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SBD publishes global Smart Key database
SBD has just published its
Global Smart Key Database
saying it is the ultimate
reference guide available
in the market today. Data
includes over 1,000 vehicle
models from the US, Europe,
China.
Photo library for 49 vehicle
manufacturers (including door
handle types, trunk and smart
start buttons); details include
system pricing and supplier
information; systems are
categorised into different types
with simple terminology.
Easy-to-use format to identify
global trends such as:
Smart key is offered as a
standard feature instead of an
optional extra by most vehicle
manufacturers in China.
Split systems are available
from Ford and BMW.
Smart entry and start
hardware is often shared
across the markets by global
brands.
www.sbd.co.uk
‘Photo library
for 49 vehicle
manufacturers’
Russian car thieves opt for hybrids
Motivated by strict environmental regulations in Moscow,
professional car thieves are now choosing to steal hybrid cars
in the Netherlands and transport them east, according to
Insurance Vehicle Crime (VBV) in Volkskrant.
Their figures show a growing interest in hybrid cars, especially
from criminals groups associated with Russia and Eastern
Europe.
In particular the Toyota Prius and Lexus hybrid models are
proving popular, but the Volkswagen Golf remains the most
stolen vehicle in the Netherlands, claims Rob Smitskamp of VBV.
During the first six months of the year, there have been 66 Prius
thefts and 55 premium Lexus models stolen.
Smitskamp suggests that the interest in hybrids is rising due to
more stringent environmental legislation in Russia, as several
cities provide subsidies to users of hybrid vehicles. With this
comes an increasing parts market, something that criminals will
try to supply using stolen vehicles from the Netherlands. Several
parts, such as the interior and batteries, are unique to hybrid
vehicles and are in high demand.
OVERSEAS NEWS - EUROPE
Car theft ‘epidemic’ at
Germany/Poland border
Chief Executive of Frankfurt (Oder) Chamber of Trade, Uwe Heppe, claims that thefts have
increased dramatically in the German border town since Poland joined Schengen.
In the years before the signing of the
Schengen Agreement an average of
around 50 cars were stolen each year.
Nowadays it’s nearer 350 cars, despite
Germany’s overall vehicle theft
decreasing annually.
This increase in theft isn’t just isolated
to the towns and cities. Brandenburg,
the state in which Frankfurt (Oder) is
located, is Germany’s longest border
with Poland. In 2007 (pre Schengen)
police recorded 2,700 vehicles stolen
per 100,000 residents. By 2010 and only
60
THE NOV/DEC 2013 ISSUE
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