BMW engineers are working on a new car key with an integrated credit card chip for simple pay functions at the filling station or shopping centre, according to BMW researcher Hans-Joerg Voegel. The chip is designed to communicate with a card reader and the customer only has to place his/her car key on the counter and leaving behind a signature.
But, according to Voegel, engineers are looking at incorporating other personal data such as favourite radio stations, a telephone directory or subscriptions to BMW's Online platform "Connected Drive." A driver can then use any company car or rented vehicle and call up the personal information when required.