GM Statement on Highway Loss Data Institute Insurance Theft Claim Study Citing Cadillac Escalade as a High-Theft Vehicle

We continue to deploy theft deterrent technologies on the Cadillac Escalade to address the high rate of theft of this popular luxury vehicle. Escalade has a sophisticated cryptographic immobilizer system, called PASS Key 3+, that has been proven to greatly thwart drive-away thefts. Since 2010, Escalade has included a steering column lock system to help prevent other theft conditions, including push away theft.

“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 available on Escalade and many other GM models 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.