The Car Connectivity Consortium, the folks behind MirrorLink, this week announced release 1.0 of its Digital Key specification, which will let people use their phone to unlock their car.
The spec supports the ability to lock, unlock, start, and share access to cars from smartphones and other devices. The underlying technology makes it possible for carmakers to securely transmit a digital key to a mobile device, which then makes use of NFC and a secure element to provide vehicle access.
The Car Connectivity Consortium says it has lots of support from both phone and car makers. Some of the member companies include Apple, Audi, BMW, Continental, Gemalto, GM, LG, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Volkswagen.
Gemalto:
“For more than 2 years Gemalto is strongly supporting the CCC work to standardize the Digital Key,” said Christine Caviglioli – Senior Vice President – Automotive & Mobility Services at Gemalto. “We are convinced the standardization of digital car keys will foster the digitalization of mobility services like car sharing, car rental and fleet management. Gemalto is actively engaged to support vehicle OEMs in rolling out these series for their customers.”
GlobalPlatform:
“GlobalPlatform is pleased to have a close collaborative relationship with the Car Connectivity Consortium and welcome the release of this specification which forms the basis of a digital key ecosystem that covers all cars and devices,” said Kevin Gillick, GlobalPlatform Executive Director. “It will deliver a first step towards a fully interoperable digital car key solution using a GlobalPlatform secure component to protect the digital car key.”
NFC Forum:
“The CCC’s standards-based Digital Key Specification demonstrates how NFC technology’s widespread availability, convenience, and ease of use enable a breakthrough solution,” said Paula Hunter, Executive Director of the NFC Forum. “We’re pleased that the NFC Forum’s specifications provide a foundation for the CCC specification and its ability to deliver a wealth of smart mobility opportunities.”
NXP:
“Smart devices are helping to facilitate new mobility. The CCC brings leading smart device and vehicle OEMs together, to elevate secure vehicle access to the next level,” said Rainer Lutz, Director Digital Key & NFC at NXP Semiconductors. “I am excited that proven NFC technology, in combination with secure elements, are the building blocks to achieve that vision.”
Volkswagen:
“VW has supported and contributed to Digital Key Standardization activity of CCC from the first day. We’re excited to see the fast specification development and now the release of Version 1. We’re proud to provide the innovative Digital Key Service for our customers to use our cars soon. VW is looking forward to cooperate with other CCC members to continue on development and standardization of Version 2 to even reach more markets and customers.”
The CCC is already working on release 2.0, which it expects will arrive during the first quarter of 2019. The group didn’t say how long before consumers can expect to see the technology gracing their local automobile showroom.
