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Toyota develops app to start up car from smartphone

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 1: Japanese car maker Toyota has developed an app called Smart Key Box that lets people use smartphones to access and start up a car.
By IANS

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 1: Japanese car maker Toyota has developed an app called Smart Key Box that lets people use smartphones to access and start up a car.


The app would only allow users that have previously signed up for the shared-use car to operate it, providing a more secure way of lending and renting cars, Toyota said in a statement on Monday.


For the pilot programme that will begin in San Francisco in January has invested in Getaround in October -- a peer-to-peer sharing service that allows private car owners to rent out their vehicles when they are not using them.


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The device works with a cloud service where an individual can be given access to a specific car for a set time period, CNET reported.


According to Toyota, Smart Key Box "can be placed in a vehicle without modification," enabling engine start and door lock access.


The smartphone app, connecting to Toyota's cloud-based Mobility Services Platform, can also handle payments and loan scheduling.


"The platform has individual business functions like vehicle management systems and leasing programmes," Toyota said.


 

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