"Hyundai Theft Blamed on Hyundai" NYT Backlash... Readers Say "Nonsense, It's the Thief's Fault"

Column Published on 'Hyundai Motor Theft Incident'
"Easy to Steal Vehicles" Sparks Backlash

The US daily newspaper New York Times (NYT) published an article suggesting that Hyundai and Kia have contributed to encouraging vehicle theft crimes, sparking heated controversy. Subscribers reacted, saying, "Are you blaming innocent car manufacturers instead of the criminals?"

The article was written by NYT columnist Fahad Manjoo on the 3rd (local time). Manjoo pointed out, "An American think tank analyzed crime incidents in 37 cities and found that only 'vehicle theft' increased by 33.5% in the first half of this year compared to last year."

After compiling various data and statements from police officers, Manjoo concluded, "The reason is that millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles are ridiculously easy to steal."

Most vehicles sold in the US start by recognizing the wireless ID of the car key. However, this anti-theft system is not a mandatory option. Therefore, Hyundai and Kia vehicles are relatively more vulnerable to theft compared to other vehicles.

A group of teenage youths known as the so-called 'Kia Boys,' who targeted and stole from Kia and Hyundai vehicles last year. [Image source=YouTube]

Manjoo also presented specific data. He said, "One-third of vehicle thefts in Seattle in August involved Hyundai and Kia vehicles," and pointed out, "Vehicle theft causes huge social costs because criminals use stolen cars to commit shootings, drug trafficking, traffic accidents, and more, beyond just consumer damage."

He also cited statistics showing that 41% of vehicle thefts in Baltimore in May and 57% of thefts in Cleveland this year involved Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

However, the column provoked backlash from some readers. They argued that blaming manufacturers instead of criminals for the causes of vehicle theft is illogical.

An article published on the 3rd (local time) in The New York Times (NYT) stated that "Kia and Hyundai have contributed to the 'wave of vehicle theft crimes,' and they must pay the price." [Image source=NYT]

NYT operates a comment section on its article and column web pages where members can post. Currently, the most recommended comment reads, "Blaming the victim instead of the criminal." Other comments included, "Why is it the company's fault for not installing a non-mandatory ID authentication device?" and "Isn't it because criminals are not held accountable that they continue to run rampant?"

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group proposed a $200 million settlement to US vehicle owners who suffered losses due to vehicle theft. Owners who did not recover their vehicles and those whose vehicles were damaged or personal belongings lost during theft attempts were to receive $6,125 and $3,375 respectively.

However, on the 15th of last month, the US Central District Court of California postponed approval of Hyundai's settlement related to the class-action lawsuit, indicating that the trial may be prolonged. The court reportedly judged that future vehicle software updates and related explanations to prevent similar incidents were insufficient.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.