They could have made still made the news if they had taken a few extra precautions to reduce the risk of an accident.

However, they do need to make the news. Them making the news makers it easier and more likely that politicians will prioritize the political capital of working to solve this over the lobbyist from the automotive industry.

If Chrysler and other car manufacturers were taking this sufficiently seriously the releases might not be necessary. They gave Chrysler plenty of warning, Chrysler could have issued a recall (and still can), the consequences are on Chrysler, not on the security researchers.