersecurity expertise to protect data across vehicles, smartphones, and contactless cards, ensuring robust and resilient access solutions.

“Thales has been delivering trusted connectivity and cybersecurity solutions to the automotive industry for more than 15 years,” said Christine Caviglioli, VP Automotive at Thales. “With the introduction of the NFC CARd Key, we provide automakers and drivers with a flexible, secure, and innovative approach to mobility. Our focus remains on meeting the highest standards of safety and convenience while empowering manufacturers with customizable, cutting-edge solutions.”

About the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)

The CCC establishes standards for seamless smartphone-to-car connectivity, enabling digital car keys that allow drivers to unlock and start their vehicles using mobile devices or wearables. Thales’s offerings are fully compliant with CCC standards, ensuring compatibility and reliability for automakers worldwide.

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SOURCE: Thales