Munich  - BMW engineers are working on a new car key with an integrated credit card chip for simple pay functions at the filling station or shopping centre, according to BMW researcher Hans-Joerg Voegel.

The chip is designed to communicate with a card reader and the customer only has to place his/her car key on the counter and leaving behind a signature.

But, according to Voegel, engineers are looking at incorporating other personal data such as favourite radio stations, a telephone directory or subscriptions to BMW's Online platform "Connected Drive."

A driver can then use any company car or rented vehicle and call up the personal information when required. Meanwhile, BMW is also looking at storing electronic bus, train or air tickets on the same chip.

But it is still unclear when the technology becomes available to customers. (dpa)