Tesla prevented lease buyouts to sell used cars at a profit by implementing a policy that restricted the buyback option at the end of lease terms.
The company sold leased vehicles as used cars instead of keeping them for a 'Robotaxi' fleet, allowing for software upgrades and increased resale prices.
This practice, legal but seen as misleading, contributed to Tesla's growth but also raised concerns about the company's transparency with investors.
Elon Musk's repeated promises of self-driving cars have yet to materialize, but Tesla's financial success has continued despite these delays.