![]() ![]() ![]() CEO Mary Barra, in the wake of the ignition switch recall of 2.59 million vehicles that has been linked to at least 36 deaths, told Congress last spring that GM may discontinue using turn-key ignitions: "The push-button start is something we're evaluating putting across the portfolio," she told a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. reports that all models except its Transit and Transit Connect vans/wagons and super-duty and commercial trucks are offered with push-button ignitions. Only about a dozen Chrysler models, primarily large trucks and SUVs, come with traditional metal keys.įord Motor Co. ![]() Many automakers are beginning to offer push-button ignitions as a standard feature.Ĭhrysler Group's newest vehicles - the 2015 200, 2015 Charger and 2015 Challenger - come standard with push-button systems. "You can see where automakers are going with it," said Edmunds senior analyst Jessica Caldwell, adding new generations of car buyers "thrive on convenience." That compares to a decade ago, when it was offered on just five cars. Push-button ignitions are standard or optional in 72 percent of 2014 cars and trucks in the U.S., according to research site. Installation rates are on track to substantially grow for the 2014 model year. Ward's Auto, an industry-watcher that recently started tracking installation rates of push-button ignitions, reports 25.4 percent, or 4.4 million, 2013 model-year cars and trucks sold had the feature. "It's definitely a trend we're continuing to see." "The days of keys are numbered," said Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis for auto researcher AutoPacific. Antennas or sensors in the car recognize and can communicate with the fob using unique coding. Push-button ignitions work via the fob, also known as a "smart key," which allows a driver to keep the device in a pocket, purse or other place when unlocking, locking and starting the vehicle. "There's definitely a much better feeling when you get to feel the car turn on." "It is kind of weird that instead of getting a set of keys, it's a fob," said Michael Marchiori, 17, of Grosse Pointe Shores. The new systems are considered safer and more convenient, but could mean the end for traditional keys. Future generations of drivers may never know the feel of an engine rumbling through the key as they start their cars.Īutomakers are turning away from traditional turn-key ignition switches and installing push-button starters. ![]()
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