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.

Tesla has been suing customers, journalists and media outlets in China who complain or criticize their cars and winning every case.