A total of 130 imported European cars landed at Elizabeth in South Australia fitted with 70cm radio key locks. This caused headaches for technicians who were trying to ready them for the local market.

WIA Victoria was asked to exercise its influence to find a quick solution to get the cars moving to distributors who had waiting buyers. Our CEO Barry Wilton VK3XV politely reminded the car importer that the automotive industry had been warned about the problem, and apparently not taken the matter seriously enough.

The European radio security systems are incompatible with Australian radio frequency standards. The 70cm regenerative receivers used in the vehicles have broad band front ends and we understand this is causing widespread problems.

     5 October 1998