The Autowatch 171PPi was a transponder-based vehicle immobiliser.
Key Components of AutoWatch 171PPi
Transponder Tags – the system comes with small, passive transponder tags that you attach to your keys. These tags contain a unique electronic code.
Immobiliser Unit – the immobiliser unit is installed in your vehicle’s electrical system.
How AUTOWATCH 171PPi Worked
When vehicle owners started their car, the immobiliser unit checks for the presence of a valid transponder tag within its range.
If the correct tag is present, the immobiliser unit allows the engine to start.
If no valid tag is detected, the engine is prevented from starting.
In essence, the 171PPi works by
Blocking the engine – it prevented the engine from starting unless a specific electronic code was recognised.
Relied on passive tags – the system used small, passive tags that didn’t require batteries and were easily attached to your keys.
Provided a layer of security – it added an extra layer of security to your vehicle by making it more difficult for someone without the correct tag to start the engine.
Fast track to today, Autowatch Ghost 2 with the optional tag functions in the same way.
The Autowatch 239Ti Immobiliser was likely introduced to the market in the late 1990s or early 2000s. It was a vehicle security system that worked by preventing the engine from starting unless a specific code was entered.
Key Components of AutoWatch 239Ti
Touch Key – this was a small, portable device that the user carried. It contained a unique code.
Control Unit – this unit was installed within the vehicle and was responsible for monitoring the system.
Touch Key Receptacle – this was a small slot on the vehicle’s dashboard where the touch key was inserted.
How AUTOWATCH 239TI Worked
Insertion – before starting the vehicle, the driver would insert the touch key into the receptacle.
Code Verification – the control unit would read the code from the touch key.
Engine Start Permission – if the code was valid, the control unit would allow the engine to start.
Immobilisation – if the incorrect key was inserted, or no key was present, the engine would be immobilised, preventing the vehicle from starting.
Additional Features
PIN Code Override – in case the touch key was lost or misplaced, the system often included a PIN code override that allowed the vehicle to be started manually.
Visual Indicator – the system typically included a visual indicator (usually an LED light) on the dashboard to confirm that the system was armed and operational.
Autowatch UK Ltd is the most recognised brand when it comes to immobilisers.
Founded in South Africa as a solution to take action against car theft and hijacking, Autowatch UK Ltd was set up as a distribution hub for the UK market.
In this article, I’ll touch on its inception, evolution, core product, and the future of Autowatch.
Understanding Autowatch UK Ltd
Autowatch has become synonymous with vehicle security, offering a range of products designed to protect vehicles from theft. Its dedication to innovation over the years has gained the trust of vehicle owners and manufacturers alike.
The inception of Autowatch
The roots of Autowatch can be traced back to 1993, when it was registered on Companies House under the name of KnightWatch Limited.
Noticing the gap in the market for anti-theft, resembling the likes of their domestic market, the founders of South African-owned PFK Electronics, setup KnightWatch Limited as their UK distributor.
Largely owned by British-man, Malcolm Reardon, today, PFK Electronics remain parent shareholders via Breathablok Limited.
At the time of their inception, they didn’t have a website. It wasn’t until 2002 when they began developing it under autowatch.co.uk.
Consequently, it was difficult to find any information regarding the first products they introduced to the UK market.
Although, with the use of Wayback Machine, I managed to find some of the products, including:
Autowatch 239Ti: involved inserting a tag with a code into an installed unit on the dash.
Autowatch 171PPi: transponder tag that sent a signal with a code when the key was in the ignition.
Autowatch 172Ri: pin-code entry system
Interestingly, the latter appears to be the same as Autowatch Ghost, the highly sought-after solution. Is it more or less than same technology as it was 20-odd years ago?
As the years progressed, Autowatch expanded its offerings, integrating cutting-edge technology such as Global Position System (GPS) tracking and smartphone connectivity.
The mission and vision of Autowatch
At its core, Autowatch’s mission is to enhance the security of vehicles, which is testament to its team of skilled engineers over at PFK Electronics.
In order to hold their market leading position, it has allows certified installers and vehicle owners to share their challenges and feedback, of which it assesses and addresses, accordingly.
By in large, it’s evident with updates via Facebook.
One of the last posts I recall was an update regarding issues concerning the usability of their smartphone app.
The evolution of Autowatch UK Ltd
Over the years, Autowatch UK Ltd hasn’t evolved a great deal.
In essence, the product remains the same as it did back in the 2000s, albeit adapted to integrated with newer systems on vehicles.
And, to be honest, why fix what’s not broken?
I’ve seen countless YouTubes whereby Autowatch Ghost left thieves in a confused state of mind.
While theft is typically averted, the vehicle is often is a different position from where it was parked. Thieves attempt to steal it, release the handbrake, but nothing happens.
Arguably, the issue here is the “silent alarm function”.
It’ll be more effective to sound an alarm if any buttons on the dash, steering wheel, door, centre console are pressed before the disarm sequence has been entered.
Key milestones in Autowatch’s history
In the early days, Autowatch was Thatcham-Approved.
However, since 2019, Thatcham changed their accreditation requirements, which meant Autowatch lost it.
However, as of 2024, it’s TESSA (The Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association), which a few insurers accept.
The growth and expansion of Autowatch
While Autowatch is the market leader, particularly, for personal cars, its growth is coming from the continuous, record-level car theft.
But, will the technology change?
In my opinion, it seems to have remained the same since the original versions in the UK market, so I’d assume it’ll be the same moving forward.
Autowatch UK Ltd’s STAR Product
For the most part, its product is Autowatch Ghost, with its more recent (realised in 2019), Autowatch Ghost 2, with smartphone connectivity, and the possibility of the tag.
Its website does showcase other products, potentially to cross-sell, and continue driving revenues, of which secured around £6 million last year.
The technology behind Autowatch
The Autowatch Ghost is a hidden car immobiliser that works by adding an extra layer of security to your vehicle’s existing electronic systems.
It connects to the vehicle’s CAN bus, a network that controls various functions like the engine, gearbox, and fuel pump.
To start the engine, the Ghost requires a unique driver-generated PIN code to be entered via existing vehicle controls (like buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard).
This code is completely invisible to thieves and extremely difficult to bypass, making it highly effective in deterring theft.
Between 4 and 20 button presses, the combinations are endless.
The future of Autowatch UK Ltd
As the technology landscape evolves, so too should Autowatch.
Upcoming innovations from Autowatch
The future holds significant promise for Autowatch, with numerous innovative products in the pipeline.
From enhanced tracking systems that utilise IoT capabilities to artificial intelligence algorithms for predictive security measures, it’s focused on maintaining its competitive edge and meeting the evolving needs of consumers.
In addition, Autowatch is exploring the integration of blockchain technology to create tamper-proof records of vehicle ownership and history, thereby enhancing the trustworthiness of vehicle transactions.
strategies for future growth
To sustain its growth trajectory, Autowatch must hold its brand reputation for averting car theft.
But, that alone isn’t sufficient.
It needs to ensure its distribution network is robust. Its certified installers have a direct impact on its reputation. Shoddy installs lead to malfunctioning – yes, it happens – which can make life with Autowatch Ghost is an inconvenience.
Summary
In summary, Autowatch is a distributor and part-owned by PFK Electronics, a South African engineering company. It entered the UK market in 1993, likely with similar immobiliser solutions to the models found in the early 2000s. Fast track today, its core product is Ghost, which lost its Thatcham-Approved accreditation due to requirement changes, but it is TASSA-Approved. Autowatch Ghost is the most renowned immobiliser in the UK, selling over £6 million worth of units annually.
