Hyundai and Kia automobiles have grow to be a favourite goal of thieves.
The crime spree started final yr in Wisconsin, when TikTok and YouTube customers posted movies exhibiting how one can break into the automobiles, rip off the steering column and bypass the important thing with a USB cable. Criminals in different states quickly joined in, resulting in a rash of thefts across the nation.
The affected automobiles — principally from the 2011 via 2021 mannequin years — do not comprise digital immobilizers, that are customary on most new automobiles and stop the engine from being began with no key fob. The difficulty has led to dozens of class-action lawsuits and a few homeowners utilizing measures akin to anti-theft golf equipment.
With out a perfect resolution from the automakers, Elliot Silk, a service director at Suntrup Automotive Group, of St. Louis, which has one Kia and one Hyundai retailer amongst its 5 dealerships, determined to take issues into his personal fingers.
Silk, who mentioned he not too long ago had 100 Kia and Hyundai automobiles backed up on his lot ready for repairs from break-ins, spent about three months working together with his shops’ technicians to develop an off-the-shelf Bluetooth immobilizer. He mentioned the system stops the engine from beginning, even when the bottom line is within the ignition, except the proprietor additionally has pressed a button on a distant management.
The proprietary system, he mentioned, has introduced peace of thoughts to prospects whereas offering the service division with one other income stream. He costs $200 to put in the system on the dealership and has made it accessible to different prospects on-line for $99, plus transport.
“It’ll cease the common thief from stealing the automobile,” he instructed Automotive Information. “Even when they rip off the system, they’d should be a technician to rewire every part.”
Representatives for Hyundai and Kia mentioned they haven’t studied or analyzed Silk’s system, however they “proceed to assessment and consider choices.”
Silk mentioned he and his crew took an current product and specifically wired it.
No two Bluetooth units are the identical, which means one management would not be capable of begin a number of vehicles.
He mentioned the expertise works on automobiles from many non-European manufacturers.
The listing of Hyundai and Kia fashions prone to being stolen as a result of they do not have an immobilizer is lengthy.
Hyundai mentioned it consists of sure trim ranges of the Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Sonata, Veloster, Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL and Palisade automobiles from the 2016-21 mannequin years. Kia mentioned any Kia automobile “constructed between 2011 and 2021 that makes use of a metal key” might be in danger.