Immobilizers to be made mandatory in Canada

As of September 1st, all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs sold in Canada will have to be fitted with anti-theft electronic immobilizers as mandated by Transport Canada. Most carmakers have announced plans to equip their 2008 model vehicles in Canada with immobilizers as standard equipment, and the move has been widely applauded by Insurance Bureau of Canada as it will undoubtedly reduce vehicle thefts.

The electronic device is designed to arm itself automatically when the ignition is switched off to prevent any would-be Canuck car thieves from starting the car without the proper keys. It works by cutting off three vital contacts, the starter, ignition and fuel.

A study has found that of the top 10 most stolen cars in Canada last year, none were equipped with an approved immobilizer. In fact, the first car equipped with an immobilizer comes in at number 28 on the list.

[Source: AutoNorth.ca]