Only 7% of vehicles have anti-theft software
Upgraded cars are stolen
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 30th (local time) that Hyundai and Kia cars, which have been targets of car theft in the United States, continue to be stolen even after upgrading.
As the ‘Hyundai Motor and Kia Stealing’ challenge spread like a trend on social media centered on teenagers and became a social problem, the two companies released free software updates to strengthen car security in February, but the problem is still not completely resolved. .
About 8 million vehicles from Hyundai and Kia have been identified as vulnerable to theft in the United States, but only about 7% of these cars have received software upgrades.
Auto dealers and some state officials argued that Hyundai’s failure to issue a safety recall further complicates the situation.
These dealerships and some state officials noted that the decision not to issue a safety recall means fewer car owners will find out about free software upgrades.
Instead of a recall, Hyundai and Kia issued a maintenance bulletin instructing dealers on how to solve non-safety related problems, but the information in the maintenance bulletin does not get as much attention as the recall notice, a dealer in Michigan said.
It seems that used cars of Hyundai and Kia sold at car dealerships, not official dealers, are excluded from the Iran guide.
Detroit-based social worker Ashley Singleton bought a used Kia Sportage SUV from a dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in March and the car was stolen the day after.
Singleton fell victim to buying a Sportage SUV from a Buick-GMC dealership that was not informed about software updates.
Los Angeles resident Shanaya Dias received anti-theft software, but her Sportage car was stolen last month. This is the third time she has had her Sportage vehicle stolen since December last year, in August of last year, she said.
As the theft continues, some Hyundai and Kia owners are switching to other brands.
Hyundai Motors and Trains agreed to pay $2 million (about 2.6 billion won) to victims of car theft to settle a class action lawsuit earlier this month, but attorneys general from 17 states also sent letters to federal authorities urging recalls. WSJ reported.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.