By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams Wednesday announced plans to host a two-day clinic on Oct. 28 and 29, 2023, offering free anti-theft software upgrades and other tools to Hyundai car owners as part of the Adams administration’s ongoing efforts to combat auto thefts. The event is a being led by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III and City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward Caban, in partnership with Hyundai USA, and the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA).
The clinic will take place from 7 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29, 2023 at the GNYADA Center for Automotive Education and Training, located at 15-30 Petracca Place in Whitestone. Owners of Hyundai vehicles from 2013 to 2022 with turn-key ignitions are eligible to receive a free anti-theft software upgrade, which will be performed on-site by Hyundai service technicians. The upgrade typically takes about 15 minutes to complete, excluding any waiting time. Hyundai owners with vehicles not eligible for the software upgrade are eligible for a free steering wheel lock (while supplies last) courtesy of Hyundai. No appointment or pre-registration is necessary to participate, and vehicle owners do not need to provide any documentation to receive the software upgrade.
The following Hyundai vehicles will be eligible for upgrades: 2018-2022 Accent, 2011-2022 Elantra, 2013-2020 Elantra GT, 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe, 2018-2022 Kona, 2020-2021 Palisade, 2013-2022 Santa Fe, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, 2011-2019 Sonata, 2011-2022 Tucson, 2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster, and 2020-2021 Venue.
Despite an overall decrease in major crimes so far this year, grand larceny auto has risen approximately 19 percent through September, year to date. This increase is due largely to a rise in the theft of specific Hyundai and Kia models, which are vulnerable to theft due to software vulnerabilities. This trend, fueled by viral social media videos, emerged in the city in September 2022, spiked three months later, and continues to this day.
“A security vulnerability found in almost 4 million Hyundai vehicles allows someone to easily start the engine without a key, sparking a social media challenge encouraging young people to steal these vehicles,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said. “Mayor Adams, Commissioner Caban, and Deputy Mayor Banks’ two-day clinic will equip car owners with the software upgrades that eliminate this vulnerability, giving New Yorkers peace of mind that their car will not make the next TikTok video. The clinic is part of Mayor Adams’ comprehensive plan of education, intervention, and deterrence to take a bite out of grand larceny of automobiles. I am pleased to partner with the mayor at the state level as we work together to put the brakes on GLA in our city.”
“Violent crime is down in New York City, but we aren’t going to take our foot off the gas when it comes to combating car thefts,” Adams added. “This event will provide a free and easy way for Hyundai owners to protect themselves from falling victim to auto theft, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this clinic as we continue to attack this issue from every angle.”
