Valeo's InBlue tech puts vehicle info and a virtual key on the driver's wrist

Valeo is demonstrating its InBlue smartphone- and smartwatch-based virtual key during the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas. 

Valeo InBlue – debuting in North America at CES – uses Bluetooth technology to lock and unlock the vehicle either with a smartwatch or a smartphone. It also enables secure vehicle sharing, remote parking and access to such vehicle data as tire pressure, fuel level and last location where the vehicle was parked.

Valeo’s InBlue virtual key extends the capabilities of its passive entry systems to integrate new uses and behaviors related to the Internet of Things. InBlue is easy to install and communicates with the vehicle through a virtual key stored in a smartphone or smartwatch via the secure InBlue platform. Security is on a level with that of mobile payment systems.

With InBlue, motorists can leave their keys at home yet still have complete access to their vehicle. It also allows them to connect to vehicle data remotely, including a check on the fuel level. Data is regularly backed up in the smartphone and is available no matter how far the driver is from the vehicle.

Motorists also can use InBlue to virtually transmit the vehicle key to another person, making it easy to share the vehicle with someone else. InBlue could be equipped on vehicles as early as 2016.

In addition to InBlue, Valeo is featuring live demonstrations of its Cruise4U automated driving prototype and its smart lighting technologies of the future: BeamAtic PremiumLED headlights, which allow high beam to remain on without blinding oncoming drivers; and Laser lighting, which can light up the road at distances of up to 600 meters with compact designs that do not interfere with headlamp styling.

“Valeo is committed to developing technologies that make cars smarter, safer and easier to drive by adapting to the driver and surrounding environment,” said Jean-François Tarabbia, senior vice-president, Research & Development and Product Marketing. “With heightened consumer demand for intuitive driving systems and connected vehicles, technologies such as InBlue, Cruise4U and BeamAtic PremiumLED will help motorists maneuver in a variety of driving systems and make it easier to interact with other vehicles while delivering an enjoyable driving experience.”

Valeo at present has 122 plants, 16 research centres, 34 development centres, 12 distribution platforms and employs 79,500 people in 29 countries worldwide.