Volvo is taking steps to become the first automaker to replace traditional car keys with a smartphone app. The Swedish automobile producer is launching a pilot program this spring that will offer vehicles without a physical key or fob, and has plans to add the new system to autos next year.  

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The keyless car tech will be showcased next week at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. Volvo has also posted a promo video that shows off the new system.

Drivers will be given a mobile app instead of physical keys. It uses a Bluetooth connection to start the car's engine and unlock the doors.

In addition, they can also use multiple digital keys. This will allow them to use different Volvo vehicles in different locations, according to VentureBeat.

Meanwhile, the Bluetooth tech can detect when a smartphone is in close range and open the door, according to Tech Insider. Drivers could also lock and unlock the vehicles.

 The new keyless feature would have many practical applications. That includes car hire companies, rich people with many automobiles, and single-car families with multiple drivers.  

Henrik Green is vice president of product strategy & vehicle line management at Volvo. He explained that Volvo wants to use technology to help its customers save time and have easier lives.

Green noted that today customers' mobility needs are changing. Thus, they also want to access autos in an easy way. Volvo's digital key tech provides a new way to access and share cars.  

The idea of a keyless car is not new. Most of today's cars have a remote control key fob to open the doors. Meanwhile, vehicles such as BMWs have a plastic fob in the dashboard that allows people to start the engine by pressing a button.

Hyundai recently unveiled plans for a near field communication (NFC)-powered feature like Volvo's system. However, full details about when it will hit the market have not been announced.

On the other hand, Tesla's Model S has a backup system in the case car owners lose their key, which allows them to start their electric car by entering a password on their mobile phone.