Say goodbye to car keys: Israeli startup develops mobile version

People will no longer have to frantically search for car keys to unlock their vehicles. A new groundbreaking technology is now available in Israel that provides drivers with the same advanced features enabled by sophisticated keys offered by Tesla and other luxury car manufacturers. Cobra’s Mobile-Key is controlled from a driver’s smartphone and works for vehicles ordered directly from car importers and can also be installed in many older model vehicles as well. Replacing a car key is expensive and can cost anywhere from $300-$1,200.

The Mobile-Key device can open and close doors, move the vehicle, open the trunk, and flash the lights. It is based on BLE technology, operates using Bluetooth within 15 square meters from the vehicle in an urban environment, and is secured using the most sophisticated encryption available. Following installation, the physical key can still be used, allowing the driver to open the vehicle either manually or via the app. In addition, the Mobile-Key enables drivers to share or unshare access over laptops with as many as five additional users via the app and its Mobile-Key card, which improves safety especially among valet parking.

Israel’s Cobra has been involved in automotive safety and protection systems, multimedia devices and comfort solutions for over three decades. It has manufactured, imported, marketed and installed a wide range of technologically innovative products, including advanced navigation and entertainment and communication systems, comfort and safety accessories, parking sensors, front and rear auxiliary cameras, rear monitors, innovative vehicle protection systems, luxury design products, and various complementary systems. It also functions as an independent contractor for carrying out installations for Delek Motors.

“We are excited to be the first to make the most talked-about technology accessible to the Israeli market, enabling it to be installed immediately in hundreds of thousands of vehicles on the roads,” Cobra’s statement read. “We are now able to afford all Israeli drivers a life without car keys. It’s a convenient and accessible solution that will undoubtedly save the forgetful among us a lot of money on duplicating keys.”

The company plans to collaborate with institutional customers, car importers and car rental companies. In the coming months, it plans to expand its activities and launch the product abroad, with the first phase planned in the United States and Europe.

System installation, connecting to the vehicle’s electrical system, and vehicle and phone synchronization take around 60 minutes, and can be completed by a qualified technician at a customer's home. The recommended retail price of Mobile-Key is NIS 1,190 ($365) plus tax. The cost of the system includes installation at the customer’s residence or place of choice.