Verizon users may never be without a ride again thanks to the telecom provider’s new Auto Share service debuted this week at the 2014 ITS World Congress in Detroit.
The new service operates in a similar fashion to Zipcar: Users scan a QR code on a car’s windshield via a smartphone app to get that vehicle’s ID number. After the number is validated, the car can be unlocked and started remotely. A key fob will be stashed inside the vehicle.
Verizon officials stated that they are working on integrating the Auto Share app with other features, including Delphi Connect devices for monitoring and locating cars.
Auto Share is due to launch by the end of 2014. Verizon has said it will include Auto Share and other related promotional offers in its regular phone plans. Eventually, the telecom company plans to extend the technology behind Auto Share into other markets, for everything from motels to commercial storage.
