Minneapolis, MN – TC Nighthawks, a startup in Minneapolis, has seen a surge in inquiries following a $200 million settlement against KIA and Hyundai. The settlement allows owners of certain models of these vehicles to purchase GPS-equipped car-tracking tags and be reimbursed for the expense. TC Nighthawks, which debuted the tags last year to assist in the recovery of stolen vehicles, is anticipating increased sales as a result.
Notices regarding the settlement and the process for reclaiming out-of-pocket expenses related to thefts and attempted thefts will be sent out this week via mail and email. TC Nighthawks has already received numerous calls and emails from interested individuals seeking to take advantage of this benefit. Lacey Gauthier, the founder of TC Nighthawks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the solution to car theft.
The class-action lawsuit, filed by a law firm based in Seattle, represents around 9 million people who bought or leased KIA or Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022. The suit claimed that these companies failed to install engine immobilizers in certain models, making the vehicles vulnerable to theft. KIA and Hyundai vehicles have been targeted frequently by thieves, as illustrated by online videos highlighting their vulnerabilities.
Hagens Berman, the law firm that initiated the suit, explained that engine immobilizers prevent most vehicles from starting unless a code is transmitted from the vehicle’s smart key. As a part of the preliminary settlement approved in California, the companies will provide free software upgrades to prevent unauthorized vehicle starts when a key or key fob is not present. Additionally, funds of up to $300 per vehicle will be provided for owners of ineligible vehicles to cover the cost of purchasing security measures such as wheel locks, glass-breakage alarms, or anti-theft systems.
TC Nighthawks offers car-tracking tags that employ GPS, Bluetooth, and satellite technology to locate stolen vehicles. With the use of a proprietary app, victims can report the theft, receive a case number, and immediately contact TC Nighthawks. A Nighthawks dispatcher will then send an email to the assigned officer containing a screenshot of the vehicle’s location, significantly increasing the likelihood of recovery. In addition, the company operates a team of specialists who utilize drones with cameras to capture footage that may aid in identifying suspects.
In response to the prevalence of theft, KIA has donated steering wheel locks to various police departments. However, the thefts persisted, leading to the filing of the lawsuit. TC Nighthawks provides an alternative solution, ensuring the security of vehicles and offering support to families faced with the devastating loss of a stolen car.
TC Nighthawks has experienced tremendous growth, expanding from a small team to a workforce of 60 individuals, including technology experts, security specialists, drone operators, and former police detectives. While the company did not disclose specific sales figures, they reported a notable increase in sales since their launch last year. With the option for reimbursement now available, TC Nighthawks expects a surge in orders as they continue to expand their operations to new cities across the country.
“We are bringing new technology to an old problem,” said Gauthier. “Our goal is not to replace the police, but to reunite cars with their owners and families.” The final approval for the settlement is scheduled for July 15 in a California court, and payments will be made once any appeals are resolved, according to the law firm representing the plaintiffs.