The ultimate guide to OEM vehicle key design and use

Covering 240 models from 35 brands

The keys supplied with new vehicles have evolved from simple mechanical devices to electronic wireless

devices with multiple functions for operating the locking and engine starting systems. SBD explain the

technology used, the features available, and the cost for replacement of the latest vehicle key designs in a

database covering all major vehicle manufacturers selling passenger cars in Europe.

The keys now also incorporate the brand image of the vehicle with strong styling and aesthetic form rather

than simply functional designs. Flip or jacknife designs allow the key blade to be folded into the body of the

key, multiple buttons and sometimes multiple LED’s are smoothly integrated into a profile that looks high

tech but is still easy for the customer to use. This database includes photographs of all keys supplied with

new vehicles to clearly show the latest styling and layout trends so that you can ensure your new designs

can compete.

For additional information contact Alessio at ABallatore@sbd.co.uk or

telephone +32 478 765506 and he will be happy to deal with your

enquiry.

Unlocking the secrets of Unlocking the secrets of

vehicle keys vehicle keys -- design, design,

technology, use and coststechnology, use and costs

SBD Secure Car researchSBD Secure Car research

With SBD’s Key and Transponder Type Database

you can see:

A comprehensive list of keys of 240 leading models covering 35 vehicle manufacturers

An overview of each key including who

supplies it, how much it costs, and its underlying technology

Detailed functionality, including RF

technology and smart key features Styling detail with full colour photographs of

each key How much it costs for a customer to replace

the key including purchasing and programming

SBD’s Key and Transponder Database is the most comprehensive overview available of vehicle key design. To the customer the key represents more than just a method of entering and starting the vehicle, and future designs are likely to be increasingly interactive, acting as a user interface outside the vehicle. As functionality increases, the challenge is to incorporate new functions but keep the styling appealing to customers. The database focuses on four main sections to describe what keys are supplied with the vehicle, the mechanical key blade, the radio frequency functions, and the immobiliser transponder. Apply built-in filters to see the keys categorised by type, or to view only those keys with specific features or functions. Note: This database does not include some of the smaller vehicle manufacturers.

Key Blade

Vehicle

Manufacturer: The vehicle brand Model: The specific vehicle model Key communication: The communication method used by the vehicle; categorised by whether or not the key system uses RF signals to send commands to the vehicle, and if it is equipped with smart key

Key System Overview

Key system: Reference code for the key system of the vehicle Key description: Reference code for type of mechanical key blade fitted to the key fob Image: Reference code to the design and appearance of the key No. of keys issued with vehicle Total cost of standard key: The cost of replacing the complete key (including the key blade, key head [electronics] and the cost of programming) when bought from an OEM dealership.

Details of the key blade including the type(double sided, laser, Internal 2–Track, Internal

4-Track, External 2-Track or Dimple Pin), manufacturer, number of disk/tumblers and cost

of replacing the key blade of the vehicle key

Transponder

A description of the transponder fitted to the key and whether the

transponder is a discrete and separate component within the key

assembly or if the transponder operation is emulated as a function

of the electronics.

Electronics

Lists the RF signal frequencies which the key uses to send commands to the vehicle, the

possible commands the key fob can send the vehicle, whether the key is fitted with an LED and

the specific cost of replacing the electronic key head of the vehicle key.

The ultimate database for vehicle key and transponder type ...

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About the report authors...

For a quotation or further information please contact

Alessio Ballatore on:

Email: ABallatore@sbd.co.uk

Phone: +32 478 765506

Fax: +44 (0)1908 305 106

Pricing:

Report Electronic pdf copy

2314 - Key and Transponder Type

Database €1400

Craig Best - Secure Car Technical Analyst

Craig’s background is in Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University and he has a wide understanding of vehicle

design principles. He has provided extensive research on a number of SBD projects. As a technical analyst, he helps to

evaluate and maintain SBD’s vehicle and security system research databases. His current specialisation is in global theft

statistics and vehicle technical information.

Tim Lewis - Secure Car Junior Technical Analyst

Tim studied Product Design Engineering at Swansea University, and has a background in the principles of design and

manufacture. Tim supports the research for Secure Car projects and maintains a range of databases as part of the activities

of the Advanced Research Division. He is responsible for maintaining the information in core knowledge areas, focussing on

analysis of theft statistics and global insurance trends.