Continental Automotive Components India has revealed that it is the supplier of the Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) system to Mahindra & Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV 500. On May 26 this year, M&M had launched the face-lifted version of the XUV500.

The PKE system consists of an attractively designed key fob, backed by robust engineering to ensure a high level of safety for the vehicle. This system also provides an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) control via the PKE control unit and a start-stop Button with an integrated immobiliser.

When the driver approaches the car and pushes the button on the door handle, the key, which is the identification device with the driver, communicates instantly with the receiver in the PKE system. The electronics identifies the driver as the authorised user and unlocks the door. The engine can be started without the key ever leaving the driver’s pocket: one push of the start/stop button is all it takes to deactivate the steering wheel lock and start the engine.

According to Harikrishna Khandavilli, India Location Head for Business Unit, Body & Security, Continental Automotive Components India, “Continental’s sophisticated electronics upgrades the familiar driver authorisation system into a high-convenience passive start and entry system. We are delighted to supply our PKE System to Mahindra’s new XUV500, making this the first time ever for such a system to be applied in a car manufactured by an Indian OEM.”