GM Fighting to Reduce Cadillac Escalade's Rate of Theft

Earlier today, we brought to your attention a new study from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLD) which stated that the Cadillac Escalade is a high-theft vehicle, topping the list of thieves’ favorite large pickup trucks. But GM rushed to its defense, and released a statement in which it says it is further deploying theft deterrent technologies on the Escalade.

According to the American auto giant, the vehicle has a cryptographic immobilizer system, called PASS Key 3+ and a steering column lock system.

“We are currently implementing four new pieces of ‘armor’ on Escalade intended to reduce vehicle thefts, particularly those called push away,” said Bill Biondo, GM’s global lead, vehicle theft prevention. “We are committed to beating the thieves and expect these new theft deterrent systems to greatly reduce the Escalade’s rate of theft and lower its position on HLDI’s list.”

New for 2012, the Escalade includes:

• A new and more robust steering column lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed tow vehicle
• An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses a change of the angle of the vehicle, such that would occur with towing, flatbedding or jacking up the vehicle.
• An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is “shocked” such as breaking the glass.
• A new wheel lock system is available to help prevent the theft of Escalade’s wheels and tires.

“Beyond developing theft deterrent systems and technologies, we continually work with law enforcement agencies across the country to help educate these agencies on our systems but equally important is to learn from them what is actually occurring in the field so we can continue to develop effective theft deterrent solutions for our customers,” said Biondo.

Additionally, OnStar is also available on Escalade with the capability to locate stolen vehicles, immobilize them to prevent the thief from restarting the vehicle, and slow the stolen vehicle once police are on the scene which can help prevent high-speed chases.