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Frank McCarthy will be stepping down this month as head of A1 Security in Richmond, VA. A1 has been one of the leaders in offering tools for the automotive locksmith. In addition, they distribute key blanks for most popular transponder-based automotive keys. I wish Frank well in any new ventures he may be connected with.

Ortech is a lock manufacturer with headquarters in Japan. Several years ago they opened a factory in Missouri and became an important source of GM OEM locks. For reasons unknown, Ortech has moved out of the USA lock market. Strattec reportedly now has most of the lock tooling formerly used by Ortech. Expect Strattec to furnish a larger percentage of GM lock needs for the forseeable future.

Look for an increased use of sidewinder keys for automobiles. At a time when security on most vehicles depends on transponders, the extra security provided by pick-resistant sidewinder locks seems questionable.

There are several negatives concerning sidewinder keys.
Sidewinders are more difficult to duplicate. There is a greater chance of tumbler wear because a very small part of the key blank surface touches each tumbler.  Added tumbler parts, sidewinder key cutting and tedious assembly offers little or no cost savings.

Even with all these questions, 2008 models of Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza and Pontiac G8 will all have sidewinder key systems. The G8 is a Holden from Australia and the Astra is based on a European Opel. These cars were already sold with sidewinder key systems. If you don't have one, it is probably time to look at purchasing a sidewinder duplicator machine.