Replacing car keys used to be simple and inexpensive, but technological advancements have taken key replacement from your corner store to the dealership service department.
Here’s how Car Keys Express turned this into an opportunity and created a platform of innovation and growth. See how it all started, where we are now, and what’s to come.
Founder and CEO Mark Lanwehr starts the company on his dining table in his one-bedroom apartment in Louisville, Ky. “iKeyless.com” becomes the world's first website to offer replacement automotive keys and remotes.
With a dozen employees, iKeyless purchases a second-hand van and begins testing servicing business fleets and car dealerships. Originally known as Fleet Keys, Car Keys Express now serves over 3,000 cities in the US and Canada.
The company completes its rebranding to Car Keys Express. The company launches a research and development division which would become the most advanced automotive key reverse engineering team in the world.
The company begins manufacturing its own aftermarket automotive keys. This expansion leads to the purchase of the company’s first office building in Louisville’s downtown.
The company hires its 100th employee.
The company celebrates the release of its highest product development achievement to date—the world's first and only Universal Car Remote™. The consumer-friendly product is received enthusiastically by retailers and is now sold in stores across North America. The Universal Car Remote marks the beginning of the company's expansion into retail.
The company hires its 200th employee.
Car Keys Express wins “Best New Product” award at the world's largest car parts trade show
(AAPEX Las Vegas) with their Universal Car Keys.
iKeyless acquires an additional 25,000 square foot production facility.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine's “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America's fastest-growing private companies.
Acceptance Video
Mark Lanwehr, founder and CEO of Car Keys Express, wins Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Car Keys Express launches CKE NOW!™. The unique, turn-key program for retailers provides simplified tools, universal keys, comprehensive training, and field support to offer key replacement for modern vehicles for the first time in retail history.
Car Keys Express expands mobile services into seven Canadian cities.
The company hires its 400th employee.
The company acquires Indiana-based mobile automotive reconditioning company.
The company launches Car Care Express, a mobile vehicle reconditioning service for businesses and consumers.
The company launches Simple KeyⓇ. The new line allows retailers to offer consumers a simple, “do-it-yourself” solution for replacing modern car keys. The consumer-friendly, self-contained product includes a Universal Key and EZ Installer™.
The company is awarded a patent for the frequency-agile transmitter that makes their products uniquely universal.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine's “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America's fastest-growing private companies.
Car Keys Express wins “Best New Product” award at the world's largest car parts trade show
(AAPEX Las Vegas) with their Car Keys Express App. The app allows users to replace keys
using a cell phone camera.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine's “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America's
fastest-growing private companies.
The company introduces Keys NOW!, the world's first and only car key vending machine.
Car Keys Express launches ROKS™ (Remote Optical Key Scanner™) at the 2020 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show. The technology allows retailers to easily offer key replacement without investing in inventory or tools.
Car Keys Express acquires new headquarters in Louisville, Ky., doubling its size to over 100,000 square feet.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine's “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America's fastest-growing private companies.
Car Keys Express becomes preferred national vendor for AutoZone stores nationwide.
The company launches SnapKeyⓇ, the world's first and only service allowing users to create and
replace car keys using a mobile phone.
Car Keys Express launches FleetHero™, an industry-unique business fleet automotive key and title
asset warehousing and logistics service.
Car Keys Express wins Inc. Magazine's “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America's fastest-growing
private companies.
Car Keys Express launches the world's first and only universal do-it-yourself key programmer,
an OBD device that lets consumers easily pair new car keys on their own using an app on
their phone.
The company celebrates its 20th year in business.
Car Keys Express launches the world's first and only Universal Smart Key, the world's most advanced automotive key.
Car Keys Express launches white-labeled ecommerce model, allowing any company with a website to offer car key replacement.
Car Keys Express wins “Best New Product” award at the world's largest car parts trade show (AAPEX Las Vegas) with their Universal Easy Installer, which allows consumers to pair keys on their own using an app on their phone.
Car Keys Express launches partnership at Costco stores.
CKE wins contract with Advance Auto Parts, launches nationwide rollout.
Car Keys Express clinches partnership with the world's largest auto auction.
CKE launches the world's first same-day “last-mile” car key delivery service.
