From what I have read there is software available to add a transponder chip ready to start the car but it involves the eprom chip to be removed and read to allow it to be reset or at least modified for it to work.

It amazes me how a manufacturer still produces a system like this, I know Fiat did a similar thing but that was nearly almost 15 years ago not 8 years ago.

I don't see what it achieved by having a system like this. With most you can delete lost keys and start again so not a sexurity risk.