There has been a notable increase in car-related crimes in recent years. In addition to catalytic converters theft, modern vehicles, especially those from Hyundai and Kia brands, are also being targeted for theft.
Fed up with the growing number of vehicles stolen or attempted theft on their lot, a dealership group decided to take matters into their own hands. They created a solution to prevent thefts and are now profiting from their own proprietary immobilizer system.
Before delving into the solution, let’s take a moment to discuss the issue at hand.
Most modern vehicles come equipped with an immobilizer, a security feature that prevents a car from starting without its paired key. Despite various methods to bypass this security measure, the immobilizer effectively thwarts hotwiring attempts. Some base-model Hyundai and Kia models lack this security feature, making them easy targets for theft groups like the Kia Boyz. Shockingly, these thefts can be carried out using nothing more than a USB cable due to the absence of the immobilizer.
The solution proposed by Hyundai involves installing an anti-theft device like The Club. However, a dealership group in St. Louis, Missouri, opted for a more sophisticated approach. Suntrup Automotive Group introduced the VIS Security Device, a $99 immobilizer that requires the driver to press a button on a wireless key fob to start the vehicle.
The VIS Security Device and its key fobs.
The device developed by Suntrup is not a completely new invention. Instead, Automotive News explains that it adapts an existing product to fit most affected Hyundai and Kia models. While it works across various brands and models, most manufacturers already include an immobilizer in their newer vehicles. Suntrup’s service director, Elliot Silk, notes that even if the immobilizer is removed, the vehicle would need rewiring by a technician to start.
Interestingly, there are similar products available in the market that offer comparable results, although the installation process may not be as straightforward as Suntrup’s solution. Nonetheless, these security measures do not shield vehicles from incidents like smashed windows, tampered steering columns, and damaged locks, which have led to over 100 Hyundai and Kia vehicles accumulating at Suntrup dealerships due to increased theft rates.
For those preferring an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) alternative, Hyundai has teamed up with Compustar to offer a security kit for affected models. However, priced at $170 and requiring an estimated 2.5 hours for installation, the total cost could easily reach around $500. Despite this kit, numerous cities and consumers have lodged at least 15 lawsuits against the automakers regarding the theft incidents.
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