Walk Away Locking (WAL) offers the highest level of convenience because the user is not required to operate any vehicle or key fob controls in order to leave their vehicle and for it be locked behind them. It is offered by Renault and Cadillac on a range of models; Mercedes also offer it on their Sprinter van in Europe where it is also configured to automatically unlock and open the sliding side door to appeal to delivery drivers and other commercial users. SBD’s international smart key user survey found that WAL was a highly desirable feature because of the increased convenience.
Although the vehicle is theoretically more secure because the user cannot forget to lock it, across Europe activating the double locking automatically is considered a safety concern because people may become trapped inside the vehicle. Therefore WAL systems do not activate the double locking, meaning that the vehicle is left in a less secure state than if the user had actively locked it. In the USA double locking is now illegal, but in Europe it is still considered a significant security benefit to prevent thieves from easily opening the doors.
Development of Locking Methods
SBD's new report, Walk Away Locking – Convenience Versus Security, explains that linking the system with existing occupant detection technologies can address the safety concerns by preventing double locking if there is someone inside the vehicle, but allowing full security activation of interior alarms and double locking protection if the vehicle is unoccupied when the user walks away from it. In addition to high-tech detection systems such as the Volvo heartbeat sensor, the commonly fitted radar and ultrasonic sensors used to trigger car alarms can also be used to provide this feature enhancement.
SBD predict a growing market for smart key systems, boosted by the solid trend for push button start. SBD research shows that customer satisfaction and desire for smart key systems is very high once they have experienced them with 80% of current users in our survey wanting a smart key system on their next vehicle. By integrating existing technologies to provide the maximum convenience and avoid safety and security issues, vehicle manufacturers may be able to increase fitment levels and customer satisfaction even further.
To learn more about Walk Away Locking or to buy the report Walk Away Locking – Convenience Versus Security, contact Kavitha Kuppuswamy at kkuppuswamy@sbd.co.uk.