Beijing Hyundai under fire from Verna owners

Beijing Hyundai, the capital-based Sino-Korean joint venture has been criticized by car owners after its Hyundai Verna has become a target of thieves exploiting the lack of anti-theft devices.

While so far, owners in Beijing have not been affected, a number of Verna drivers in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, have complained that the high risk of theft has led to insurance companies refusing to issue insurance for the vehicle.

The Verna has one of the highest theft rates in Chengdu, Chengdu Business Daily reported, quoting statistics from Chengdu police which said in 2012 alone, over 120 Vernas were stolen. On January 16 six were stolen in one district.

An anonymous insider from Beijing Hyundai's PR department said it is looking into the issue.

"Beijing Hyundai has sent an expert team to Chengdu to investigate and will give free steering wheel locks to Verna owners. We won't consider nationwide action until we get their report," he said.

"We have Vernas with electronic engine locks. Those who bought cars without should park more carefully," he said.

Huang Junwen, a 21-year-old Verna owner, lost his car last Friday night.

"I parked near my apartment and discovered it had disappeared the next day," said Huang, blaming the lack of an electronic car engine lock system.

An electronic car engine lock matches chip keys and prevents thieves from driving cars away. The price for a Verna ranges from 65,000 yuan ($10,445) to 107,000; only those at the high-end of the range have engine locks.

Both Ping An and Sunshine Insurance said they will not insure Verna owners for theft in Chengdu.

"We are losing money on this, so we called a halt," an employee from Sunshine told the Global Times.