Happy Friday
New York City is the latest to sue Hyundai and Kia, claiming their cars are too easy to steal. During the first four months of 2023, over 977 Kias/Hyundais have been stolen, compared to the time last year with only 148 vehicles, representing a 660% increase and Big Apple authorities have had enough.
Q: Why is this happening?
A: TikTok
Hyundai and Kia made a business decisions to reduce cost and boost profits, by not installing common anti-theft technology. TikTokkers have since figured out that using by tools no more advanced than a USB cable they're able to drive off in seconds. In 2020 a group of teenagers calling themselves the 'Kia Boyz' began posting 'how-to' videos detailing how simple it was o steal them and became notorious for posting videos of youth engaging in reckless driving after stealing Kias and Hyundais. It's resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.
Since then, thefts of the cars have skyrocketed across the US – and continue to rise. Baltimore, Cleveland, Milwaukee, San Diego, Seattle and more cities have already sued the automaker alleging the same negligent practices.
The Takeaway
In February, Hyundai and Kia launched a service campaign to prevent the theft of millions of their vehicles being targeted by TikTokkers.
Wondering if your car is on the TikTok hit list? Here's the latest:
Vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022: Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Elantra Coupe, Elantra Touring, Genesis Coupe, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL, Santa Fe Sport, Sonata, Tucson, Veloster, Venue, and Veracruz; and the Kia Forte, K5, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, Soul, and Sportage.
The auto makers have developed theft deterrent software their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners. Hyundai will also provide its customers with a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. Owners of these vehicles should contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the FREE update.
Stay safe out there.
-Attila
ChatGPT's joke for today:
Why did the car thief exclusively target Hyundais?
Because they were "Hyun-die"ing to make their getaway in style,