Hyundai Motor USA donated steering wheel locks to the Clearwater Police Department in Florida to help combat auto thefts that are the result of a social media trend.
Police blame a TikTok and a social media trend that began in 2021.
Videos posted to social media under the hashtag"Kia Boys," show people how to start Kia or Hyundai vehicles without keys, and instead with the tip of a phone charger or USB cable. The videos prompted juveniles across the country to try and steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles.The trend resulted in tens of thousands of vehicles being stolen and taken for joyrides.St. Louis, Missouri is one area that was hit hard by the auto theft trend.
This week, a service director at the Suntrup Automotive Group said its service team redesigned an off-the-shelf Bluetooth switch that could be hardwired to the car and immobilize the ignition. The low-end models manufactured between 2011-2021, were built without push button ignitions and ignition immobilizers.In areas like Clearwater, Florida, where the solution is not readily available, a more primitive means, like a steering wheel lock, is being offered as a solution, and for free.
Owners of Hyundai vehicles without push button immobilizers can pick up a steering wheel lock Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Clearwater Police Station on Pierce Street. To qualify, police said on a Facebook post, proof of Hyundai vehicle ownership is required.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch a Hyundai Ioniq 5 drive sideways and more with 90-degree four-wheel steering - AutoblogMove over, GMC Hummer CrabWalk, Hyundai Mobis has a system that enables slick parking and turning maneuvers in a variety of vehicles.
Read more »
Hyundai Ioniq 5 With e-Corner Modules Can Rotate Its Wheels 90 DegreesHyundai's concept would make life a lot easier when parking because it can make the drive sideways and spin 360 degrees. So you can say goodbye to three-point turns!
Read more »
Hyundai Updates The Grand i10 Nios And Aura Siblings | CarscoopsThe Indian-spec models gain revised styling and more features, ahead of their European counterpart that is also expected to get a facelift this year
Read more »
Hyundai managed to put its 'crab-walking' e-Corner technology into an Ioniq EV | EngadgetFive years after debuting at CES 2018, Hyundai’s e-Corner technology is closer to reality..
Read more »
The Hyundai Elantra N Is the Best Bang for Your Performance Car BuckDon't overlook the Elantra N if you're searching for an affordable new performance car.
Read more »
Watch Hyundai's Ioniq 5 EV perform a crab walk | Digital TrendsHyundai is making exciting progress with its eCorner technology that lets a driver crabwalk out of a tight spot, among other maneuvers.
Read more »