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Kia and Hyundai’s antitheft software update seems to be working

The Kia Boys phenomenon began during the pandemic.

A software update that first rolled out last year to owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles without electronic immobilizers has cut theft rates by more than half, according to a new analysis from the Highway Loss Data Institute(HLDI). The update aimed to prevent thefts by extending the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requiring a key in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on — essentially acting as a software-based immobilizer. Vandalism claims also remain elevated for Hyundai and Kia owners, as would-be thieves are breaking into the vehicles and stealing items and damaging the interior after finding themselves thwarted by the software update.

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