DENSO, a global leader in automotive technology, is driving the future of vehicle access far beyond the traditional Denso Key Fob. Recognizing the evolution of mobility and the increasing demand for seamless user experiences, DENSO has strategically acquired InfiniteKey, Inc., a company specializing in advanced phone-as-a-key technology. This acquisition marks a significant step in DENSO’s commitment to creating frictionless mobility and revolutionizing how we interact with our vehicles.
This move signals a clear shift in the automotive landscape, moving beyond physical Denso key fobs towards smartphone-based access systems. As ridesharing and driverless technologies become more prevalent, the need for physical keys is diminishing. DENSO is proactively addressing this evolution by investing in technology that not only eliminates the inconvenience of traditional keys but also unlocks a new era of connected mobility services.
Bill Foy, Senior Vice President of Engineering at DENSO International America, emphasizes the customer-centric approach driving this innovation: “When we consider the future of mobility, the customer experience is always at the forefront of our design. Eliminating the need for physical keys will create a headache-free experience for car owners, and ridesharing and driverless services users.” This acquisition underscores DENSO’s dedication to making this vision a reality and pushing the boundaries of vehicle access technologies, moving past even the most advanced Denso key fob functionalities.
InfiniteKey’s expertise lies in utilizing standard Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to precisely locate smartphones relative to vehicles. This technology empowers automakers to implement phone-as-a-key systems that mirror the passive convenience of today’s Denso key fobs. However, unlike traditional key fobs, phone-as-a-key systems open up a wide array of mobility services, crucial for the growth of ridesharing platforms and the advent of driverless vehicles.
Tony Cannestra, Director of Corporate Ventures at DENSO International America, highlights DENSO’s proactive approach to innovation: “This acquisition demonstrates DENSO’s aggressive approach to supporting startups and technologies we view as significantly valuable for the future of the transportation industry.” DENSO is actively seeking partnerships and investments to transform mobility, ensuring they remain at the forefront of automotive technological advancements, even as the role of the physical Denso key fob evolves.
Kevin Virta, former CEO of InfiniteKey, now part of the DENSO team, shares his enthusiasm for this new chapter: “Becoming part of DENSO, with its global reach and world-class engineering, means our phone-as-a-key technology can reach the broadest possible penetration in the automotive market. We are looking forward to making significant contributions to DENSO’s efforts to lead the way in automotive technologies of the future.”
DENSO’s acquisition of InfiniteKey, finalized in October 2017, positions the company as a leader in the evolving landscape of vehicle access. While the familiar Denso key fob has served drivers well for years, DENSO is paving the way for a future where your smartphone becomes the ultimate key, offering enhanced convenience and seamless integration with the next generation of mobility services.
