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Survey rates anti-theft status
Page 6
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Thatcham rates truc (s in security survey for insurers. Guy Sheppard reports.
HUGE VARIATIONS in truck security standards have been revealed during research funded by the insurance industry.
A star ratings system has been developed by the Thatcham research centre in a hid to stem an alarming rise in truck theft, which is estimated to cost insurers £500m a year.
This is the first time that truck security has been so thoroughly analysed. providing some manufacturers with a useful marketing tool and others with a powerful incentive to upgrade their products.
Insurers will use Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Rating (NVSR) when setting premiums. Brian Lee, motor risk manager at Norwich Union. the UK's biggest insurer of HGVs, says: "Although claims experience will always be a major underwriting factor, externally verified data, provided by the NVSR, will allow an important sector of the assessment to be made."
Among the leading marques,Scania emerges worst from the NVSR with all nine models analysed receiving a one-star rating. Steve McLachlan, the company's product marketing specialist, says all its vehicles will be fitted with immobilisers later this month. "That should take us up the ratings," he adds. "Security is becoming an important part of the buying criteria for customers and it is something we are addressing." Mercedes-Benz emerges best from the survey with the Actros, Axor and Econic all receiving seven stars out of 10; the highest score awarded.
However the Mitsubishi Canter, which comes under the Mercedes umbrella, only received one star and the company says it is now working with Mitsubishi and Thatcham to improve that rating.
Daf, the UK's best-selling truck manufacturer, receives a mix of two,three and four stars Marketing director Tony Pain says NVSR is a convenient, simple method for assessing security features but points out that it only covers the chassis and cab.
Thatcham assessed 100 models, examining features including alarms, immobilisers entry methods, door and ignition locks and part markings.
According to the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers, 3,000 HGVs are stolen and not recovered each year.
Details of NVSR can be found on www.thatcham.org.