In response to new modus operandi from local vehicle-theft syndicates, Toyota SA says it has developed a range of vehicle security systems enhancements…

Toyota South Africa Motors says it has developed various “enhancements” for the security systems of certain of its popular vehicles, with these updates available for free at dealerships around the country.

The Japanese firm’s local division says the move is in response to “new modus operandi on the part of criminals and syndicates”, including the use of “sophisticated technology” to target vehicles featuring keyless or smart-entry systems.

The vehicles eligible for the enhancements include all Hilux Legend models from 2019 and all Fortuner models from 2016, along with all VX and VXL derivatives of the Land Cruiser Prado from 2017. Finally, all Lexus RX and LX models registered from 2015 also qualify*.

All new vehicles as well as those arriving at dealers for routine servicing will automatically receive the enhancements. Though the company opted not to detail the updates, it claims to have developed “several measures to mitigate possible theft of Toyota- and Lexus-branded vehicles in the country”.

These measures have been shared with the Toyota dealer network as well as reviewed and evaluated by VSS Administration, which the brand describes as an “independent South African organisation that specialises in vehicle security and automotive systems”.

Three areas of focus for Toyota’s security enhancements

Fortuner models registered from 2016 are eligible to receive the updates.

After “proactively” conducting research and development into the enhancement of its vehicle-security systems, Toyota SA Motors says it found three main ways criminals are exploiting a given vehicle’s various computer-controlled systems.

The first involves the vehicle’s Control Area Network (CAN), which criminals infiltrate using “highly sophisticated electronic equipment”, gaining entry and then accessing the computer system to start the engine.

Then there’s fob relaying, which involves the use of receivers and transmitters to remotely read the vehicle’s security key (while it is still in the possession of the owner), ultimately allowing the criminal to unlock and start the vehicle.

Toyota describes the third method as a “combination of forced entry and key cloning”. This sees the use of “advanced techniques and equipment” to disable the vehicle’s alarm system, clone its security key and gain access to the vehicle.

“We, as Toyota, are committed to developing safe and reliable vehicles and we will continue with our research and development to further enhance our vehicle security systems. I would also like to add that vehicle owners will not negate the warranty on their vehicles should they elect to fit an aftermarket security device – provided that these are installed correctly by a reputable fitment centre,” said Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota SA Motors.

*initially, Toyota SA Motors said all Land Cruiser 200 models with smart entry and all Land Cruiser 300 units were also eligible, but the company has since removed these models from the list.

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