Tesla Motors Inc, whose Model S sedan is the subject of a hacking contest that was launched on Wednesday in Beijing by a computer security conference, said it will investigate and rectify any vulnerabilities discovered as a result of the competition.

The SyScan +360 conference is offering $10,000 to anyone who successfully hacks into the Tesla Model S, according to its website.

Qihoo 360 Technology Co found ways to remotely control the car's locks, horn, headlights and sunroof while the car is moving, the Beijing-based Internet security company said in a posting on its Sina Weibo account.

Wu Jing, director of investor relations for the company, said that its information technology department conducted the experiment.

Palo Alto, California-based Tesla, said in an e-mail: "While Tesla is not associated with the conference and is not a sponsor of the competition, we support the idea of providing an environment in which responsible security researchers can help identify potential vulnerabilities. We hope that the security researchers will act responsibly and in good faith."

Tesla's billionaire Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said last month that the automaker's patents will be "open source" and available at no charge as it seeks to expand adoption of electric cars.

Bloomberg

(China Daily USA 07/17/2014 page13)