Chicago’s Mayor blames automakers for car theft surge, files lawsuit.
The Blame Game: Chicago Mayor Files Suit Against Automakers for Car Theft
In a late but bold move, the leftist mayor of Chicago is pointing fingers at automakers for the city’s car theft crisis. Mayor Brandon Johnson is now filing a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, accusing them of contributing to a “steep rise” in crime.
A Setback in Court
Last week, United States District Judge James V. Selna made a significant ruling in a class action suit against Kia and Hyundai. The lawsuit claimed that these automakers failed to equip certain models with an engine immobilizer. However, the judge denied the parties’ request for preliminary approval of a $145 million settlement. Instead, he directed them to revise the agreement and create a reimbursement matrix based on each vehicle’s estimated value. The judge also demanded a demonstration of the technology’s effectiveness, its flaws, and potential solutions.
A Citywide Battle
Undeterred by the setback in court, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city of Chicago are now taking legal action against Kia and Hyundai. Their claim is that these automakers neglected to include “industry-standard engine immobilizers” in some of their cars, leading to a surge in crime.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the impact of car theft on Chicago residents, particularly low- to middle-income workers who rely heavily on their vehicles for transportation and family responsibilities. He called the failure to install basic auto-theft prevention technology in these models “sheer negligence,” resulting in a citywide and nationwide crime spree.
The mayor’s office further highlighted the disproportionate impact on low-income Chicago residents, as these stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been used to commit other crimes, including reckless driving, armed robbery, and even murder.
A Troubling Statistic
According to Fox News, thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars accounted for over half of all car thefts in Chicago in 2023. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the issue and holding automakers accountable.
Automakers Respond
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Hyundai expressed their commitment to assisting affected customers and communities. They highlighted the efforts of their dealers across the country in maximizing anti-theft software installations, which are reported weekly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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