Thales introduces NFC CARd Key to transform vehicle access

Leading advanced technology provider Thales has unveiled its NFC CARd Key solution, setting a new standard in the automotive industry’s shift toward digital car keys. This innovation promises seamless, secure, and user-friendly vehicle access solutions, redefining the driving experience for millions.

The NFC CARd Key complements Thales’s existing digital car key system, adhering to the standards of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). The solution enables drivers to unlock, lock, and start their vehicles using either their smartphones or the innovative contactless card, offering flexibility and reliability in equal measure.

Addressing Industry Trends

As the demand for digital car key technologies surges, driven by a projected annual growth rate exceeding 21% from 2023 to 2031, Thales is leveraging its expertise in vehicle access solutions to meet market expectations. By combining convenience and cybersecurity, Thales aims to help automakers enhance customer satisfaction while addressing potential challenges, such as smartphone unavailability or connectivity issues.

The NFC CARd Key, built with cutting-edge contactless card technology, serves as a robust alternative to smartphones. Designed to operate like a contactless payment card, it ensures secure, encrypted communication with vehicles, enabling instant access and engine ignition with a simple tap.

Enhancing Mobility and Convenience

Thales’s vehicle access solutions are tailored for diverse use cases. For private car owners, digital credentials stored on smartphones or contactless cards enable simplified sharing of car access with family or friends. Rental car providers can eliminate physical key handovers, creating a frictionless process for customers.

Furthermore, the NFC CARd Key is durable, offering more than 10 years of reliable functionality and resistance to extreme temperatures. Beyond its technical prowess, the contactless card technology provides automakers with customisation options, allowing personalised designs featuring unique effects like 3D visuals and tactile finishes.

Cybersecurity at the Core

Thales brings over 15 years of experience in delivering secure, connectivity-driven solutions to the automotive industry. The NFC CARd Key is underpinned by advanced cybersecurity measures, ensuring data protection for vehicle systems and mobile devices.

Christine Caviglioli, Vice President of Automotive at Thales, remarked on the company’s mission to deliver secure mobility solutions that adapt to modern driving needs. She emphasised the NFC CARd Key as a critical component in Thales’s broader vehicle access solutions, ensuring drivers and automakers benefit from a flexible, reliable approach to car access.

“With the NFC CARd Key, Thales bridges the gap between convenience and security, empowering the automotive industry with innovative tools for safer and smarter mobility,” Caviglioli stated.

Unlocking the Future of Automotive Technology

The NFC CARd Key is a testament to Thales’s commitment to innovation, offering automakers a scalable solution that adapts to the evolving digital landscape. By integrating contactless card technology with advanced cybersecurity, Thales ensures that drivers experience a seamless and secure journey every time they interact with their vehicles.