DALLAS – April 16, 2012 – VingCard Elsafe, the global leader in hospitality security and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, has partnered with BMW Group, manufacturer of premium automobiles, on the development of revolutionary technology that will enable drivers to book hotel rooms on the go and then access their guestrooms using their car keys. The collaboration between VingCard Elsafe and the BMW Group will change the way travelers book last-minute hotel reservations.

This is how the system works in the research project: Employing BMW’s advanced vehicle navigation systems, drivers can conduct searches for available hotels nearby. Then, leveraging an interface with Micros-Fidelio hotel property management systems, drivers can book their hotel of choice. Once the reservation is booked, the vehicle navigation system guides the driver to the hotel and notifies him or her of the assigned room number. Upon arrival at the property, the guest can proceed straight to the room, bypassing the check-in process. The guest’s BMW key, which is equipped with next-generation Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, has by now wirelessly received an access code for the guestroom lock. The BMW key communicates with the NFC-enabled VingCard Elsafe lock to open the door.

“Once again, VingCard Elsafe is at the very forefront of hotel security technology, giving hoteliers and consumers access to the kind of exciting innovation that only recently seemed like science fiction,” says Tim Shea, President of ASSA ABOY Hospitality. “This collaboration is the pinnacle of convenience for today’s on-the-go travelers, and it further demonstrates VingCard Elsafe’s commitment to accommodating these increasingly self-sufficient consumers. This innovation complements VingCard Elsafe’s award-winning Mobile Keys technology platform, which leverages NFC to instantly turn any mobile device—smartphone, tablet computer, car key—into a guestroom access key.”

The hotel reservations interface in the BMW Group’s research vehicle is safe to use while driving, unlike other forms of mobile booking. Consumers can employ the service with confidence, knowing that user data and payment information is securely transmitted by BMW-backed encryption. Moreover, the drivers will receive special hotel discounts and offers in association with this technology, in addition to special recognition within the hotel.

The arrangement carries special benefits for participating hotels, as well. Besides access to an elite source market—upscale BMW drivers who are looking to immediately make a hotel booking—hoteliers also receive valuable, detailed guest profile data if the customer explicitly wants to share this data. This information will allow for extraordinary customer relationship management and highly targeting marketing opportunities. Furthermore, the system allows for a streamlined transaction, since the booking and check-in process are completely automated.

VingCard Elsafe is the world leader in developing locking systems, electronic in-room safes and energy management solutions for the hospitality industry, offering user-friendly systems that meet the unique operational needs of hotels and resorts. For more information, please visit www.vingcardelsafe.com.

The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 42,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of 7 million hotel rooms and is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company. VingCard provides numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-stripe, smartcard systems and the latest RFID electronic locks compatible with the main ISO standards: ISO 14.443A (MIFARE), ISO 14.443B, ISO15.693 and NFC-compatible (Near Field Communication), fully integrated PMS interface software solutions, as well as the world leader in wireless online locking solutions for hotels based on ZigBee secured open platform. VingCard has worldwide service and support in more than 166 countries. Elsafe provides the only UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models. Elsafe Safes include a UL-listed internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops and camcorders, full wireless online capabilities and RFID versions compatible with VingCard system. Elsafe customers also enjoy the same worldwide service and support. Orion by VingCard Elsafe is the new Energy Management Solution that reduces energy consumption, ensures guest comfort and contributes to improve hotels green initiatives. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group is dedicated to the hospitality industry. For more information on VingCard Elsafe, visit www.vingcardelsafe.com  

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