Chicago police host Vehicle Safety Days updating Hyundai and Kia car software
CHICAGO (CBS) —The Chicago Police Department teamed up with carmakers Hyundai and Kia to demonstrate how they plan to make cars safer.
The idea is to curb overall vehicle thefts in the city, as Hyundai and Kia are so often targeted.
Outside of Guaranteed Rate Field, CPD and Hyundai are installing a free software upgrade for eligible cars and providing an anti-theft solution This is part of a series of Vehicle Safety Days this weekend.
Technicians will be on-site to install and complete the upgrade, which should take less than 30 minutes. Those attending will also receive a no-cost steering wheel lock.
These cars saw an increase in thefts after a social media craze exposed an easier way to break in and steal models without automatic starts.
"These vehicles that are taken are often used in secondary crimes. So, today's prevention, and the measures being done by Hyundai and Kia, truly will help us to reduce crimes across the city," said CPD Chief of Patrol John Hein.
"I can tell you, we've been working with law enforcement across the country, and the team here in Chicago has been fantastic, real partners in this, and we look forward to moving this issue forward," said James Bell, communications director at Kia America.
"Hyundai set out of work on a basic alarm solution, a steering wheel lock distribution program, and engineering software solutions that would specifically prevent that type of theft," said David Vandelinde, Hyundai Motors North America Vice President.
The event requires no appointment. It takes place on Friday and Saturday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
