Rochester, New York to Sue Kia and Hyundai over Spike in Vehicle Thefts
The city of Rochester, New York, has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against Kia America and Hyundai Motor America over a significant increase in vehicle thefts in the city. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans alleges that the two automakers failed to install adequate anti-theft technology in their vehicles, making them easy targets for thieves. The lawsuit follows similar litigation by other cities, including Cleveland, San Diego, and Seattle. Rochester has seen a nearly 2,400% increase in thefts of Kias and Hyundais in 2023 alone, with some of the stolen vehicles used in other crimes such as burglaries, and even crashing through buildings.
The city of Rochester has hired outside legal counsel for the lawsuit, which seeks to hold Kia and Hyundai accountable for the costs associated with the increase in vehicle thefts, including property damage, waived impound fees, and public safety concerns. Mayor Evans argues that these thefts are negatively impacting the quality of life for Rochester residents and the livelihoods of local business owners.
This lawsuit comes in response to the circulation of viral videos on social media that demonstrate how easy it is to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a simple USB cable. As a result, Mayor Evans and other city leaders are urging the two automakers to install readily available anti-theft technology to prevent future thefts and reduce the impact on the community.
Overall, the lawsuit seeks to address the rising crime rates associated with the theft of Kias and Hyundais in Rochester, New York. The city's leaders hope that this legal action will prompt automakers to take a more proactive approach to preventing vehicle thefts and protecting public safety.