by Brian Byrne. Only the 'smart' key systems offered on the Nissan Micra, and, possibly, Ford's Focus, would meet the new security criteria required by British insurance companies, according to a report by vehicle security consultants SBD.
The report, Smart key system development and availability in Europe, shows that since Mercedes-Benz pioneered the technology on its S-Class range in 1999, 24 other vehicles have adopted similar systems, with 12 more scheduled for launch by the end of 2006. The majority are prestige models, although volume brands such as Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Nissan, are making smart keys available to a much wider market.
In the past year, SBD has tested nine vehicle smart key systems against the Thatcham criteria and found that all bar one – that offered on the Nissan Micra – would not meet the required level of security. Although the system developed for the Ford Focus does not conform exactly to the new criteria, SBD believes it could be passed.
