MUMBAI: No more fumbling for car keys Hyundai owners are now tapping their way into the future. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that 33 per cent of buyers have signed up for its Digital Key feature, marking a sharp shift in how Indians want to interact with their cars. Rolled out first in the Hyundai ALCAZAR in September 2024, and extended to the Hyundai CRETA Electric in January 2025, the Digital Key uses NFC technology to replace the need for a physical key. Owners can simply tap their smartphone, smartwatch, or NFC card on the car’s door handle to lock or unlock, and place it on the wireless charging pad to start the engine.
The feature’s versatility has struck a chord 35 per cent of users are actively sharing their keys with family, friends, or drivers. Each key can be extended to up to three users or seven devices at a time, offering both flexibility and control. And for the forgetful, it eliminates the age-old panic of misplacing the car key.
HMIL managing director Unsoo Kim noted: “The enthusiastic response to Digital Key reaffirms our belief in creating technology that adds real value to everyday life. We were the first to launch connected car technology in India in 2019, and we remain committed to democratising such premium features.”
With Hyundai steadily shaping India’s connected mobility landscape, the success of Digital Key signals that tech-driven convenience is no longer a luxury, it’s an expectation. As uptake climbs, HMIL is expected to roll out the feature across more models, making the smartphone the new car key for millions of Indians.
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