https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-suppliers-refunds-model-3-costs/

            Tesla
     is taking the somewhat unusual step of asking some automotive suppliers to return cash the company has already spent with them. According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Tesla sent a memo to suppliers asking for "a meaningful amount of money of its payments since 2016."

> So far, Tesla has not confirmed the contents of the memo, and representatives contacted by Roadshow didn't respond to requests for comment. However, The Wall Street Journal said the memo described the refund request as "essential" to Tesla's survival and critical for a continuing relationship between the automaker and supplier. Tesla has said that sales of the Model 3 are key to it becoming profitable and continuing to grow.