Seattle sues automakers Kia and Hyundai

DAY

The city of Seattle in the United States has filed a lawsuit against car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai for allegedly failing to install anti-theft technologies in certain vehicles, which has contributed to increase car theft in the area. 

According to the municipality, both companies are aware of the public safety concerns surrounding the surge in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts and have not taken steps to alleviate these concerns.

In Seattle, the number of Kia and Hyundai brand car thefts increased by 363% and 503% respectively between 2021 and 2022, local news channel KIRO7 reported.

“Kia and Hyundai have chosen to cut corners and cut costs at the expense of their customers and the public. As a result, our police force has had to deal with a huge increase in vehicle thefts and related issues with already limited resources. Now Seattle taxpayers must bear the brunt of the increased theft,” said Seattle city attorney Ann Davison, who believes both manufacturers should take their share of the blame.

< p>While many stolen cars have been involved in major accidents and even robbery cases, Seattle wants compensation and demands that both manufacturers install anti-theft systems on unprotected vehicles.

In a statement sent to KIRO7, Hyundai called the lawsuit “inappropriate and unnecessary”.

“Hyundai is also providing free steering wheel locks, where possible, to certain government agencies. law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Seattle area, for distribution to local residents who own or rent the affected models,” a company spokesperson said.