It’s not common for automakers – in China or elsewhere -- to sue their own customers. But Tesla has done so successfully in China, where Elon Musk’s company has used the courts and the patronage of a powerful leader to silence critics, reap financial rewards and limit its accountability.

Tesla has sued its own customers and journalists in China for defamation – and won just about every time. Elon Musk's company has pioneered an aggressive legal strategy there.

A report claims that Tesla has sued "at least" six car owners in China over the past four years after complaining about mechanical issues.