NYC Sues Hyundai And Kia As Automobile Thefts Use Up Police Sources

Typically talking, somebody solely wants entry to a screwdriver and USB charger to steal Hyundai and Kia autos within the U.S. that lack the suitable security function. The automakers responded to the issue by providing steering wheel locks to the house owners of impacted automobiles, additionally saying a software program replace in February 2023 designed to enhance safety. These measures have not been sufficient to maintain Hyundai and Kia thefts from skyrocketing in lots of cities, nevertheless, together with New York Metropolis. 

In a lawsuit, metropolis officers claimed that greater than 19% of auto thefts within the metropolis up to now this yr have concerned weak Hyundais and Kias. To place that in perspective, these autos comprise lower than 3% of the general autos in NYC. On a year-over-year foundation, the variety of thefts has reportedly skyrocketed by a number of hundred p.c, and metropolis officers declare the New York Police Division has been unduly burdened as a consequence. Although it is unclear how a lot the town might reap in damages if the lawsuit is profitable, its initiative joins these of a number of different main cities which have additionally hit the automakers with related fits, together with Cleveland, Seattle, Baltimore, and San Diego.