Biometrics for… Part II – vehicles

Yes, it is absolutely obvious use of fingerprint technology - vehicle ignition or vehicle anti-theft system. Let us see how the automotive market accepts fingerprint biometrics.
In the press –
“Honda FCU Goes Biometric”  I could not find any technical information on this project, neither images, so I cannot say more than is said in the article.
Audi A8 may be equipped with “one-touch memory” The system recognizes the driver by means of fingerprint matching module (integrated to the start button). In addition to ignition of the vehicle the system adjusts seats, mirrors, steering column, favorite radio and other personal settings. Even the glove deparment can be opened only with fingerprint :)
BMW Z22 concept car  - Using fingerprint recognition, the onboard computer determines if the driver is authorized to operate the vehicle…
Cadillac’s Imaj offers a fingerprint entry system…

There are more, but… I found it curious: after a biometric ignition system is introduced within a concept car and wins all possible awards at the auto show, the manufacturer tries to forget about it. Integration of biometrics to the vehicle at the manufacturer is quite a rare thing. In some cases, when they do it, we hear some funny stories, like the one about a finger cut.
I think I know few reasons why manufacturer does not want to integrate biometrics to their vehicles.
1. Environmental. Fingerprint sensor works fine at the show pavilion and in the test lab, but not when you try opening a door in the London morning dew, or in the Los Angeles midday heat, or in the Manitoba snow conditions.
2. Conditional. Vehicles from inside always mean dust, heat, vibration, humidity.
3. High requirements to a system. If a sensor is located on the dashboard its temperature can change in a range of 60° within 24 hours. In sunny places this range is even wider. There are few sensors that may operate in these conditions
4. Technological. When an owner needs to leave his vehicle at the service center or garage, there shall be a possibility to start engine there without right fingerprint. Therefore some master key, or bypass shall be installed. That drives us to the next reason…
5. Advisability. If there is a bypass, a thief will use it. Because he is a professional. From the other side, an owner in critical situations, when biometrics usually fails, will not be able to use a bypass

Loks like there is no suitable biometric solution for vehicles industry. Never mind! Freaks that want to add fingerprint ignition to their 1985 Honda Civic can buy some aftermarket biometric systems. 
Fingerprint car alarm - a biometric module from Upek, integrated to car alarm.
Bioenable - nothing to say about it. I would not install it to the car that cost more than this immobilizer.
ABG - they made it smart and simple. They took a BioKey’s module and hacked it into the ignition module.
Ritech - after more or less successful flash drive product they entered vehicles aftermarket. Idea is the same, after positive matching the relay is switched. Yes, you can always switch it by connecting blue wire to green and red… without fingerprint.  
ATRD - another immobilizer. Same problems.
Woodoo - Russians call it a miracle. I agree. It looks like a miracle that they manage to sell it.
Just Biometrics - want to keep your car open for thief– install this one.
Another car alarm – a £199.99 kit. I am not going to buy it. 
Presto  - good idea, but weak implementation.
and a Chinese attempt to invent a wheel.

Our company has analyzed in the past the feasibility of integration of biometric solution to vehicles market. We still think that our report was right.
1. This integration shall be done on the car manufacturer level to provide higher security. Aftermarket tools may be easily hacked.
2. Biometrics shall be applied to remote control.
3. Remote control may be also plugged to a slot at the dashboard, which can provide charging to a battery of the remote through contacts as well as sending commands to vehicle controls after positive authentication.
4. For easier integration RFID technology may be adopted in addition to biometrics.
5. And a week point – service key shall be provided. This service key allows ignition of the vehicle in a garage.

I would like to see comments from those who has fingerprint recognition in his car. Is it trust-worthy? 
I would like aso to ask those who have not - why don’t they install it?

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