In a bid to curb a high rate of vehicle thefts, Austin Police Department's Auto Theft unit is joining forces with Hyundai, offering a three-day clinic for free anti-theft software upgrades to Hyundai vehicle owners. The clinic kicked off today at the Burger Sports Complex and is scheduled to run through March 10, according to CBS Austin.
Hyundai is specifically targeting owners or lessees of 2011-2021 model-year vehicles equipped with a traditional key-based ignition system. With an alarmingly steep increase in thefts due to a social media challenge that started in the summer of 2021, Hyundai's free software upgrade is seen as crucial in preventing the exploitation of a vulnerability that thieves have been taking advantage of. In three years, the theft rates for these vehicles in Austin have skyrocketed from 5-7% to 35%, despite these models only making up 9% of the county's registered vehicles, as per CBS Austin.
Highlighting the simplicity and efficiency of the program, Dave VandeLinde, vice president of Hyundai Motors, emphasized the importance of the initiative. "A software solution to prevent that type of theft that was popularized on TikTok," VandeLinde told KXAN. Additionally, Hyundai is providing a sticker indicating an installation of the software as a further deterrent.
Owners have the convenience of walking into the clinic without the need for an appointment, registration, or sign-up. Hyundai dealerships are also providing free upgrades daily. Hyundai's corporate tie to Kia, which uses similar anti-theft technology, is well identified, even as they operate as competitors in the US due to antitrust laws.
The event at the Burger Sports Complex, located at 3200 Jones Road in South Austin, will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Drivers will also be able to enjoy a lounge with couches and refreshments while the upgrade, which takes less than 30 minutes to install, is performed.
