Smart card opens the door

Valeo and Renault have developed a hands-free electronic card that replaces the keys for the new Laguna, which went on sale in Europe in January. The electronic identifier has the shape of a credit card, although it is thicker. The card is used to open the doors and to start the engine. Embedded electronics include a transmitter that works like a common remote control unit, with “lock” and “unlock” buttons. However, the one master card for each car has a third button, “automatic,” which works by radio transmission.