Manufacturers’ efforts recognised at Car Security Awards

The Awards, hosted by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, are supported by insurers, the Home Office, the Department for Transport, The AA Motoring Trust and the Advanced Automotive Glazing Manufacturer’s Association – AAGMA.

To identify this year’s winners the judges carefully considered 82 model ranges in 10 categories having at least one variant that met the awards selection criteria (a third more than in 2004), 44 of which comply with the criteria across the entire model range

- double that of last year. This increase, says Thatcham, gives a very real indication of the seriousness with which manufacturers now view vehicle security.

The winners are judged on a number of criteria identified by the creators of the New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) scheme. Thatcham on behalf of British Insurers, put all new cars on the UK market through tests to assess various security features - such as double locking, alarms and immobilisers, parts identification and security glazing. These results are then used to determine the NVSR star ratings on which the awards are based, and also contribute to the cars insurance group rating.

Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, said: "Overall crime is down 30 per cent since 1997 according to the British Crime Survey and vehicle crime is at its lowest point for more than 20 years. Manufacturers' improvements in car security over the years have significantly contributed to the reduction in car theft we have achieved - the British Crime Survey shows a 31 per cent cut in car crime since 1997.

"I am pleased that this year more cars have met the standard for the British Insurance Car Security Awards - up by a third compared with last year. All cars that qualify for the awards offer good levels of security.

"I would urge both private motorists and those who buy cars for companies to take these Awards into account when deciding which new car to buy. By choosing cars that have qualified for an award motorists will encourage manufacturers to make further improvements in security to lift standards across the industry."

Christopher Macgowan, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders commented, “Home Office figures continue to highlight just how hard it has become to steal new cars. The British Insurance Car Security Awards are important because they help show how the investment manufacturers make in new technologies is helping drive down vehicle crime further."

The awards presentation coincides with an exhibition programme at Thatcham including Security Focus 2005– a one-day event featuring a number of new security initiatives.

- AAGMA members are AGC Automotive, DuPont, Kuraray Specialities Trosifol, Pilkington Automotive, PPG Industries, Saint-Gobain Sekurit, Sekisui S-Lec (Europe), Solutia and Southwall Europe. Collectively they provide 75% of worldwide glass supply and nearly 100% of the global supply of interlayers used in laminated glass.