Chinese carmakers told to improve locking devices for UK market

"British authorities may have well-founded concerns about the cyber-spying threat from vehicles made in China, but it turns out the country's manufacturers have security worries of their own. Insurers have told Chinese carmakers they need certain critical modifications for vehicles on British streets: namely, tougher locking devices to make them harder to steal. With an average of 11 reported vehicle thefts an hour in the UK, and car crime comparatively rare under Beijing's strict authoritarian regime, industry sources said it had been a swift learning curve."

"Additions to cars exported to the UK from China have ranged from the simply mechanical, such as lockable wheel nuts and an extra layer of steel around the car door locks, to software to detect and guard against unauthorised entry. Sales of Chinese cars have risen sharply in Britain this year, now accounting for about one in 12 of all new cars sold, including those made by MG and electric car firm BYD."

""We've worked closely with Chinese vehicle manufacturers advising on vehicle security enhancements for the UK market. In China, vehicle crime is not the same challenge we experience in the UK and Europe, so certain anti-theft features like immobilisers, door shielding to prevent access to internal locking mechanisms, and software-based intrusion detection haven't historically been prioritised." He added: "These features often don't require major structural interventions, which means they can be applied to completed new mode"

British insurers have required Chinese carmakers to add tougher locks and security measures for vehicles sold in the UK. Modifications include lockable wheel nuts, extra steel around door locks, immobilisers, door shielding and software to detect unauthorised entry. The UK averages 11 reported vehicle thefts per hour, while car crime is comparatively rare in China, prompting rapid adaptation by manufacturers. Sales of Chinese cars in Britain have risen sharply to about one in 12 new cars sold. New models undergo insurer-run risk assessments, including a two-minute attack test, leading to strengthened prototypes.

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