Hyundai Removing Cigarette Lighter Jacks From Korean-Market Vehicles

Hyundai Motor has made a move that can only be described as unprecedented in the automotive industry, removing cigarette lighter jacks from all of their models.

Instead of leaving that space empty, Hyundai has announced that the cigarette jacks will be replaced with USB ports in all Hyundai brand vehicles sold in Korea.

For now, it is only Korean models that will be affected, but Hyundai had already hinted that the spread to overseas markets might be just around the corner.

Hyundai affiliate, Kia Motors, has not made any decision yet as to what their plans might be.

There is a lot of ant-smoking sentiment going around in Korea at the moment, with many drivers using the jack to charge their electronics as opposed to lighting up a cigar or cigarette.

Cigarette Lighter Jacks Or USB Port?

Hyundai recently ran a survey on 600 customers, with an astonishing 84% of respondents saying that they do not use the cigar lighter.

When given the choice between a lighter and a USB port, 94% opted for the USB option.

Hyundai has said that the average cell phone can be charged in about an hour using the new USB charger, which is about 7 times faster than using a portable charger.

The base prices of Hyundai cars will ne be affected by the change, whilst also stating that after sale services will be offered for the new device. There will still be ashtrays in the vehicles.