Manufacturers announce plans to install anti-theft technology in 2008 vehicles

Transport Canada is making it mandatory for all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs to be equipped with anti-theft electronic immobilizers, effective Sept. 1, 2007.
Canadian vehicle manufacturers have recently announced plans to equip 2008 model vehicles in Canada with immobilizers, thereby meeting the requirements of the Canadian standard. The manufacturers include:
Audi
Mercedes-Benz
DaimlerChrysler
Nissan
Ford
Saab
General Motors
Subaru
Hyundai
Volkswagen
Jaguar
Volvo
LandRover
An electronic immobilizer arms automatically when a vehicle is switched off and prevents unauthorized starting of the vehicle. The immobilizer cuts three vital circuits: the starter, the ignition and the fuel. It is designed to make it impossible for thieves to start a vehicle without a key.
“By deciding to install immobilizers meeting the Canadian standard in their 2008 model vehicles, these vehicle manufacturers will help their customers save money on their insurance premiums under their comprehensive coverage,” Rick Dubin, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) vice-president, investigative services, said in a press release.
The IBC has previously released a 2006 list of the most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada. None of the Top 10 on the list had an approved immobilizer.
“Immobilizers are highly effective at deterring car thieves, Dubin said. In terms of the stats for IBC’s November 2006 release, you have to go down the list to the 28th most-frequently stolen spot to find a vehicle that registered a high theft frequency despite the fact that it is protected by an immobilizer.
“It just underlines the reality that theft is much more likely when a vehicle is not equipped with an immobilizer.”
For more information on vehicle immobilizers and listing of manufacturers declaring compliance with the Canadian standard for 2008 model vehicles, visit IBC’s website at:
http://www.ibc.ca/en/Insurance_Crime/Prevention_Investigation/Immobilizers/