DETROIT, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive's new
generation of cryptographic vehicle immobilization technology continues to
confound potential thieves with approximately a trillion different encrypted
security code combinations.
"Conventional theft security systems are designed to alert people to the
crime taking place, whereas the Siemens VDO Automotive immobilizer, which
features a crypto transponder and symmetrical (two-way) encryption, prevents
the theft from taking place," said Siemens VDO Automotive Business Development
Director Allan Losey. "The immobilizer unit transmits a random number to the
transponder, which encrypts it using a code specific to the vehicle, then
transmits the result back to the departure control. Simultaneously, the same
process occurs in the electronic control unit which compares the results and
only allows the engine to start when the codes are identical."
In addition, the code cannot be intercepted or read by the sophisticated
scanning equipment often used by professional car thieves.
The new generation of immobilizer not only brings expanded vehicle
security to the end consumer, it also adds value to the Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) customer by incorporating the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
and tire pressure monitoring systems into a single package.
"Siemens VDO Automotive provides a complete solution by combining three
wireless-based functions into one compact unit," said Losey. "By utilizing
existing hardware and developing innovative new software -- a single unit
slightly smaller than a garage door opener -- can perform the multiple
functions of theft prevention, keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring."
The three-in-one immobilizer-based solution eliminates two extra sets of
antennas by using a single array to send and receive wireless data required by
the three separate systems. This single-point, multifunction system approach
provides OEMs with additional cost, weight and size reductions over
traditional component solutions.
The first generation Siemens VDO Automotive immobilizer -- which was
mandated in all new vehicles sold in Germany beginning in 1995 -- was singled
out by German insurance companies for having directly contributed to a sharp
decline (greater than 90 percent) in the number of stolen new vehicles in its
first year in the market. In 1998, it made its North American debut on
Chrysler vehicles, where the technology is widely available across most
DaimlerChrysler platforms.
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled euro 5.7 billion ($5.6 billion).
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. in the United States. For more information,
visit http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 484,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of euro 87 billion ($85.1
billion) in fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and
unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens'
customers around the globe. For more information about Siemens in the U.S.,
go to http://www.usa.siemens.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@siemens.com
|
