Car Keys Express is releasing the Universal Smart Key, a product it calls the "world's most advanced car key."
The Louisville-based company, which offers automotive key replacement for businesses and the public, developed a key combining hundreds of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) smart keys into a single retail-friendly device, according to a news release. It's expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The Universal Smart Key costs up to 70% less than dealership prices and is compatible with more than 500 vehicle models from 15 top makes including Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Jeep, GMC, Dodge, Ram, Cadillac, Infiniti, Buick, Chrysler, Acura, Lincoln and Fiat.
Prior to the launch of the Universal Smart Key, Car Keys Express introduced a Universal Car Remote and Universal Car Keys. Now, all forms of key technology over the past 40 years are universal, the release states.
"After more than a decade of investment into universal products, Car Keys Express is no longer just a key replacement company. We've become a technology-driven company," said Mark Lanwehr, founder and CEO of Car Keys Express, in the release. "Our Universal Smart Key strategy allows for many keys of varying vehicle makes and models to be combined into a single universal key. More than any product we've introduced to date, the Universal Smart Key embodies our company's mission to make replacing car keys simple and affordable again.
"There's much more to come, as we continue to invest in disruptive technologies that challenge the unchecked 30-year monopoly."
As Louisville Business First previously reported, Car Keys Express has been among the fastest-growing companies in the Louisville area in recent years, spurring it to move its headquarters from NuLu to the East End in 2020. At the time of the move, the company had 175 employees.
