Kia, Hyundai release software to make vehicles harder to steal
The free anti-theft software updates follow a social media challenge leading to an alarming spike in stolen cars.
Following an alarming spike in thefts spurred on by a social media challenge, Kia and Hyundai are updating the software for millions of vehicles not equipped with immobilizers. The update will increase the time the alarm sounds from 30 seconds to one minute and will require the key to be in the ignition switch for the vehicle to start, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The companies have also provided more than 26,000 steering wheel locks since November 2022 to 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states, according to the NHTSA.
“We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for owners and lessees of our highest selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves in order for dealers to service them first,” Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said in a release. Hyundai reported around 4 million of its vehicles will receive the update.
The Hyundai updates began rolling out on Feb. 14, 2023, and included more than 1 million 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles. The remaining eligible vehicles will be able to receive the updated by June 2023 at Hyundai dealerships.
NHTSA reported Kia will start offering the free software update later this month in a phased approach expected to take several months.
This news comes on the heels of the New Hampshire Insurance Department warning insurers that the state has a “take-all-comers” rule, which prohibits insurance companies from refusing to write a policy for any vehicle type, including private passenger vehicles, listed in the state insurance code.
The rule does not apply to commercial lines, the NHID reported.
“In light of recent national headlines, the NHID wants to send a clear message to insurance consumers: Granite Staters will not find themselves without access to motor vehicle insurance,” New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner Christopher Nicolopoulos, said in a release. “New Hampshire’s ‘take-all-comers’ rule is an important principle that ensures drivers will continue to have access to coverage they need to protect themselves, their families, and their vehicles.”
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