STRATTEC Debuts First Padlock to Open With Car or Truck Key

BOLT Series locks named by AutoWeek (AW) magazine as holiday gift idea

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18 -- Targeting off-road enthusiasts, auto buffs, outdoorsmen and DIYers - or anyone else who's ever searched for a lock key or struggled to remember a combination - STRATTEC Security Corp. has just launched a series of locks that open with their owner's car, SUV or truck key.

The new BOLT (Breakthrough One-key Lock Technology) Series locks were introduced last month at the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade show, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The locks won two separate awards there, being named one of the show's best new products by both the SEMA Global Media panel and the Light Truck Accessory Alliance. They've since been honored by AutoWeek (AW) magazine, which featured them in their recent '09 Holiday Gift Guide.

BOLT locks incorporate a patented, automotive-style cylinder that enables users to insert their car or truck key, turn once, and program the lock to that key. Any number of padlocks or other locks in the series can be set by the owner to a single key. In addition, since the BOLT Series locks use an automotive-grade cylinder with a shutter and six-plate tumbler, they have the highest corrosion resistance rating and are nearly impossible to pick or bump.

"Imagine the convenience of having just one key for all your locks, and it's the key you always have with you," said STRATTEC Director of New Market Development Mike Long. "We anticipate huge interest in this product among a variety of users, from auto/truck enthusiasts and outdoorsmen to contractors and fleet managers."

The BOLT Series of locks will initially include a padlock, 5/8" receiver lock, 1/2" receiver lock, cable lock, spare tire lock, motorcycle lock with other products to follow. The company estimates the BOLT Series locks fit over 88 percent of light trucks and over 70 percent of all Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles on the road, making them compatible with 111 million vehicles.

The SEMA awards weren't the first awards won by the BOLT line. Earlier this year, the BOLT line garnered "Best New Product" awards at the 2009 Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the 2009 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) shows. The US-made BOLT Series will also be marketed by DuraSafe, Inc. in the marine and outdoor markets.

STRATTEC is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive locks and keys, and supplies ignition locks and keys to all three U.S. automakers. For more information about the STRATTEC BOLT Series of locks, visit http://www.stratteclock.com/.