Company rebrands Universal EZ Installer to Key Genius; app allows consumers to program replacement keys with their smartphones.
Louisville, KY, September 4, 2024—Car Keys Express, the US-based global leader in automotive key replacement, today announced the acquisition of two pivotal patents and the rebranding of its renowned Universal EZ Installer product. Now known as Key Genius, the consumer DIY key programmer eliminates the need for dealership computers and lets users easily pair new car keys on their own using an app on their smartphone.
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.
Key Genius combines the capabilities of dozens of dealership computers—costing hundreds of thousands of dollars—into a miniature device so simple, anyone can use it. The consumer-friendly programmers are compatible with thousands of vehicle makes and models and promise to shake up the 30-year dealership monopoly on car keys.
The Patents
The exclusive, patented technology in Key Genius enables vehicle key programming through a remote server. Users plug the programmer into their vehicle’s standard OBDII port and follow simple step-by-step programming instructions on their smartphone.
The company’s breakthrough technology, now protected by US Patents 10650628 and 11232661, eliminates the need for dealership service departments and automotive locksmiths—redefining automotive key replacement forever.
Rebranding
The Key Genius name better reflects the product's advanced yet user-friendly technology, making it clear and approachable for consumers. The company will begin transitioning from Universal EZ Installer to Key Genius in the second half of 2024.
“The potential for the programmer became much larger when we secured the patents,” said Kirk Stewart, Chief Commercial Officer for Car Keys Express. “Consumers being able to program their own keys through an app is the holy grail of key replacement technology and we wanted a name that was befitting of a product of this stature. Key Genius is instantly understandable and conveys our mission to simplify car key replacement. Not only is it easy for anyone to use, but consumers are no longer reliant on dealerships or professional locksmiths to pair keys."
Awards & Recognition
The programmer won the Best New Product Award at the latest Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, NV, the world’s largest car parts trade show.
Features & 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
“In 2014, when I wrote our new company motto: ‘Replacing car keys is simple and affordable–again.’, I had this moment in mind," said Mark Lanwehr, Founder and CEO of Car Keys Express.
“Replacing car keys takes two things: keys and computers. For keys, we invested in manufacturing our own keys to gain pricing and supply-chain advantages. For computers, now we’re doing the same with key programming technology."
"It’s difficult to overstate the importance of creating an inexpensive, consumer–friendly key programmer. Key Genius has the potential to democratize key replacement and at the same time end the 30-year dealership monopoly."
"We continue to bring real innovations to this multi-billion dollar industry long overdue for change. We’ve risen to become the global leader in replacement key technology, innovation, and vertical integration. Key Genius only strengthens this position.”
A History of Challenging the Status Quo
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 about Car Keys Express’ patents, visit [www.CarKeysExpress.com/Patents]. For more information about Key Genius, visit [www.CarKeysExpress.com/Key-Genius] 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.
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