Hyundai, Kia Agree to Settle Lawsuit of Robbery Victims After Viral Tik Tok Challenge

Hyundai and Kia announced an agreement on Friday to settle a lawsuit filed by car theft victims after a “challenge” from Tik Tok It will show how easy it is to steal some models.

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The deal could cost both South Korean automakers up to $200 million, most of which would go to compensating people for theft-related losses, according to the companies.

A judge must decide whether or not to approve the settlement.

“This settlement is the latest step in a series of important actions Kia has taken to help customers whose vehicles have been attacked by criminals using theft methods popularized on social media,” said Kia America Chief Legal Officer John Yoon. in a joint statement.

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car thefts kia and hyundai in the United States shot up in the middle of last year after videos were released on Tik Tok that showed how to easily steal some models, according to the companies.

The videos promoted a “Kia Challenge” challenging people to carry out such carjacking, they said. Hyundai and Kia.

Challenge-related auto thefts resulted in at least 14 accidents and eight deaths, according to NHTSA, the US highway safety agency.

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Tik Tok He did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

The companies estimated that some 9 million vehicles Hyundai and Kia currently in circulation in the United States are or were “susceptible to these thefts promoted by social networks.”

“We welcome the opportunity to provide additional support to our owners who have been impacted by the increasing and persistent criminal activity targeting our vehicles,” said Hyundai North America Legal Director Jason Erb.

Erb added that Hyundai will continue to update its cars’ software, distribute steering wheel locks and help owners who have trouble getting insurance due to the risk of theft.

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Kia is taking similar steps, Yoon said.

Hyundai and Kia updated anti-theft software and provided tens of thousands of steering wheel locks to car owners in states across the United States, according to NHTSA.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.