In a major leap toward seamless and secure car access, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) has announced a significant expansion of its CCC Digital Key Certification Program, now covering Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies.
This update marks a transformative step in the evolution of digital key standards, reinforcing CCC’s commitment to enabling universal, secure, and interoperable access between vehicles and smart devices.
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is a cross-industry organization dedicated to defining how vehicles interact with devices and the world to create a more seamless and secure consumer experience. CCC standardizes the connected ecosystem around vehicles and devices, bringing together automakers, device manufacturers, automotive suppliers, chip vendors, and security providers to develop solutions that prioritize convenience, security, and privacy protections.
Originally launched in 2023 with a focus on Near-Field Communication (NFC), the certification program quickly became the gold standard for vehicle-to-device connectivity. Now, by integrating Bluetooth LE for proximity-based remote keyless entry and UWB for secure passive entry and start, CCC has laid the groundwork for a new era of digital convenience in mobility.
Alysia Johnson, President of CCC, said, “The evolution of the CCC Digital Key Certification Program reflects our ongoing commitment to simplifying and securing how vehicles and devices interact. By expanding support to Bluetooth LE and UWB, we’re enabling a future where consumers enjoy seamless and private access to their vehicles—regardless of the device or manufacturer.”
Raising The Bar For Connected Car Standards
The updated certification program delivers a host of new benefits designed to elevate the digital key experience across the automotive ecosystem:
- End-to-End Interoperability: Ensures seamless interaction between devices and vehicles through NFC for tap-based access, Bluetooth LE for remote unlock, and UWB for high-security passive entry and start—all working together for a cohesive user experience.
- Enhanced Security: Certifies secure storage and processing of digital keys on the mobile device’s secure element, protecting against advanced hardware and software attacks.
- Cross-Platform Key Sharing: Allows users to safely share digital keys across ecosystems—such as iOS and Android—ensuring flexibility without compromising security.
- Hands-Free Convenience: With Bluetooth LE and UWB working in tandem, users can keep their phones in their pockets while enjoying hands-free vehicle access and start functionality.
- Industry-Trusted Standards: Incorporates validation from leading standards bodies including NFC Forum, Bluetooth SIG, and the FiRa Consortium, promoting cross-industry credibility and adoption.
Shaping The Future Of Connected Mobility
The CCC’s Digital Key Certification has rapidly gained traction, certifying its first digital key products in 2024 and signalling a pivotal shift in how automakers and device manufacturers align on interoperability and consumer trust.
John Sergakis, Chairperson of CCC, called the expansion a “transformative step” for the global automotive industry, stating, “By setting a universal standard for digital key solutions, we’re empowering automakers and technology providers to meet modern consumer expectations for security, ease-of-use, and cross-platform support.”
As digital lifestyles continue to blend with transportation, the expansion of the CCC Digital Key Certification Program reflects the industry's proactive move toward standardized, secure, and user-friendly connectivity—a crucial enabler in the rise of smart, connected vehicles.
With this development, the CCC is not just enhancing digital car keys—it is redefining how people and machines connect, unlocking a smarter, safer future for all.
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