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Cadillac Enhances 2012 Escalade Security Features

Luxury SUV no longer a pushover for push-away or towing thieves

2011-12-29

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DETROIT – Just underneath the surface of the 2012 Cadillac Escalade are new security enhancements developed to combat thieves who have pushed and towed the segment-leading luxury SUV to the top of annual most-stolen vehicle lists. 

The Escalade is already well-protected against typical drive-away grand theft auto through existing security features and standard OnStar security technology.

“The goal is to make the Escalade a very difficult target for thieves without any added inconvenience for customers,” said Bill Biondo, General Motors’ global leader for vehicle theft prevention. “The new systems work in the background and few people realize they are there, but they are strong added protections.”

The 2012 security enhancements:

• PASS Key 3+, a sophisticated encryption system for the key, key cylinder and ignition system (Deters: Drive-away thefts)
• A more-robust steering column-lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed. (Deters: “push-away” thefts)
• An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses an unwarranted change of the angle of the vehicle, such as would occur with towing, flat-bedding or lifting the vehicle. (Deters: towing, push-away, and wheel thefts)
• An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push-away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is “shocked,” such as by breaking window glass. (Deters: Property theft)
• An available new wheel lock system to help prevent the theft of Escalade’s wheels and tires.

OnStar provides standard additional security with a remote ignition lock that can prevent the vehicle from starting if a break-in is detected. If a vehicle is stolen, OnStar can also provide vehicle location and remotely slow the vehicle down to assist law enforcement in vehicle recovery.

“Combined, these technologies comprise one of the most-extensive sets of theft-deterrent measures available for this type of vehicle and meet or exceed security specifications among global vehicle security analysts,” Biondo said.

The new inclination sensors will make it more difficult to push or tow an Escalade undetected. Undetected thefts and break-ins will also be more difficult with the added shock sensors and locking devices.

“These types of innovative theft prevention technologies are a significant step in helping to reduce vehicle thefts,” said Joe Wehrle, president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Cadillac and Biondo continually work with U.S. law enforcement agencies to help educate police agencies on the various GM theft prevention systems and to learn the latest tactics used by auto thieves.

“We listen and analyze real-world security information from law enforcement so we can continue to develop effective theft deterrent solutions for our customers,” said Biondo.

Protecting Yourself Against Grand Theft Auto

Security technologies are an important part of the chess game between law enforcement and car thieves, but drivers are the primary defense against break-ins and thefts. To better keep you and your vehicle secure:

• Do not leave valuables unattended in unlocked cars, or in plain sight
• Park vehicles in well-lit areas or inside locked garages
• Don’t leave cars running with the keys in the ignition.
• Do not defeat the ignition/key cylinder immobilizers with aftermarket remote- start systems
• Always lock your vehicle with the key fob, which also sets the alarm system
• Use wheel locks with premium wheels
• Do not leave driver’s license, registration or insurance certificate in your car
• Purchase a vehicle with OnStar or the aftermarket OnStar FMV mirror, which will enable your vehicle to be tracked if stolen.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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