Automaker to sell cars without keys by 2017 [PHOTO]

Volvo is set to change an integral part of cars.

According to

Once car owners have this app, they can use their phones to lock and unlock the car, open the trunk, start the engine, more.

Motoring reports that this digital key app can be used on more than one Volvo, with more than one phone.

Henrik Green, Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars, said:

“At Volvo we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time. Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way.

Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a car can be accessed and shared. Instead of sitting idle in a parking lot the entire day, cars could be used more often and efficiently by whoever the owner wishes.”

READ: Volvo teams up with Microsoft, gives users ability to talk to car

While this is a wonderful idea, it poses other challenges.

What happens if the user's phone dies or is misplaced?

However, it is important to note that if these issues are addressed and the digital key is achieved, Volvo will become the first automaker to sell cars without keys.

READ: Samsung partners with Volvo, launches Safety Truck

Volvo is also set to debut a car-sharing firm called Sunfleet.

Here is what Martin Rosenqvist, the New Car Director of Special Products at Volvo Cars, had to say about this car-sharing platform.

“There are obviously many permutations when it comes to how this shared key technology can be used. We look forward to seeing how else this technology might be used in the future and we welcome any and all ideas.”

Sunfleet, which will work with the new digital key technology, will also be revealed, next year.