So far car owners had to contact dealers to install vehicle security solutions. That is set to change. Soon vehicles will roll out of factories with pre-installed security solutions.
Leading auto security-solutions providers like Microtechnologies India and Autocop have initiated talks with leading car manufacturers like Maruti, Tata Motors, Hyundai and Fiat, to install security devices at the assembly stage itself.
"Microtechnologies has begun talks with leading car and OEM makers in the country to install our Micro Vehicle Black Box 'MicroVBB' during the assembly of the car. If everything goes well, customers will be able to buy a vehicle already installed with our solutions," said Mukund Gupta, head of operations, Microtechnologies India Ltd. Microtechnologies is a BSE listed company.
The 'MicroVBB' has messaging and anti-theft features with various sensors installed in the vehicle. This intelligent box senses any intrusion of vehicle doors and immediately communicates such events to the registered user's mobile through SMS. The black box will be installed in the vehicle, along with a SIM card.
All the owner has to do is message from his mobile to the black box, with queries like what is the exact location of his vehicle, whether the vehicle is open or not, if not, then who is driving his vehicle, whether it is the assigned person or someone new," said Gupta.
Autocop has come up with perimetric, volumetric and audio system protection solutions, with features like a battery back-up alarm. In addition, Autocop also provides features like hot wire protection and advanced immobilising system.
The most common vehicle protection available in the country today comprise of remote control alarm systems, gear locks and power windows, door security, bonnet security, ultrasonic motion detector, battery back up siren and stereo security.
Normally, a buyer has to shell out Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 to install security solutions. The amount varies according to the manufacturer and the technology used. There are about 10 organised players and innumerable unorganised players offering security solutions in India.
About 70 per cent of the total 2.5 crore (25 million) cars on the road use automated security solutions.