Anti-theft immobilizers to become mandatory on new cars, September 1st

Toronto, Ontario – Effective September 1, 2007, Transport Canada will make it mandatory for all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks to be equipped with anti-theft electronic immobilizers. Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Saab, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo have recently announced their plans to equip 2008 model-year vehicles in Canada with immobilizers meeting the requirements of the Canadian standards, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

According to a 2006 listing of the most frequently-stolen vehicles in Canada released by IBC, none of the top ten had approved immobilizers.

Immobilizers arm when the vehicle is turned off, to prevent unauthorized starting. The IBC says that on average, 40 Canadians die and 65 are seriously injured each year due to auto theft. For more information on vehicle immobilizers, visit the IBC website.