A vehicle door latch assembly including a vehicle door latch having a ratchet and pawl combination. The vehicle door latch assembly also includes a key receiver in which a key is rotatable. In addition, the vehicle door latch assembly includes a key receiver mechanical advantage means that is mechanically connected to the key receiver. The key receiver is operatively connected mechanically via the key receiver mechanical advantage means to the ratchet and pawl combination for release of the ratchet and pawl combination under movement of at least a part of the key receiver when mechanically engaged by the key.