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N
issan Motor Company, NTT DOCOMO and Sharp Corporation announced that they have jointly developed a mobile phone capable of functioning as an intelligent key for automobiles - a world's first. The device will incorporate Nissan's Intelligent Key system, already a standard feature in various Nissan vehicles.

Mobile Phone with Built-in Intelligent Key (Prototype)

The convergence of automotive and cellular technologies was made possible by DOCOMO's expertise in the marketability of mobile phones, Sharp's development of the phone itself and Nissan's provision of technical support to ensure the key's operability with its vehicles.

Nissan's Intelligent Key system, installed in more than 950,000 units of various Nissan models*2 since 2002, employs two-way wireless communications technology to automatically unlock/lock*3 the car door and start/stop the engine. Nissan and Sharp has now integrated these electronic intelligent-key, wireless communications and electromagnetic technologies into the new handset.

As mobile phones increasingly become a daily necessity, the integration of these technologies*4 and the potential to further expand related functionality helped to bring together the three parties, who expect users to appreciate the seamlessly integrated features of their new handset.

Nissan, DOCOMO and Sharp will demonstrate this mobile phone with built-in Intelligent Key in their respective exhibits at CEATEC Japan 2008, which begins September 30*5. The three firms will continue to develop the product with an aim for commercial distribution in early fiscal year 2009.

1: As of September 2008, based on Nissan research.
2: As of August 2008, Japan only.
3: Manual remote entry also possible, like with conventional remote key.
4: Mainly automatic keyless entry and engine ignition, lockout prevention, plus conventional manual remote entry.
5: Wednesday, September 30 until Saturday, October 4 at Makuhari Messe.