Consumer preference has increasingly favored keyless entry systems, encompassing both active and passive variants, in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This trend is propelled by the convenience of vehicle access and the enhanced aesthetic appeal these systems provide. Despite these positive aspects, there is a palpable concern among consumers, fueled by numerous incidents of theft involving vehicles with keyless entry systems. This apprehension is expected to serve as a deterrent to the growth of the keyless entry segment, with the APAC keyless entry system market projected to experience a marginal compound annual growth rate (CAGR) decline of 0.5% between 2024 and 2029, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Global Sector Overview & Forecast: Vehicle Access, Anti-theft, and Security Market Trends – Q2 2024,” reveals that the keyless entry system market in APAC, encompassing both active and passive entry systems, is estimated at 50.7 million units in 2024 and is expected to slightly decline to 49.4 million units in 2029.
Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The keyless entry system in vehicles incorporates numerous security features to deter theft. Nevertheless, as automotive technology progresses, so too do the techniques and tools employed by hackers. This evolution has compelled manufacturers to concentrate on developing innovative solutions to thwart theft.
“A variety of innovations have been introduced, each at different phases of development, to mitigate these risks. For instance, the innovation designed to prevent vehicle relay attacks is currently in an accelerated stage of development, with its adoption on the rise. This particular innovation is intended to block unauthorized access to vehicles by criminals who exploit radio signals to capture and replicate electronic signals from a vehicle’s smart keys.”
Denso, Tokai Rika, and Aisin are among the leading companies in the industry that are dedicated to enhancing both security and user convenience through innovation. Denso, for example, has created a patented vehicle authentication system comprising a ring-type wearable device, an in-vehicle apparatus, and a communication terminal to authenticate vehicle usage. The system utilizes both short-range and wide-area communication modules to verify user identity, aiming to bolster security while maintaining user convenience.
Furthermore, the advent of autonomous vehicles has led manufacturers to focus on innovations specifically designed for these types of vehicles. One such innovation, still in the nascent stages of implementation, is decentralized autonomous vehicle (AV) authentication. This concept involves employing various methods and systems to streamline the authentication process for occupants of autonomous vehicles, thereby enhancing both security and efficiency.
Palit concludes: “The adoption of keyless entry systems has surged among consumers, primarily due to the convenience they offer. However, anticipated security threats could potentially hinder growth in this sector. Manufacturers are investing time and resources to mitigate these risks and bolster market expansion, thereby driving technological advancements and innovations within the industry. Furthermore, the introduction of advanced technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, is transforming the dynamics of vehicle access systems. This evolution necessitates continual innovation to keep pace with the changing landscape of the sector.”
