Electric Cars

Hyundai has announced a recall affecting tens of thousands of its Kona and Kona Electric SUVs. The core issue revolves around potentially defective rear center seatbelt buckles that might not provide adequate restraint in the event of a crash. This safety measure impacts specific 2026 Kona models and a smaller number of 2025 Kona Electric vehicles, urging immediate attention from owners to ensure passenger safety.

The manufacturing flaw, as detailed in documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), points to an improperly maintained stamping die used by a supplier. This oversight led to excessive wear on the die, resulting in seatbelt buckles that did not meet standard production specifications. The lack of stringent inspection protocols allowed these substandard components to be incorporated into the vehicles. Hyundai has stated that enhanced die maintenance inspection standards were implemented in January 2026 to prevent similar issues in the future.

With no preceding indicators of the seatbelt buckle's defect, owners are strongly advised against using the rear center seat until the necessary repairs have been performed. Hyundai plans to inform both vehicle owners and dealerships about the recall by September 11. Owners will receive instructions to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealership, where technicians will replace the potentially faulty seatbelt buckle with a compliant version. Concerned owners can verify if their vehicle is part of this recall by checking the NHTSA's official website.

This recall highlights the critical importance of robust quality control in automotive manufacturing, particularly for safety-critical components. Hyundai's proactive step to address this potential hazard underscores its commitment to passenger safety. Vehicle owners should prioritize this recall to mitigate any risks associated with the defective seatbelt buckles.

Engineered Performance Technologies (EPT) Group has officially announced its acquisition of Hondata, a prominent company specializing in engine control unit (ECU) tuning for Honda and Acura vehicles. This strategic move, finalized in May, marks another significant consolidation within the automotive aftermarket industry, bringing Hondata under the same corporate umbrella as other well-known brands like Cobb Tuning, PRL, and AutoMeter.

Engineered Performance Technologies Group Expands Portfolio with Hondata Acquisition

In a significant development for the automotive performance sector, Engineered Performance Technologies (EPT) Group confirmed in May its acquisition of Hondata, a leading provider of engine tuning solutions for Honda and Acura platforms. The news, initially surfaced through industry channels and subsequently verified by Motor1, highlights EPT's continued expansion in the enthusiast market. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Hondata was co-founded in 1999 in New Zealand by Derek Stevens and Doug Macmillian, who later relocated operations to the United States in the early 2000s. Post-acquisition, both Stevens and Macmillian, along with the existing Hondata team, are slated to remain in their current leadership roles, ensuring continuity and leveraging their extensive expertise. Jeff King, the head of EPT, expressed enthusiasm for the integration, stating that Hondata will now benefit from enhanced resources to "accelerate technological leadership," broaden its customer support network, and "bring even more innovations" to the competitive marketplace. EPT Group's website characterizes itself as a "consumer-focused automotive aftermarket company that invests in and builds products that deliver premium, differentiated software-based solutions for their customers." This latest acquisition of Hondata, one of eight such transactions since 2007, solidifies EPT's position as a key player in the performance tuning segment, integrating Hondata into a diverse group of brands including ECUTek.

This acquisition by EPT Group represents a pivotal moment for Hondata and the broader automotive tuning community. While the infusion of private equity resources promises accelerated innovation and expanded support for enthusiasts, it also prompts reflection on the evolving landscape of specialized aftermarket companies. The balance between maintaining a brand's unique identity and integrating into a larger corporate structure will be crucial. For consumers, the hope is that this new chapter will lead to even more advanced and accessible tuning solutions for their beloved Honda and Acura vehicles.