Common Council approves hiring of legal team that could lead to lawsuit against Kia, Hyundai

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Common Council made a tentative move toward legal action against carmakers Kia and Hyundai Tuesday, March 21. 

Their cars have been the target of a lot of car thefts in the city, and on Tuesday the council authorized the city attorney to hire a legal team. 

It doesn't guarantee that Milwaukee will file a lawsuit over the car thefts, but as their press release puts it, the resolution "paves the way for the city" to join other cities in taking legal action. 

The resolution was sponsored by Alderwoman Milele Coggs and Alderman Khalif Rainey and cosponsored by Alderman José Pérez, Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr. and Alderman Russell Stamper, II.

Alderwoman Coggs and Alderman Rainey said: “Every aldermanic district and every neighborhood in the City of Milwaukee has been touched by the rash of vehicle thefts, and we have seen the terror and hardship that having a vehicle stolen can bring. We are hopeful that this action can lead to some compensation and justice for our city, and we thank our colleagues for their strong support of this legislation.”