Docking station with latching mechanism for electronic key fob

A docking station 7 for co-operation with an electronic key fob for a vehicle ignition has a slot into which an electronic key fob can be inserted, and a casing 13 for housing a spring, and a slider 14 and latch arrangement 16, 18. The slider is pushed by the fob as it is inserted against the action of the spring. The latch arrangement comprises a latch arm 16 and a curved and stepped track 18 in which the latch arm is constrained to move. The latch arrangement acts to hold the fob and slider in one of a sequence of positions as the fob is pushed and released. Microswitches may be associated with each of the latch positions operable to actuate the vehicle ignition and engine cranking. The docking station is preferably provided in a vehicle instrument panel and may further comprise an electronic module for detecting a signal from a transponder housed in the key fob for deactivating a vehicle steering lock.