Samsung is turning a smartphone into a vehicle key for owners of select General Motors vehicles, a change that could simplify how small businesses manage company cars, service vehicles and employee access.

Through Samsung Wallet, compatible Galaxy devices can unlock and lock supported GM vehicles using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), provided the vehicle and phone have Digital Key properly enabled. With the feature active, the vehicle can unlock automatically as the user approaches and lock again when the user walks away, eliminating the need to take out a phone or carry a traditional key fob.

The announcement could have practical value for small companies that rely on a limited number of vehicles but need to share access among employees, contractors or managers. A business owner could, for example, provide a salesperson with access to a company vehicle without handing over a physical key.…