As the younger generations become the main drivers on the UK’s roads, fewer motorists will recall the simple flat blades that, until the 1990s, were common across all makes and models of cars. Made from metal and featuring distinctive ridges and grooves that matched the locking mechanisms on the vehicle, these primitive keys were easy to duplicate but, conversely, easy to steal.
The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly growing, accounting for approximately 17 per cent of all cars sold in the UK in 2022, a figure which is forecast to rise to 80 per cent by the end of the decade as the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles draws nearer. While the focus on EVs is often given to their reliance on battery power instead of conventional fuels, it is vital that garages and vehicle dealerships don’t overlook the wider implications, including the supply of replacement car keys.
In a significant development for BMW drivers and users of Android smartphones, BMW has expanded the compatibility of its revolutionary Digital Key Plus feature. Previously limited to iPhone and Apple Watch integration, BMW’s Digital Key Plus is now accessible to all customers via their Android devices, a game-changing technology that replaces the traditional vehicle key and unlocks a wealth of technological possibilities with ultra-wideband technology.
In this article, we’ll explore the exciting features and benefits of BMW’s Digital Key Plus for Android users.
The Covid-19 pandemic caused unprecedented change across many industries worldwide, with the automotive sector being no exception. For many businesses, managing the health and wellbeing of customers and staff proved to be a challenge, particularly when trying to ensure that sales volumes were not adversely impacted.
Keyless entry systems are an increasingly common feature of modern vehicles, offering car owners enhanced levels of convenience and reducing the likelihood and cost of being locked out. However, according to a leading automotive magazine and website, it can be 90 per cent faster for a thief to steal a keyless car than a model with a conventional key and ignition so it’s imperative that vehicle owners know how to stop keyless car theft by utilising effective anti-theft devices.
Car keys have changed considerably over the years, from primitive metal blades that can be easily recut, to complex transponder keys that can only be reproduced with a specialist car key programmer.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of car keys, from the earliest variants to the modern day.
Back in the 1980s, vehicle crime was endemic, with poor-quality locks accessed by flat blade keys offering minimal protection against determined car thieves. Advances in vehicle security, including remote key fobs, engine immobilisers, and GPS trackers, significantly reduced levels of car crime in the decades that followed, but recent car theft from UK statistics have revealed worrying trends that should concern all motorists:
With rapid advances in technology pervading every aspect of life, it’s little surprise that smartphones and apps are now being integrated into the automotive industry. With the advent of features such as Apple’s CarKey, smartphones are being transformed into virtual car keys.
According to official figures, domestic transport in the UK emits 107.5 million tonnes of CO² each year. While emissions are falling compared to pre-pandemic levels, the government has committed to drastically reducing the nation’s carbon footprint by banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
Auto locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the security and functionality of vehicle locks. To deliver top-notch services, it is essential for these professionals to source their products from quality car key wholesalers, such as Advanced Keys.