FOLLOWING A SERIES OF CAR THEFTS even while the owners hold the keys, Toyota has confirmed that it will instigate security upgrades to some of its luxury vehicles.

According to Toyota, organised criminal groups appear to have been importing sophisticated and often costly technologies to facilitate theft. Car thieves have been using this technology to hack into car systems, take control of the vehicle remotely and turn on the engine. Apparently, almost any modern car with a push-button start (and that’s most of them) is a potential target.

Toyota has instituted major security upgrades. In the first instance, the latest HiLux, LandCruiser 300 and LandCruiser Prado will be getting upgrades to their architecture, but Toyota has refused to specify exactly what changes, because it doesn’t want the information being made available to the criminals.

Secondly, Toyota is developing an immobiliser as a factory-approved accessory which will require authentication or a special code to start the car, making it impossible for thieves to hack car systems. Owners of older vehicles will also be able to have Toyota install these immobilisers, but it will be at their own cost.

Incredibly, almost anyone can purchase the necessary locksmith devices that make car hacking possible, simply because there are no checks required before purchase. Toyota is calling for a ban on devices used for criminal activities and the regulation of legitimate devices used by locksmiths, mechanics and other automotive professionals.