Latest “Universal Smart Key” release vaults product coverage to 175 million vehicles.
Louisville, KY, August 14, 2023—Car Keys Express, the US-based global leader in automotive key replacement, achieved an unparalleled product development milestone: the company’s proprietary line of retail aftermarket keys and remotes now cover 70% of mainstream vehicles in operation (VIO) in the U.S.
What is VIO and why is it important? VIO data is aggregated from motor vehicle registrations and is used to calculate the total market potential for specific automotive products. Some vendors quote artificially high coverage based on the number of vehicles manufactured instead of vehicles still in operation. VIO data helps resellers cut through the clutter and get to the truth about how many vehicles a vendor’s products can cover.
Car Keys Express formed its R&D team in 2009 and is the only company that manufactures a full line of modern aftermarket car keys, like remote keys and smart keys. Designing aftermarket versions of OEM keys is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the latest OEM processors and increasingly complex encryption algorithms. The company has more than 50 major projects under its belt, each requiring thousands of hours of rigorous development, all meticulously overseen by a team of intellectual property attorneys.
At the core of the company’s development success is its patented “Frequency Agile Transmitter” universal key technology which allows a single device to function across multiple vehicle makes and models, significantly reducing the number of keys resellers need to stock.
Car Keys Express first introduced the world’s first Universal Car Remote, then world’s first Universal Car Keys, and now the world’s first Universal Smart Key. Billed as the world’s most advanced car key, the company’s new Universal Smart Key covers 60 million vehicles and allows retailers to replace 250 OEM smart keys with a single device.
Watch this video to learn how VIO is the mathematical standard for determining product superiority: [LINK]
By combining thousands of keys into just a handful, Car Keys Express covers more vehicles with fewer SKUs. That’s revolutionizing the industry, paving the way for retailers and locksmiths to regain their former status as the go-to destinations for automotive key replacement.
Features and Benefits
- Replace 1000+ SKUs with just a few
- Compatible with all standard pairing equipment
- High margins for retailers while offering significant savings and customer value
- Designed and assembled in the United States
- Patented universal technology
- 3-year “better than OEM” warranty
- FCC certified
"The cost and complexity of traditional key programs has driven many key replacement companies out of the business,” said Kirk Stewart, Chief Commercial Officer for Car Keys Express. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our R&D team, Car Keys Express’ partners enjoy unmatched vehicle coverage, dependable supply, unrivaled product quality, and extraordinary simplicity at the lowest cost, guaranteed.”
“There are three technologies that define the vast majority of automotive access products: remotes, keys, and smart keys,” said Mark Lanwehr, Founder and CEO of Car Keys Express. “Over the past decade, we’ve leveraged our patented Frequency Agile Transmitter technology to launch Universal Remotes and Universal Keys into major retailers with tremendous success. Now, thanks to the efforts of our R&D team, the release of the world’s first and only Universal Smart Key extends this VIO coverage lead even further. No manufacturer in the world has done more to reduce SKU count and lower costs than Car Keys Express, and retailers are responding.”
Now in its 20th year, Car Keys Express is disrupting the automotive key replacement industry, developing proprietary tools and keys that let resellers easily re-enter the high-margin car key business.
For more information about offering modern key replacement at your stores, contact [email protected]
About Car Keys Express Car Keys Express is a global leader in discount, automotive key replacement for businesses and consumers. The company invented the world's first Universal Car Remote and Universal Car Keys and is the only company that manufactures a full line of aftermarket versions of modern car keys, like remote keys and smart keys. Car Keys Express offers a complete line of retail-friendly solutions to allow retailers to build a key replacement program or enhance an existing program. Car Care Express, a division of Car Keys Express, offers mobile vehicle reconditioning service for businesses and consumers. Founded in 2002, Car Keys Express is continually recognized for excellence in the industry, winning Inc. Magazine’s, “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, AAPEX "Best New Product" Award in 2015 and 2019, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year® in 2017, and EnterpriseCorp’s FAST Innovation Award Winner in 2017, among others. To learn more, visit www.CarKeysExpress.com.
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