Tesla vows repairs as hackers hit Model S

Tesla Motors Inc, whose Model S sedan is the target of a hacking contest held by Qihoo 360, said on Wednesday it would investigate and rectify any vulnerabilities discovered in the car during the competition.

Hackers have exploited system loopholes to control the locks, horn, headlights and skylight of Tesla cars while they are in motion, said Qihoo 360, which passed on the information to Tesla, the maker of the world's most popular electric car which is now available in China.

Qihoo 360 is the first system security company to find the system loopholes in Tesla cars.

Tesla is not associated with the conference and is not a sponsor of the competition but it "supports the idea of providing an environment in which responsible security researchers can help identify potential vulnerabilities," it said in a statement.

Tesla will investigate and take immediate action to rectify any "legitimate vulnerabilities" which are identified, the United States-based company added in the statement.

Tesla car owners need not worry because expert-level technology and skills are required to make use of the loopholes, said Jiang Xuxian, Qihoo 360's chief scientist.

Tesla began China deliveries of Model S, its flagship sedan, in April.

It aims to boost sales in the country by building charging networks in major cities, including Shanghai.