World’s first and only universal do-it-yourself key programmer single-handedly unlocks $3.0 billion car key monopoly.
Louisville, KY, March 12, 2024—Car Keys Express, the US-based global leader in automotive key replacement, captured its third Best New Product Award at the recent Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, NV.
The award recognized the company’s Universal EZ Installer—the world’s first and only universal DIY key programmer—an OBD device that lets consumers easily pair new car keys on their own using an app on their phone. The consumer-friendly EZ Installers are compatible with thousands of vehicle makes and models and promise to shake up the 30-year dealership monopoly on car keys.
Replace car keys without dealership computers
For decades, consumers have been forced to dealership service departments or automotive locksmiths for car keys, because modern keys need to be electronically programmed to a vehicle in order to work. The Universal EZ Installer combines the capabilities of dozens of dealership computers—costing hundreds of thousands of dollars—into a miniature, disposable device so simple, anyone can use it.
Car Keys Express won the Best New Product Award at AAPEX in 2015 for its universal car keys. It won again in 2019 for the Car Keys Express app, which introduced key cutting by photo. The company's latest win for the Universal EZ Installer puts the final stake in the dealerships’ monopoly on car key replacement.
Features and Benefits
- Advanced technology, simplified for consumer use
- Do-it-yourself pairing—no tools required
- Plugs into vehicle’s standard diagnostics port
- Pairs keys in minutes
- Eliminates expensive programming computers
- Compatible with thousands of vehicle models
“Hundreds of millions of drivers think dealership service departments are their only option for car keys,” said Kirk Stewart, Chief Commercial Officer for Car Keys Express. “Our Universal EZ Installer completely eliminates the need for expensive programming equipment, releasing dealerships’ stranglehold on the market. It forever changes the way consumers replace keys.”
“The AAPEX Best New Product award is the most coveted award for aftermarket manufacturers. To win one is a milestone achievement. Winning our third is further demonstration of our role as technology leader and thought leader in the industry,” said Mark Lanwehr, Founder and CEO of Car Keys Express. “The Universal EZ Installer was the final hurdle to our company’s success in consumer markets. It culminates a 15-year development effort and signals the democratization of key replacement is now underway.”
Car Keys Express has been disrupting the automotive key replacement industry since its inception in 2002, developing tools and keys that make replacing car keys simple and affordable for both businesses and consumers.
For more information, visit www.CarKeysExpress.com/EZ-Installer or contact [email protected].
About Car Keys Express
Car Keys Express is a global leader in discount, automotive key replacement for businesses and consumers. The company invented the world's first Universal Car Remote and Universal Car Keys and is the only company that manufactures a full line of aftermarket versions of modern car keys, like remote keys and smart keys. Car Keys Express offers a complete line of retail-friendly solutions to allow retailers to build a key replacement program or enhance an existing program. Car Care Express, a division of Car Keys Express, offers mobile vehicle reconditioning service for businesses and consumers. Founded in 2002, Car Keys Express is continually recognized for excellence in the industry, winning Inc. Magazine’s, “Inc. 5000” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, AAPEX "Best New Product" Award in 2015, 2019 and 2023, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year® in 2017, and EnterpriseCorp’s FAST Innovation Award Winner in 2017, among others. To learn more, visit www.CarKeysExpress.com.
About AAPEX
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is the automotive parts industry’s premier trade show, showcasing the most innovative products, services and technologies. AAPEX represents the $1.8 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry and is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. It features more than 2,500 exhibitors, 5,400 booths, and approximately 49,000 targeted buyers. More than 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals are in Las Vegas during AAPEX and the SEMA Show.
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