Ford is launching new security technology to help prevent keyless theft of its models.
Launching first on the Fiesta – including the van – and Focus, the technology targets the growing rise of so-called ‘relay attacks’ on vehicles, which sees thieves use equipment to extend the signal from fobs in homes to unlock and start vehicles parked outside.
Available for current Fiesta and Focus models – including for existing owners – the new keyless entry fobs use an internal motion sensor to detect when the fob has been stationary for longer than 40 seconds and trigger a sleep mode, which will not respond to attempts to hack its signal via a “relay box” or through the misuse of other specialist equipment.
Moving the keyless fob by picking it up inside the home and taking it to the car will restore full functionality by the time Fiesta and Focus drivers approach their cars. Ford fobs are designed to operate only within a two-metre radius of the cars they are bonded to.
The Ford Fiesta, plus the Fiesta Van version, are already being delivered with the new fobs as standard at no extra cost, followed by Ford Focus production from next month.
Owners of current Fiesta and Focus models can also get replacement fobs, priced from £65 (Fiesta), £72 (Focus) plus 0.9 hours labour to programme and test.
And over the next two years Ford will be rolling out the same motion-sensor technology across its other cars’ key fobs.
Additionally, Ford’s Trade Vehicle Locks (TVL) security range has been increased to 125 available locks, guards and related accessories for its car and van customers. Key TVL products for cars include wallets that block access to fobs inside them, protectors covering OBD ports (the diagnostic socket within the vehicle used by dealer technicians to access the vehicle’s electronics) and vehicle marking kits. The van range includes a range of security accessories to help protect both theft from and of the vehicle, such as additional locks for front doors, side doors and rear doors, and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and catalytic converter locks.
