Birmingham to potentially challenge Kia and Hyundai in court over defective design that led to more car thefts [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham city leaders are looking at possibly suing carmakers Kia and Hyundai.

The Birmingham City Council has voted to allow the city attorney’s office to explore legal claims against the companies over what they call design defects which made certain cars easier to steal.

According to City Attorney Nicole King, this is because Birmingham Police have responded to so many stolen vehicle investigation requests.

King went on to call the situation a public nuisance and a drain on city resources.

This is not the first time this issue has sprung up in the Magic City.

Earlier this year, Birmingham police shared that in 2023, the number of car thefts rose over 375% compared to 2022.

Kias and Hyundais made up one-third of all the cars stolen in Birmingham. At one point, BPD even passed out free steering wheel locks to drivers to help prevent thefts.

Tuesday the council voted to allow …