Savvy drivers will be able to lock and unlock their cars by simply placing their smartphones over an NFC-tag (Near Field Communication), making it unnecessary to use traditional key fobs, according to the world's fifth largest car maker.

When inside, a driver can then place it in the centre console, activating their profile and streaming content to the car's seven-inch touchscreen. From music and phone contacts to radio station preferences and individual profile settings, nearly all data stored on the phone can be integrated into the car , not too dissimilar to many models today. The mobile phone's battery is also said to be able to recharge wirelessly - like Toyota are now doing in various models.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motors Europe, said: "With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion. As the technology continually develops there will be capabilities to store driver's seating positions and exterior mirror settings, providing customers with a comfortable and individual driving environment."


And for those families who share the driving duties of one car, the technology demonstrated in the New Generation i30 will be able to recognise different smartphones, with the in-car settings being tailored to each driver.

It will also incorporate technology to wirelessly access and control personal content through the touchscreen, including navigation, internet-based applications and multimedia.


Hyundai is working with Broadcom to develop the system securely and hopes to 'power the next generation of connected cars' by 2015.

"With this technology, functions such as infotainment, telematics and other driver assistance systems like reverse parking cameras and lane departure warning will be integrated into Hyundai's cars," Mr Rushforth added.

Although the technology is not that much more advanced than many smartphone systems in cars today, it should make commutes more enjoyable and interactive - engaging drivers in an experience that is far more fun than using the old-fashioned key fob.