CNBC editor sold his Tesla Model X for parts - and now it's driving around Ukraine and sending messages to the old owner
CNBC executive Jay Yarow shared an interesting story on social media about his old Tesla Model X, which was sold for parts in the US and now suddenly ended up in Ukraine.
Details
At the end of last year, Jay sold the car for parts in the US. He had already forgotten about the car, but a few months ago it appeared online and started sending notifications to the former owner's smartphone. The Tesla app shows the car being driven in southern Ukraine, and the new owners are even listening to Drake songs via the still-connected Spotify.
Here's an unusual situation. I had a Tesla, crashed it, it was totaled. And now it's ... in Ukraine? And someone there is listening to Drake on my, still logged in, Spotify account. pic.twitter.com/ymW2psyvz6
- Jay Yarow (@jyarow) August 10, 2023
This could be a serious problem, as the credentials to access internet services clearly remain in the car's electronics and can then be used by anyone who gets that car.
CNBC has learnt that after the car was written off, it was put up for sale by online auction site Copart. This is where Tesla's are sold from recycling points across the US. These are damaged or reassembled cars that the insurance company recognises as "dead". They have a so-called salvage title, but prospective buyers are warned of serious problems.
In the US, such cars cannot be driven legally, but in other countries, including Ukraine, the rules are not as strict. Therefore, Copart works and sells damaged cars in 11 countries.
Thus, the masters restored Jay Yarow's scrapped Tesla Model X, after which someone from Ukraine bought the car at auction. How much this car cost is unknown, as neither the recycling depot nor Copart gave a comment to CNBC.
At the same time, Tesla representatives provided instructions on how to disconnect the car from the account. But that could affect the new owner's ability to use the apps.
Source: CNBC
