Kia Denies Ransomware Attack Kia Motors America has said a recent computer network outage problem was not caused by a ransomware attack. IT outages began on Saturday, impacting both Kia and affiliated automaker Hyundai Motor America, both of which are owned by the South Korea–based Hyundai Motor Group. The issues experienced by Hyundai were not as severe as those impacting Kia. As a result of the network problems, dealers have been unable to order parts and vehicles. A smartphone app that Kia owners can use to start and warm up their vehicles remotely has also been impacted. On February 15, a Twitter user claimed in a tweet that Kia's entire United States operation had been impacted by a ransomware attack.