More than 600 Manitoba motorists have called Manitoba Public Insurance to ask about a new discount program that pays for electronic ignition immobilizers.

When an immobilizer is installed, a car starts only with its key or a special code. If someone attempts to start the car without the key or code, the immobilizer cuts power to the starter, ignition and fuel supply.




Under a new program announced last week, MPI pays $140 toward the $280 cost of the immobilizer. The rest of the cost can be financed at zero percent interest, and drivers receive a $40 discount each year on their Autopac premiums.

About 250 motorists have already scheduled appointments to have the immobilizers installed.

MPI spokesman Brian Smiley is pleased with the interest in the program, but he's perplexed that owners of the vehicles most frequently stolen aren't more anxious to take MPI up on its offer.

"We haven't had a lot of response from those vehicle owners, so that's been surprising," he said. "I mean, if a person out there knows they have a vehicle in the top 10, then you would think they would inquire.

"That's something we're hoping to see from the Dodge Caravan owners, the Chrysler Intrepid, Plymouth Voyager, Jeep Cherokee. Those are the vehicles that we're hoping to protect and keep out of the hands of auto thieves."

Statistics from MPI indicate the odds of a Dodge Caravan being stolen in Winnipeg is one in eight.

Smiley says MPI will be sending letters to the owners of high-risk vehicles in the next few weeks to remind them about the offer.

Motorists who installed approved immobilizers before June 24 will receive cheques for the $140 rebate or have the amount applied to their account.

Anyone interested in the program can call MPI for more information at 985-7000 or 1-800-665-2410.