Hyundai, the South Korean automaker, announced on Wednesday that it is taking proactive measures to address the rising issue of vehicle thefts linked to social media platforms. In response, the company is setting up “mobile clinics” at five U.S. locations to offer anti-theft software upgrades. These clinics will target vehicles that have become a prime focus for thieves due to a technique popularized on platforms like TikTok.
The mobile clinics, running for two to three days on or adjacent to weekends, will be stationed in New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rochester, New York. The clinics are scheduled to take place between October 28 and November 18.
Hyundai also announced its commitment to supporting single-day regional clinics organized by its dealerships before the conclusion of 2023, although specific locations and dates were not disclosed.
The vehicles identified by Hyundai as most affected by this emerging threat include:
2018-2022 Accent
2011-2022 Elantra
2013-2020 Elantra GT
2013-2014 Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Kona
2020-2021 Palisade
2013-2022 Santa Fe
2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
2019 Santa Fe XL
2011-2019 Sonata
2011-2022 Tucson
2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster
2020-2021 Venue
The increase in theft rates for these specific models can be attributed to their lack of engine immobilizers, a standard anti-theft technology found in many other vehicles. Thieves exploited this vulnerability, leading to an alarming surge in the theft of these particular Hyundai models.
Hyundai’s initiative to establish mobile clinics and offer anti-theft software upgrades underscores the company’s commitment to customer safety and security. By addressing this issue head-on, Hyundai aims to safeguard its customers from the threat posed by thieves who have leveraged social media to target vulnerable vehicles.
These measures reflect Hyundai’s dedication to ensuring the protection of its customers and their valuable assets. By offering anti-theft upgrades and raising awareness about the issue, the company takes a significant step toward mitigating the impact of this emerging challenge.