Maryland AG, others pen letter to Kia and Hyundai manufacturers to protect cars from theft trend

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, along with a coalition of state attorneys general, has penned a letter to Kia and Hyundai to urge the car manufacturers to take action to protect their vehicles from an emerging trend in auto theft.

The letter, which was sent on Tuesday, highlights the need for Kia and Hyundai to implement countermeasures to deter the rise in car theft. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Kia and Hyundai models were among the top five vehicles stolen in 2020.

The letter emphasizes that the auto manufacturers have the responsibility to ensure their vehicles are secure against the latest trends in theft. To that end, the attorneys general are urging Kia and Hyundai to implement technology that would help protect the cars from being stolen.

The attorneys general cite the use of immobilizers or kill switches as a possible solution. An immobilizer is a device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct key is not used. A kill switch, on the other hand, would shut off the car’s power if it is not in the correct position.

The letter also highlights the need for Kia and Hyundai to update their existing technology to prevent car theft. The attorneys general suggest that the car manufacturers update the technology used in the key fobs, which are the devices used to unlock and start the car, to make them more secure.

The attorneys general call on Kia and Hyundai to take action to protect their vehicles and to keep drivers safe. They also request that the car manufacturers provide a response to the letter within 30 days.

It is clear that the auto industry needs to take decisive action to protect against the rising trend in car theft. The attorneys general’s letter to Kia and Hyundai demonstrates their commitment to ensuring drivers are kept safe by encouraging the car manufacturers to take steps to protect their vehicles.