'Theft Challenge' Targets Hyundai and Kia, Software Update Released in the US

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors, targeted by the 'theft challenge' in the United States, have ultimately decided to provide free software upgrades for 8.3 million vehicles.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on the 14th (local time) that Hyundai and Kia made this decision.

Hyundai stated, "We will provide free software upgrades to prevent vehicle thefts spreading through social media platforms such as TikTok."

Last year, across the United States, a social media crime trend emerged targeting Hyundai and Kia passenger vehicles without the anti-theft device called the 'engine immobilizer.'

With this free upgrade from Hyundai, vehicles that complete the software update will only start if the key is inserted into the ignition switch. The theft alarm duration will also increase from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Warning stickers indicating the presence of anti-theft devices will be distributed to consumers.

The upgrade applies to the 2017?2020 U.S. Elantra models, 2015?2019 Sonata models, and 2020?2021 Venue models.