By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham city leaders are considering a possible lawsuit against automakers Kia and Hyundai.
Birmingham City Council has voted to allow the city attorney’s office to investigate lawsuits against the companies over what they call design defects that make some cars easier to steal.
According to City Attorney Nicole King, that’s because Birmingham police have responded to so many requests for stolen vehicle investigations.
King went on to call the situation a public nuisance and a drain on city resources.
This is not the first time this problem has arisen in the Magic City.
Earlier this year, Birmingham Police said that in 2023 the number of car thefts increased by more than 375% compared to 2022.
Kias and Hyundais account for a third of all stolen cars in Birmingham. At some point BPD even passed out free steering wheel locks to drivers to prevent theft.
On Tuesday, the council voted to allow the mayor and city attorney to investigate and prosecute any potential claims the city may have in civil disputes against Kia and Hyundai.
“It caused a disproportionately large burden on local police departments, police departments everywhere. To the extent that our police department was going out and engaging with the community. Proliferation of steering wheel locks,” said City Council President Darrell O’Quinn.
He says it could be a long process. If the city enters a lawsuit as a plaintiff or joins a class action, we will let you know.
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