VOLKSWAGEN is answering criticism of Sony radio/cassette players fitted in its vehicles by introducing a series of new anti-theft measures.

While Sony will still provide the radios, the manufacturer has announced a string of improvements designed to crackdown on the theft rate of the radio sets from its cars. Although the front panel of the radio is removable, thieves have been able to steal the remaining unit and install it complete with a new front panel in other vehicles.

The new initiatives will be introduced across the Volkswagen vehicle line-up from September through the remainder of 1996 and will see: