News Tonight Africa

In an announcement made this week, automaker Volvo said that it has efforts underway to roll out new digital key technology to some models of its commercially available cars in 2017.

The technology which Volvo plans to introduce next year will replace the key fob of the vehicles with the users’ smartphone; thereby making Volvo the first automaker to offer ‘keyless’ car models.

Revealing that physical car keys will make way for digital key technology in some of the Volvo models scheduled to arrive in the market next year, Volvo said that the owners of the ‘keyless’ cars will be able to unlock their vehicles with the help of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app. However, a physical key will also be available for the vehicles, for people who want the physical key.

The digital key technology in some of Volvo’s 2017 models will also bring along some additional features as compared to a physical key. The owners of the vehicles will be able to send the digital key to family members or friends with compatible handsets. Moreover, people will also be able to receive keys for rental vehicles on their devices.

In reference to the imminent introduction of the digital key technology by Volvo, Henrik Green – the automaker’s VP of product strategy and vehicle line management - said in a statement: "Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a Volvo can be accessed and shared."