Free Anti-Theft Installation for Hyundai Owners in Austin
In response to an alarming rise in auto thefts, Hyundai is offering a unique solution to local owners this weekend in Austin. Auto thefts in the city increased by 33% last year, a phenomena mirroring a national trend driven by a trend on social media. Hyundai owners in the region can have free anti-theft software installed in their vehicles, as part of a novel initiative organized by the auto manufacturer.
Hyundai’s Preventative Measures
The free software installation is specifically aimed at Hyundai vehicles produced between 2011 and 2021, regarded as particularly vulnerable to theft. Hyundai owners can attend a pop-up clinic in the Burger Center’s parking lot at 3200 Jones Road facing U.S. 290. The scheduled timing for the installation are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The process, as explained by Dave VandeLinde, vice president of Hyundai Motor America, will take about 20 minutes.
Surge in Auto Thefts
The Austin Police Department has reported a significant rise in auto thefts. As per their data, 554 vehicles were stolen in January 2023, a jump from the 430 auto thefts reported in the same month the previous year. The rise in these thefts corresponds to a social media trend known as the “Kia Challenge” which demonstrated how to easily steal Hyundais and Kias using simple tools. Mike Earley, investigations commander for the Austin Police Department, acknowledged that the majority of these Hyundai and Kia thefts were carried out by juveniles for joyriding
Efforts to Curb Auto Theft
In an endeavor to curb the rising thefts, the police are educating people about targeted cars and preventive measures. Steering wheel locks are being handed out to Hyundai and Kia owners, and arrests are being made of individuals involved in vehicular thefts. An analysis of 34 U.S. cities by the Council on Criminal Justice shows auto thefts were 29% higher on average in 2023 than in 2022. In the city of Austin, auto thefts rose by a staggering 131% between 2019 and 2023.
Hyundai’s Solution to Car Theft
The vehicles most prone to theft are found to have a key ignition rather than a push-button start. Dave VandeLinde of Hyundai mentioned that these vehicles lack an engine immobilizer, a security feature that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the original key is detected, making them vulnerable to theft. To help mitigate this issue, Hyundai is hosting free software installation events across the nation since July. Areas where these clinics were held have been reported anecdotally to have decreased auto thefts.
In addition to the free software, Hyundai will also give out steering wheel locks to any Hyundai owners, regardless of the model. For those who cannot make it for this weekend’s clinic, the upgrade technology can be availed for free at any Hyundai dealership.