BMW and NXP Semiconductors have unveiled a prototype car key that features contactless payments and e-ticketing technology.
Powered by NXP's SmartMX security chip, the multifunction key marries mobility and payment to offer on-the-go consumers a combination of personalised access control, contactless payments and public transport e-ticketing.
"With the concept of integrating contactless payment functionality in a car key, we are working on the combination of automotive technology and lifestyle," says Professor Raymond Freymann, managing director of BMW Group Research and Technology. "In cooperation with NXP we are doing research in enhancing the capabilities of the car key into one smart device for access, payment, and services that will simplify the lives of BMW car drivers in future. It will help us to stay in touch with our drivers directly and deliver a complete range of mobility-enhancing services."
In the future, he says, car owners may benefit from the ease-of-use of contactless payments for ad-hoc transactions including general shopping, paying for petrol, public transport, parking and road tolls, replacing the need for cash or additional cards. The key may also be used to deliver personalised in-vehicle online services, he adds, or switched to other cars and users for renting or sharing.
NXP will take the prototype for a public test drive at its booth during the Cartes show in Paris in early November.