A wave of theft due to viral TikTok videos: US cities sue Hyundai and Kia for easy software hacking | Mobility

On the heels of US cities like Cleveland, San Diego, Milwaukee, Columbus and Seattle, the city of St. Louis, Missouri, announced Monday that it will sue the two trademarks. Cities argue that Kia and Hyundai should have done more to prevent thefts. St. Louis Mayor Tychorah Jones believes the companies are “responsible for putting our residents at risk.” “Profit is more important than safety,” said the mayor.

The cause of the problem that led to the thefts was with the software in the cars. Viral TikTok videos have shown how models made between 2015 and 2019 in particular can be hacked and stolen. Online teens have shown how they can start cars and get them out of the way, among other things, with just a USB cable and a screwdriver.

And he did a lot. Last year, Hyundai and Kia cars were stolen almost twice as often in the United States than cars from other manufacturers of similar build years. More than 8 million Kias and Hyundais in the United States have been promised an upgrade that will fix the problems.

And the US regulator NHTSA said last month that during the “fun ride” with stolen cars, many accidents occurred, including fatal ones. At that time, there were already at least fourteen accidents in which eight people died.

Car brands spokesmen told ANP last month that Belgians who drive Kia or Hyundai cars do not run the extra risk of having their car stolen. Other programs are used in Europe.