Memphis City Council Considers Legal Action Against Hyundai and Kia Amid Car Theft Surge

Memphis City Council Takes Bold Step Against Car Theft Epidemic

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a move that’s sure to grab headlines, the Memphis City Council is gearing up to discuss the possibility of hiring an attorney to sue the automakers behind Hyundai and Kia. The shockingly high rates of car thefts in the city have prompted officials to explore legal actions that target these manufacturers due to defects in their vehicles.

What’s Happening This Tuesday?

During an executive session on Tuesday, December 3, the City Council will deliberate over a resolution that could allow city attorney to bring in outside counsel to file litigation against Hyundai and Kia. And it doesn’t stop there! The resolution may also extend to “any other manufacturers of vehicles contributing to the epidemic of vehicle thefts,” as stated in the board documents.

If the resolution passes, the city aims to hire the law firm Johnson and Johnson, P.C. to represent them in this matter. The documents highlight that car thefts in Memphis are allegedly linked to known defects in these vehicles that the manufacturers have, according to the documents, concealed. This lack of action has resulted in a dramatic surge in vehicle thefts, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned.

The Car Theft Crisis in Memphis

Memphis has seen a troubling rise in car thefts, and the city officials are ready to take significant action. The board documents indicate that there is solid ground to claim that Hyundai and Kia were aware of these issues and chose not to address them. This alarming situation has made car safety a top priority for the city and has left residents feeling uneasy about their vehicles.

What About the Rising Rental Prices?

But wait, there’s more! The board has also identified issues surrounding increasing rental prices in the Memphis area. City officials noted that many landlords utilize a software called RealPage to set their rent prices. They argue that this program often drives rental prices up, impacting residents already struggling with affordability.

The documents accuse the usage of RealPage’s system of precluding competition and disproportionately affecting local residents. As Memphis grapples with vehicle thefts, it seems that the rising costs of living are just another factor weighing heavily on the community.

Not Alone in This Fight

It’s worth noting that Memphis isn’t the only city tackling this issue head-on. Cities like Nashville are also taking legal steps against Hyundai and Kia. The ripple effects of car thefts and rising rent are concerns resonating beyond the lines of Memphis, making this a significant matter on the agenda across the state.

And speaking of RealPage, there’s even more heat on the company. The United States Department of Justice has already filed a lawsuit against them, alleging that they run an “algorithmic pricing scheme” that significantly harms American renters. This investigation adds a layer of urgency to the conversation surrounding rental prices as Memphis considers its course of action.

What’s Next for Memphis?

With the executive session just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Memphis City Council’s decisions. Whether they will move forward with hiring legal counsel to sue Hyundai and Kia or take additional steps to address rising rental prices remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the voices of the people in Memphis are being heard, and city officials are advocating fiercely on their behalf.

As the city grapples with these pressing matters, residents will no doubt be looking for solutions that enhance both their safety on the roads and the affordability of housing in their beloved Memphis.