Both Nissan North America Inc. and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. are now introducing push-button starters in their mid-range vehicles with plans for broader use of the technology.

The use of push button starters carries considerable implications for interior automotive design as the ignition buttons can be anywhere within the driver's reach. Technology related to push buttons and the use of smart cards or keys will allow for even greater changes inside the cars of the future.

Mark Perry, director of cross car line product strategy for Nissan, speaking to Automotive News said, "With driver recognition, the vehicle could pre-position the driver seat as you approach. It could adjust the mirror or find your favorite radio station. It really starts to open up a lot of new possibilities."

Smart cards or keys resemble credit cards and send a signal that enables the push-button starter. The transmitters and microprocessors associated with the system are easily adaptable to other functions. Some such card-like devices are being designed to fit into an ignition slot somewhat after the fashion of card-based hotel keys.

Pundits say that within two years every major automaker will make push-button ignitions available and many predict that in time metal keys and door locks will be dropped altogether.