Thales is enhancing vehicle access with its latest contactless solutions, aimed at improving user experiences while ensuring data security in the automotive industry. The company’s offerings include a digital car key solution compliant with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard, now complemented by the introduction of the Thales NFC CARd Key. These innovations enable drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using either their smartphones or the new NFC card.
With over 15 years of experience in the automotive sector, Thales combines its expertise in connectivity and cybersecurity to provide secure and efficient solutions for car manufacturers. The digital car key system allows drivers to access their vehicles effortlessly, even with their smartphones stored in pockets or bags. This flexibility supports various automotive use cases, such as enabling private car owners to share access with family and friends, or allowing car rental companies to streamline the rental process by eliminating the need for physical keys.
The Thales NFC CARd Key serves as a reliable alternative when smartphone access is disrupted. Functioning similarly to a contactless payment card, it establishes secure and encrypted communication with the vehicle, allowing for quick access and engine start through a simple tap. This card is designed to withstand high temperatures and boasts over a decade of durability in the field, ensuring robust protection while enhancing user convenience.
The digital car key market is projected to grow at an impressive annual rate of over 21% from 2023 to 2031, reflecting the automotive industry's shift from traditional to digital solutions. To address this demand, Thales has integrated strong cybersecurity measures into its digital car key offerings, ensuring that drivers' credentials are securely created and stored both in vehicles and on mobile devices or contactless cards.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the NFC CARd Key offers automotive manufacturers a unique branding opportunity, as the card’s design can be customised with various printing options, including 3D effects and tactile varnish. This allows manufacturers to create distinctive products that enhance their brand identity.
Through these advancements, Thales continues to support the evolving needs of the automotive sector, facilitating easier and more secure access to vehicles while addressing the challenges posed by digital transformation.
