Keys to New Imports
 

Everyday I drive by the auto import yards in Baltimore, MD. I was
wondering how on earth they keep track of the keys of literally
thousands of identical cars. Do they leave them all unlocked with the
keys in the ignition or is there some sort of master key?

Thanks in advance

On Wed, 1 Jun 2005, Elliott Plack, USAR wrote:

> Everyday I drive by the auto import yards in Baltimore, MD. I was
> wondering how on earth they keep track of the keys of literally
> thousands of identical cars. Do they leave them all unlocked with the
> keys in the ignition or is there some sort of master key?

It's not all that hard. Every car has a VIN, a set of keys and a set of
documents (Manufacturer's Statement of Compliance, etc.); they'd be kept
on file organised by VIN.

"Elliott Plack, USAR" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Everyday I drive by the auto import yards in Baltimore, MD. I was
> wondering how on earth they keep track of the keys of literally
> thousands of identical cars. Do they leave them all unlocked with the
> keys in the ignition or is there some sort of master key?
>

A lot of the dealerships have a key vault which is computer controlled,
the keys are attached to a special plastic keyring which has a sensor in it,
that is how the computer knows when the correct key has been put back
in the vault. The people check the keys for the vehicles in and out using
this system.

Ted

So when they have to move all those cars off the ships, they need to go
find all the keys first? Wouldn't it be easier if one key worked in
like 20 cars. What is the chance of someone trying their key in another
car and having it work. They send those things all over the country.

On Thu, 2 Jun 2005, Elliott Plack, USAR wrote:

> So when they have to move all those cars off the ships, they need to go
> find all the keys first?

And you're worrying about this because...?

Just curious.