Hyundai drivers blighted by gangs targeting keyless electric cars
HYUNDAI electric car drivers are increasingly being targeted by thieves bypassing keyless technology.
Owners of the Ioniq 5, one of the manufacturer’s most expensive models, are the latest to fall victim to a spate of attacks that sees thieves hack a car’s smart key to gain access.
The Ioniq 5 was the second most stolen electric car in the UK during the first half of 2023, according to data obtained by Leasing Options from the DVLA.
Between January and July of last year, 13 Ioniq 5 models were reported stolen to the DVLA, while only one was stolen from its launch in early 2021 to 2023, the figures show. It ranked behind the Nissan Leaf, another vehicle with a keyless function, which was linked to 49 thefts in the same period.
Claims data from insurer LV= General Insurance last month showed that between September 2021 and 2023 Hyundais were the third most stolen electric vehicles reported by their customers in Britain, with thefts up 81pc. Lexus was reported stolen the most with drivers’ claims rising 513pc. Toyota was second as drivers reports of thefts more than doubled in the same period.
The South Korean manufacturer is now looking into rolling out an update of its “Blue Link” software, which allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock their car from a smartphone app without a conventional car key.
It plans to add features to prevent the thefts that will give drivers a greater ability to immobilise the vehicle, which retails at up to £56,000, as well as overhauling the security of its software and updating the car’s design.
Hyundai’s popularity has rocketed among drivers in recent years and sales soared 13pc in the first half of last year, making it the fourth biggest seller of non-fossil fuel vehicles in the UK.
The Ioniq 5 has won multiple awards for its family friendly design and was named BBC Top Gear’s car of the year in 2023, while Hyundai-owned Kia has found similar success in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
Hyundai drivers however have raised concerns some of the security measures can be relatively easily turned off.
It was also claimed Hyundai provided limited support in locating stolen vehicles. However, the company made clear that it has assisted police in recovering around 75pc of stolen vehicles using its Blue Link system.
Katherine Milliner, the claims director at LV, said “we’re seeing all types of vehicles stolen and keyless cars remain a challenge”. A spokesman for Hyundai said: “While we have only seen a small number of vehicles targeted to date, Hyundai is taking this industry-wide issue very seriously, working closely with law enforcement and looking as a priority at measures to help prevent these criminal acts.”