Escalade security features beefed up [Detroit Free Press]

Dec. 30--Cadillac announced a series of new security features designed to rid the Cadillac Escalade of its most dubious distinction: most stolen vehicle in the U.S.

Based on data collected by the Highway Loss Data Institute, thieves steal or break into about 10 of every 1,000 Escalades on the road. While all four versions of the large SUV are vulnerable, the Escalade EXT, which has a pickup bed, was the most-frequent target.

So here's what Cadillac is adding on 2012 Escalades:

-- A PASS Key 3+ encryption system for the key, key cylinder and ignition.

-- A more robust steering column lock that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the vehicle onto a flatbed truck.

-- An inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the angle of the vehicle indicates it is about to be hoisted onto a towing vehicle.

-- A shock sensor intended to reduce theft of contents or push-away theft by sounding an alarm when glass is broken.

-- A new wheel lock system to protect more effectively against wheel and tire theft.

"The new systems work in the background and few people realize they are there, but they are strong added protections," said Bill Biondo, General Motors' global leader for vehicle theft protection.

GM's OnStar security technology is standard on the Escalade. One of OnStar's features is a remote ignition lock that can prevent the vehicle from starting if a break-in occurs. Once a vehicle is stolen, OnStar can also provide vehicle location data and remotely reduce its speed to make it easier for police to catch.

"The Escalade has been the star of the theft target list for the better part of a decade, so anything General Motors can do to beef up the effectiveness of its anti-theft system can only help," said Russ Rader, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "The Escalade has had an ignition immobilizer system for years, but hopefully this system will be more effective."

After the Escalade, the most stolen vehicle was the Ford F-250 four-wheel drive pickup (9.7 theft claims per 1,000 vehicles), followed by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab (9.2 theft claims per 1,000).

Pickups and SUVs are frequently targeted by thieves who aren't necessarily looking to steal the vehicle, but are interested in contents such as tools, electronics or blinged-out wheels.

The benefit of reducing theft rates is to reduce insurance premiums for those who buy these oft-stolen models.

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