New York City Sues Automakers for Allegedly Failing to Incorporate Anti-Theft Technology in Cars

The city of New York is suing the two South Korean automakers Come on and Hyundaibecause they are said to have caused a “public nuisance”. According to the lawsuit filed, the companies should not have installed sufficient security measures in their vehicles to protect them from theft. These have skyrocketed since a viral TikTok challenge in 2021 in which teens hooked up countless cars using a USB cable.

“Profit over safety”

“The defendants helped create and perpetuate a public nuisance by prioritizing profits over safety and deviating from established industry standards by not installing motor immobilizers as safety features in their vehicles,” the statement said CNBC from the lawsuit brought before the U.S. District Court on Soutern District of New York present. This omission triggered a veritable epidemic of auto theft in the Big Apple.

“This case is a clear example of what can happen to public safety when automakers decide not to adhere to standards of anti-theft technology in their vehicles. Ensuring that cars are not easily stolen , you’re protecting both private property and the public by keeping dangerous drivers off the roads in stolen vehicles,” the statement said.

660 percent more thefts

According to the New York city government, the huge increase in car thefts is due to the said TikTok challenge. This has instigated many young people. In the first four months of this year alone, 977 Hyundai and Kia vehicles were reported stolen in the city area. “This represents an increase of almost 660 percent compared to the same months in 2022, when only 149 such crimes were recorded,” the lawsuit says.

It also confirms that New York is apparently not the only city in the US affected by this problem. Chicago has also reported an 800 percent increase in thefts of said car brands since the launch of the TikTok Challenge through August 2022. Los Angeles saw an 85 percent increase.

www.nyc.gov