Remote immobilisers are an example of after-theft security and are usually a function of a Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT) system, although some aftermarket alarm systems also have this capability. The purpose of a remote immobiliser is to deny the thief continuous use of a vehicle even if they have access to the original key.

There are currently seven European countries that have insurance approval criteria for SVT all of which either allow for or require that the system includes remote immobiliser functionality. Brazil is currently the only region that has any legislation mandating SVT where all passenger vehicles must be fitted with SVT hardware which includes remote immobilisation capability from April 2011.

Overall, there is an increasing market for SVT systems with an average fitment rate of 5% of passenger vehicles in most developed regions. Remote immobiliser fitment takes up a varying proportion of that fitment rate, depending on local factors such as market acceptance and insurance criteria. SBD believe that the number of SVT systems with remote immobiliser functions is likely to increase over the next few years, especially as a result of a shift from aftermarket fitment to OE specification for SVT as a telematics function on new vehicles.

In Europe, SBD predict that by 2012 almost half of SVT systems will be OE fit and the majority of OE systems will have remote immobilisation capability. The recent legislation in Brazil will see 100% of new vehicles in that market and a general trends towards increasing telematics functions will see an increase in remote immobilisers globally. However, SBD feel that the activation level of SVT will be lower than the fitment level and there may be a reluctance on the part of service operators to use the remote immobilisation function because of liability issues and also because in many circumstances it is necessary to have the police within line-of-sight.

For more information on Remote Immobilisers: Practical concerns and market demand, contact Juanita Appleby on jappleby@sbd.co.uk