Overview

• Tesla has sued at least six Chinese car owners and multiple journalists and media outlets for defamation, winning nearly all cases reviewed by the Associated Press.
• A Chinese court recently ruled against Zhang Yazhou, a Tesla owner who protested alleged brake failures, ordering her to pay $23,000 in damages and issue a public apology.
• Tesla’s success in Chinese courts is unusual, with the automaker winning nearly 90% of cases filed by customers over safety, quality, and contract disputes.
• The company’s favorable outcomes are attributed to its close ties with influential Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, who supported Tesla’s entry into the Chinese market.
• Critics argue Tesla’s aggressive legal strategy has created a chilling effect on consumer complaints and media coverage, limiting accountability and transparency.