The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization dedicated to enhancing vehicle-to-device connectivity, announced a significant achievement in its CCC Digital Key™️ Certification Program: automotive giant BMW Group and semiconductor manufacturer NXP® Semiconductors have become the first to receive CCC Digital Key certification.
BMW Group earned the certification for its comprehensive digital key product, enabling drivers to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using a CCC Digital Key-enabled smartphone via near-field communication (NFC). NXP was certified for the secure element and NFC chipsets in their digital key solution, facilitating car access and ignition with an NFC-enabled device.
This certification confirms that the NFC-based access functions of a digital key product adhere to the CCC’s stringent requirements for secure and interoperable vehicle-to-device access, overcoming significant barriers to consumer adoption. Historically, proprietary digital key implementations lacked interoperability standards, hindering widespread acceptance. However, McKinsey & Company research indicates that over 90% of vehicles sold by 2030 will be connected, a sharp increase from today’s 50%. As connected cars grow in popularity, it’s crucial for all elements of the vehicle-to-device ecosystem to align with universal standards to maximize consumer benefits.
“Certifying digital key solutions across the vehicle-to-device ecosystem is essential for increasing adoption and building trust among consumers and the industry,” stated Alysia Johnson, President of the CCC. “Since launching the CCC Digital Key Certification Program in December, our diverse membership, which includes automakers, device manufacturers, suppliers, and tech companies, has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. We’re proud to certify BMW and NXP and look forward to the CCC Digital Key logo appearing on more implementations soon.”
Benefits of CCC Digital Key Certification:
Enhanced Security to Instill Consumer Trust: Certification enhances credibility among consumers, partners, and stakeholders, affirming the security and reliability of a manufacturer’s digital key implementation.
Proven Interoperability to Improve User Experience: Ensures global compatibility of products and services, offering a seamless experience with CCC Digital Key, regardless of car or device.
Greater Brand Confidence to Drive Future Growth: Certified companies can display the CCC Digital Key logo on their products, social media, and marketing materials, signaling a commitment to high industry standards and attracting new customers.
“The security of digital keys has been a primary consumer concern since the technology’s inception, and a universal standard is crucial for trust and consistency,” said Jerome Legros, Vice President of Secure Embedded Transactions at NXP. “As a charter member of the CCC, NXP has led the way in enabling trustworthy vehicle-to-device access through our Secure Element technology. As the first semiconductor supplier certified under this universal standard, we believe NXP’s integrated systems will advance this rapidly growing market.”
The CCC Digital Key Certification Program currently includes end-to-end interoperability testing and certifies NFC implementations. Certified members or those pursuing certification will also access future certifications for Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), enabling remote commands, and ultra-wideband with BLE, providing full passive entry capabilities. These additional certifications will be available later this year.
“We strive to offer our drivers the best possible experience, and ensuring our digital key’s interoperability through CCC’s certification is vital to that effort,” said Kai Barbehön, Vice President of Development Central Control Units, Wiring Harness, Power Supply at BMW Group. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the CCC, considering the CCC Digital Key an integral feature of our current and future vehicle platforms.”
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