NASTF Board Approves Pilot Testing for Secure Data Release Model

LEESBURG, Va., Feb. 21, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At its February 5, 2007 meeting, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Board of Directors approved the NASTF Vehicle Security Committee's (VSC) proposed Secure Data Release Model (SDRM) for pilot testing. A presentation and demonstration of the SDRM will be given during the next NASTF General Meeting on April 17, 2007 at 1:30 pm at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

"The SDRM and its Automotive Security Professional Registry will give automakers a flexible system to provide 24/7 access to vehicle security information for pre-approved locksmiths and technicians. It allows aftermarket service providers to support consumer needs without undermining the integrity and basic purpose of vehicle security systems." said Mary Hutchinson, NASTF Administrative Director.

The VSC has grappled with numerous issues including customer privacy and security, locksmith/ technician liability and insurability, and the needs of automakers, law enforcement, the professional locksmith community, and independent repairers. The VSC thoroughly vetted these issues with stakeholders and cooperatively developed the SDRM and Registry concept.

The SDRM is designed to provide a nationwide infrastructure for access to various types of security data and service support systems. For example, automakers can use the system to provide access to key codes, immobilizer PINs and reset systems, radio codes, etc.

Eight auto manufacturers (representing about two-thirds of vehicles sold) are already actively engaged in development of the SDRM and Registry infrastructure. These automakers and others are expected to join the upcoming pilot testing. The VSC implementation timetable is as follows:

  -- Board of Directors' Approval -- February 2007 (achieved)
  -- Pilot testing begins -- March 2007
  -- Begin build-out of system components -- May 2007
  -- Registry acceptance testing -- July/August 2007
  -- Begin locksmith/technician registration -- September 2007
  -- Final Production Testing -- November/December 2007
  -- Fully Operational -- January 1, 2008

"This is an exciting example of NASTF fulfilling its mission to facilitate the identification and correction of gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information" said Charlie Gorman, Chairman of NASTF. "The Vehicle Security Committee and the various segments of the automobile industry working on this project can be very proud of their accomplishments."

Gorman added, "NASTF would like to thank all members of the Vehicle Security Committee for their resolve in working through this complicated task. We also extend our special thanks to the Associated Locksmiths of America, the Automotive Service Association, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the participating automakers for their commitment of human and financial resources to make this project possible."

A link will be added to the NASTF website later this summer pointing interested parties to additional information and the Registry enrollment process.

NASTF was established in 2000 to identify, communicate and resolve gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, service training, diagnostic tools, and equipment for the benefit of automotive service professionals and their customers. NASTF was incorporated in 2006. Additional details can be found at http://www.nastf.org/.