Denso acquires InfiniteKey, bullish on smartphone-based vehicle access

Technology and component supplier major Denso is betting big on digitalisation. The company is bullish on smartphones to change the way we see them in automotive application, for which it has acquired Holland-based InfiniteKey.

InfiniteKey is developing a Bluetooth-based solution for micro-location services and passive phone-as-a-key technology. Denso, through its acquisition, now gets access to several key patents and R&D resources.

This will enable it to develop phone-as-a-key technology and increase its lead in developing and deploying smartphone-based automotive access, which is a critical component of its strategy to create a future with frictionless mobility. It says this type of technology will become increasingly important for automakers, as ridesharing and driverless services progress beyond the need for keys.

"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," said Bill Foy, senior vice-president of Engineering, Denso International America. "This acquisition brings us one step closer to making this experience a reality and advancing vehicle access technologies."

InfiniteKey’s technology that uses standard Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), allows automakers to rely on phones as passive keys, in the same way they rely upon dedicated passive key fobs today. Unlike key fobs, however, phones as passive key systems enable a broad range of mobility services, such as ridesharing and driverless services.

"This acquisition demonstrates Denso's aggressive approach to supporting startups and technologies we view as significantly valuable for the future of the transportation industry," said Tony Cannestra, director of Corporate Ventures, Denso International America. "Whether it's through direct investment or acquisition, Denso will find a way to support and partner with companies to help transform mobility."

Kevin Virta, CEO of InfiniteKey, said: "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."