The Automotive Troublemaker: Kia Security Update

It’s a great Tuesday to sell some cars as we talk about LA’s announcement of a car-less Olympics (oh the irony). We also talk about the effectiveness of Kia’s fix for rampant thefts, as well as the large group of workers feeling stuck.

Los Angeles, a city synonymous with car culture, is casting it’s vision for the 2028 Olympic Games to be a "no-car Games." Mayor Karen Bass has announced plans to rely on public transportation instead of private vehicles, challenging the city's deeply ingrained car dependency.

• The city is advancing "Twenty-eight by '28," aiming to complete 28 transit projects by 2028, funded by voter-approved sales taxes.

• Bass is urging local businesses to adopt remote work and flexible hours during the Games to help reduce traffic.

• The plan includes bringing in 3,000 buses from around the country to bolster the city’s public transportation system.

• Mayor Bass stated, "We’re already working to create jobs by expanding our public transportation system in order for us to have a no-car games."

A recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute revealed that the anti-theft software upgrade developed by Kia and Hyundai has been highly effective, reducing theft claim rates by 53% for eligible vehicles. This comes after a surge in thefts following viral videos showing how to hotwire certain models lacking immobilizers.

• Kia and Hyundai vehicles from 2011-22 were targeted after a viral video exposed a security flaw.

• The software upgrade, offered in February 2023, extends the alarm duration and requires the key to be in the ignition to start the vehicle.

• Vehicles that received the upgrade showed a 64% drop in whole vehicle theft.

• Both companies have distributed over a million upgrades and provided steering wheel locks for ineligible vehicles.

• A $200 million settlement was reached for affected owners, though it has yet to be approved by the judge.

• "We're encouraged that theft rates in key cities have fallen significantly as more vehicle owners and lessees receive the free software upgrade," said a Kia spokesperson.

American workers are increasingly feeling "stuck" in their jobs as fears of a potential recession loom. This has led to a significant drop in the rate at which employees are quitting, despite widespread job dissatisfaction.

• The quit rate in July 2024 fell to just 2.1%, the lowest since the pandemic began.

• Google searches for "quitting job" are down 11% in the past year, while searches for "stuck at work" have risen 9%.

• Online communities like the subreddit r/hatemyjob have seen membership double, reflecting growing frustration among workers.

• Recession fears are rising, with Google searches for "recession" up 230% in the past month.

• Workers are prioritizing job security, with many hesitant to leave their current positions due to the uncertainty in the job market.

• "I feel trapped here," said Amanda, a 24-year-old histology worker. "I'm financially screwed if I leave, and that's why I don't, or can't leave."