SBD reports contain a complete range of technical and market issues for Smart Key systems across the world.
This database provides an up-to-date picture of the smart key market in Europe. The database lists each system by manufacturer and model, grade availability and option cost where applicable. It also details the features of each system illustrated with numerous photographs to ensure a good understanding of the range of solutions currently in use.
Using SBD’s extensive expertise in the European marketplace, this report identifies the main trends in the development of smart key systems. It focuses on both the vehicle manufacturer implementation and the suppliers’ current and future strategies. It analyses each of the technologies available for the four main features of a smart key system; smart unlock, smart lock, smart start and emergency start.
This report details how American consumer attitudes and usage of RF control for lock/unlock has created underlying issues towards the slow growth of Smart Key in the USA. However, the report's analysis of fitment strategies and possible motivators predicts an increase in Smart Key system sales and helps vehicle manufacturers realise how they can increase the acceptance of this technology.
This report specifically focuses on the customer needs and expectations of Smart Key systems. It highlights how important it is for manufacturers to design well thought out systems that satisfy customers’ requirements. The information used throughout this report is sourced from SBD’s smart key end-customer research and an in-depth knowledge gained from extensive vehicle benchmarking activities.
This study provides analysis of the fitment strategies of smart key systems for each of the 9 major domestic vehicle manufacturers in Japan.
Highlighting significant changes to the Japanese smart key market since SBD's original study in 2005, this report describes the systems fitted for each manufacturer and includes optional costs, supplier names and the system features for each model. It will be of particular benefit to non-Japanese vehicle manufacturers and suppliers interested in developing smart key products for sale in the rapidly growing smart key market.
This report provides essential information on the issues that will influence the future development of smart key systems.
Additionally, for the first time, the report includes a top level summary of the results of SBD’s recent end customer survey, providing an insight into the real needs of the customer.
Extensive testing has revealed that the Audi A4 Advanced Key system technology supplied by Marquardt offers excellent overall performance, class leading interior coverage for Smart Start, and intuitive back-up methods in the event of system failure.
The latest report in SBD’s “World Class Smart Key” benchmark series takes a detailed look at the Audi A4 Smart Key System and helps answer these questions from a technical and end user perspective; crucial knowledge for any OEM and supplier.
Extensive testing has revealed that the Mercedes C Class Keyless Go technology supplied by Marquardt offers good overall performance in SBD’s industry accredited, independent benchmark evaluation.
The latest report in SBD’s “World Class Smart Key” benchmark series takes a detailed look at the Mercedes C Class Smart Key System and helps answer these questions from a technical and end user perspective; crucial knowledge for any OEM and supplier.
The Laguna II was fitted with Renault’s second generation smart key system.
The system was offered as standard equipment on the top six grades of the Laguna model and is called “Hands-Free” by Renault.
Renault’s first generation smart key system was released in 2001 and was only available in LHD European markets.
The Smart Key and Smart Start functions of the Renault Laguna are tested and evaluated for Convenience, Features, and Security. As well as detailed results, the reports also produce headline “star ratings” in each category, enabling simple comparisons to be made between each system.
Both Smart entry and Smart start of the Vauxhall Zafira were judged in three main
areas of Convenience, Features & Security. The evaluation is based on
SBD’s experience of customer expectation, competitor systems, and
vehicle security. In the area of security the vehicle was assessed against
Thatcham’s smart key criteria and against additional items judged by SBD
as potential security issues.
The VW Passat was the first model from VW to be equipped with a smart key system supplied by Hella (other systems within the Audi/VW group are supplied by Siemens). VW refer to the system “KESSY” and was available as an option on most models in both RHD and LHD European
markets. The VW Passat is a “D” segment model and competes with models including the Audi A6, Volvo S40 and BMW 3-series, which all offer smart key systems. This report examines the smart key system and rates it on conveinence, features and security.
The Swift was the first model from Suzuki to be fitted with a smart key
system in Europe. Suzuki’s system is called Keyless Start and a German specification five door model was used for the evaluation.
The Smart Key and Smart Start functions of the Ford Focus are tested and evaluated for Convenience, Features, and Security. As well as detailed results, the reports also produce headline “star ratings” in each category, enabling simple comparisons to be made between each system.
Overall, the Volvo S40 offers a high level of customer convenience; for
example the entrance and starting of the vehicle are intuitive and based around conventional technology which should be familiar with most users. The selection of standard features, although adequate,
were considered by SBD to be a lower specification to some other vehicle smart key systems previously evaluated.
The Smart Key and Smart Start functions of the Audi A6 are tested and evaluated for Convenience, Features, and Security. As well as detailed results, the reports also produce headline “star ratings” in each category, enabling simple comparisons to be made between each system.
The Micra was the first car from Nissan to be fitted with a smart key
system. Nissan are unique in offering the system as a standard fit on
certain grades. Other manufacturers offer smart key as customer
option. This report covers the detailed investigation of the functionality and
performance of the smart key system as factory fitted to the Nissan
Micra.
The Smart Key and Smart Start functions of the Volkswagen Touareg are tested and evaluated for Convenience, Features, and Security. As well as detailed results, the reports also produce headline “star ratings” in each category, enabling simple comparisons to be made between each system.