ASTON XXXXXX LAGONDA OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
RETAIL DEALER SALES AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
ASTON XXXXXX TYSONS CORNER
[ASTON XXXXXX LOGO]
This Retail Dealer Sales and Service Agreement (the "Dealer Agreement"),
effective as of the 1st day of January 2003, by and between ASTON XXXXXX LAGONDA
OF NORTH AMERICA, INC., a Connecticut corporation, having its principal place of
business at Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000 (hereinafter referred
to as "Aston Xxxxxx") and H.B.L. LLC, a Michigan corporation doing business as
Aston Xxxxxx Tysons Corner, 0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, XX 00000
(hereinafter referred to as "Dealer").
All of the terms defined in the Standard Provisions of the Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda
of North America, Inc. Retail Dealer Sales and Service Agreement (the "Standard
Provisions") shall hereby become a part of this Dealer Agreement and, when used
herein, shall have their respective meanings as set forth in such Standard
Provisions. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "Agreement" shall
mean the Dealer Agreement and the Standard Provisions, collectively, as such
shall be amended from time to time, and any Performance Agreement which the
parties may execute.
PREAMBLE
Aston Xxxxxx has the exclusive right in North America to distribute and to
provide factory-approved warranty service for the motor vehicles, parts and
accessories which are manufactured by Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or which bear
the trademarks of Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited and are sold by Aston Xxxxxx.
Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer recognize that Aston Xxxxxx Products have over a period
of years earned the goodwill of the North American motoring public. Aston Xxxxxx
and Dealer further recognize that the success of the distribution and sale of
Aston Xxxxxx Products in North America depends upon the continuation and
extension of this goodwill.
Dealer recognizes that the continued success of Aston Xxxxxx in North America
and, therefore, the protection of the interests of Aston Xxxxxx customers,
dealers and Aston Xxxxxx also depends upon the establishment and maintenance of
a network of dealers, properly located and efficiently managed to promote
effectively the sale and servicing of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer further
recognizes that it is the objective of Aston Xxxxxx to ensure the success of its
dealer network by selecting the most suitable dealer for each location.
In order for the general public, Aston Xxxxxx and each of its dealers to obtain
the maximum benefit from the sale of Aston Xxxxxx Products, each dealer
authorized by Aston Xxxxxx shall maintain facilities and personnel sufficient to
meet the sales and service needs and expectations of the customers and potential
customers of such products within Dealer's RMA. It is expected that each dealer
will adopt and follow sound, ethical and effective business practices in order
to fully develop and maintain the market for Aston Xxxxxx Products in such area.
Towards that end, Dealer shall sell and service Aston Xxxxxx Products in
conformity with policies and practices established from time to time by Aston
Xxxxxx.
This Agreement designates Dealer as an authorized retail dealer in Aston Xxxxxx
Products at the location(s) approved by Aston Xxxxxx and sets forth the duties
and obligations of Aston Xxxxxx
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and Dealer in the sale to and by Dealer of Aston Xxxxxx Products, and the rights
and responsibilities of Dealer in the management of the Aston Xxxxxx dealership
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. By fully assuming such duties,
obligations and responsibilities and through the mutual effort of Dealer and
Aston Xxxxxx, it is anticipated that both parties will benefit from continued
public goodwill and ensuing business success.
Therefore, the parties hereto agree as follows:
A. PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT
The purpose of this Agreement is to promote the sale of Aston Xxxxxx Products in
a manner which maximizes retail customer satisfaction. Dealer shall not sell
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles to any individual or entity other than bona fide retail
customers or a designated lease company acting on behalf of bona fide retail
customers. Sales to independent brokers and other persons who are not bona fide
retail customers are inconsistent with Dealer's rights and obligations under
this Agreement and would constitute breaches hereunder.
B. APPOINTMENT OF DEALER
Aston Xxxxxx hereby appoints Dealer as an authorized retail dealer of Aston
Xxxxxx Products and grants Dealer the non-exclusive right to buy and sell Aston
Xxxxxx Products in accordance with and subject to the provisions of this
Agreement. Dealer hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to be bound by all
of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Dealer recognizes and agrees that
its appointment as a dealer in Aston Xxxxxx Products does not confer upon it the
exclusive right to deal in Aston Xxxxxx Products in any geographical area within
which Dealer may sell or service Aston Xxxxxx Products, including but not
limited to Dealer's RMA. Subject only to any applicable federal, state or local
laws, ordinances or regulations, Aston Xxxxxx reserves the right to grant or
confer rights and privileges concerning the sale and servicing of Aston Xxxxxx
Products upon such other dealers as may be selected and approved by Aston
Xxxxxx, whether located in the vicinity of Dealer's premises or elsewhere, as
Aston Xxxxxx, in its sole and absolute discretion, may deem necessary or
appropriate.
C. DEALER AGREEMENT STANDARD PROVISIONS
The accompanying Standard Provisions, entered into by Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, are hereby made a part of
this Dealer Agreement with the same force and effect as if all of the provisions
contained therein were set forth herein in full, including, but not limited to,
the terms of Article 3.6 of the Standard Provisions, pursuant to which Dealer
grants to Aston Xxxxxx a first and senior lien on and security interest in the
Collateral (as such term is defined in the Standard Provisions), and the terms
of Article 18.10 of the Standard Provisions, pursuant to which the parties to
this Agreement consent to the arbitration of any and all disputes and
controversies arising in connection with this Agreement before the American
Arbitration Association in Manhattan, New York City. Dealer hereby acknowledges
receipt of the Standard Provisions and declares that it has examined and is
fully familiar with the terms thereof and accepts them without reservation.
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D. DEALER'S OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
This Agreement is in the nature of a personal services contract between Aston
Xxxxxx and Dealer. In order to induce Aston Xxxxxx to enter into this Agreement,
Dealer makes the following representations and warranties, each of which shall
be deemed to be independently material and to have been relied upon by Aston
Xxxxxx, regardless of any investigation made or information obtained by Aston
Xxxxxx:
(i) DEALER'S OWNERS. The beneficial owners, record owners, members and
partners, if any, (collectively "Owners"), of Dealer are as follows:
Name and Residence Social Security Numbers Percentage of Percentage of Time
Address of Beneficial of Beneficial Owners, Beneficial Active in Operation of
Owners, Members and Members and Partners Interest Dealer's Aston Xxxxxx
Partners Business
H.B.L. Holdings Inc. 90%
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx S. Penske Jr ###-##-#### 10% 35%
000 Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
(ii) DEALER'S OFFICERS. The following persons are Dealer's Officers:
Social Percentage of Time
NAME Security TITLE Active in Operations
Number of Aston Martin's
Business
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx Xx ###-##-#### Chairman 35%
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx ###-##-#### President and Dealer Operator 100%
Xxxxxx X. XxXxx ###-##-#### Senior Vice President 0%
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx ###-##-#### Vice President 30%
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx ###-##-#### Vice President 20%
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx ###-##-#### Secretary and Treasurer 30%
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(iii) DEALER OPERATOR. The following person shall exercise the function of
a Dealer Operator and shall be in complete charge of Dealer's day-to-day
Aston Xxxxxx Operations, with authority to make all operating decisions on
behalf of Dealer with respect to Dealer's Aston Xxxxxx Operations:
Social Percentage of Time
NAME Security TITLE Active in Operation
Number of Aston Martin's Business
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx ###-##-#### President and Dealer Operator 100%
(iv) DEALER'S IDENTIFICATION
Dealer's Federal Taxpayer Identification Number is : 00-0000000.
Aston Xxxxxx is entering into this Agreement in reliance upon the
above-mentioned representations. Due to the importance that Aston Xxxxxx places
on the identity, expertise, reputation, character, integrity, abilities,
financial resources, personal and business qualifications and experience and
business philosophy of Dealer's Owners and Officers and of the Dealer Operator
of Dealer, Dealer agrees that: (a) there will be no change in Dealer's Owners or
Dealer Operator without the prior written consent of Aston Xxxxxx; (b) there
will be no change in Dealer's name, identity, business organization or corporate
structure without the prior written consent of Aston Xxxxxx; and (c) Dealer will
give prompt written notice to Aston Xxxxxx of any change in Dealer's Officers.
E. DEALER'S PREMISES
Aston Xxxxxx hereby approves the location of the following Dealership
Facilities:
(1) A showroom for Aston Xxxxxx Automobiles at:
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xx 00000
(2) Service and parts facilities for Aston Xxxxxx Products at:
As above.
Dealer shall conduct its Aston Xxxxxx Operations and keep Aston Xxxxxx Products
at the above-mentioned Dealership Facilities only, and shall operate its
business at such Dealership Facilities during the customary business hours of
the trade in its surrounding community.
In the event that Dealer desires to: (a) change its principal place of business
from the one set forth in this Agreement: (b) change the location of any of its
Dealership Facilities; (c) establish
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any additional locations for either operating its business or storing Aston
Xxxxxx Products; or (d) make any major change in the layout and appearance of
any of its Dealership Facilities, it must first obtain the express written
approval of Aston Xxxxxx.
F. EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES
Except as otherwise provided by law, the written Aston Xxxxxx Warranties are the
only Warranties applicable to Aston Xxxxxx products. Except for its limited
liability under such written warranties, Aston Xxxxxx and Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda
Limited do not assume any other warranty, obligation or liability with respect
to Aston Xxxxxx products. Dealer is not authorized to create, modify or assume
additional warranty obligations or liability on behalf of Aston Xxxxxx or Aston
Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited. Any such unauthorized creation, modification or
assumption without the prior written consent of Aston Xxxxxx shall be the sole
responsibility of dealer. As to dealer, the written warranties are in lieu of
all other warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Aston
Xxxxxx disclaims any responsibility or liability to dealer for commercial losses
based on negligence or manufacturer strict liability, or any other theory of
liability or recovery.
G. TERM
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect and shall govern all
relations and transactions between Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx until continued by
the signing of a new Agreement or terminated in accordance with applicable law
or the provisions of this Agreement.
H. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall not become effective until it is signed by a duly
authorized officer or member of Dealer, if Dealer is a corporation or limited
liability company; or by one of the general partners of Dealer, if Dealer is a
partnership; or by the aforementioned individual, if Dealer is an individual,
and thereafter countersigned by a duly authorized Executive Officer of Aston
Xxxxxx.
I. TERMINATION OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS
The execution of this Agreement by Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx terminates and
supersedes all prior written or oral agreements between them relating to the
subject matter hereof, and furthermore releases each of them from any claims,
liabilities, demands and causes of action held by the other arising out of or
from the provisions of such written or oral agreements or the course of dealings
between the parties, except with respect to any known and liquidated trade
indebtedness which may be owing by either Aston Xxxxxx or Dealer to the other,
and except that this Agreement shall not operate to cancel any of Dealer's
unfilled orders with Aston Xxxxxx for any Aston Xxxxxx Products placed with
Aston Xxxxxx pursuant to the provisions of any agreement terminated or
superseded by this Agreement.
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J. MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT
No representative of Aston Xxxxxx shall have the authority to waive any of the
provisions of this Agreement or to make any amendment or modification of or any
other change in, addition to or deletion from any portion of this Agreement, or
to enter into any other agreement on behalf of Aston Xxxxxx which imposes any
obligation on either Aston Xxxxxx or Dealer which is not specifically imposed by
this Agreement, unless such waiver, amendment, modification, change, addition,
deletion, or agreement is made in writing and signed by a duly authorized
Executive Officer of Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer, as such is set forth in Article H
of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer have signed and executed this Dealer
Retail Sales and Service Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
ASTON XXXXXX LAGONDA OF H.B.L., LLC
NORTH AMERICA, INC
D/B/A
ASTON XXXXXX TYSONS CORNER
By /s/ Xxxxxxx X Xxxxxxxx By /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx
------------------------------------------ ---------------------------
Xxxxxxx X Xxxxxxxx, President and C.E.O. Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx
Date 31/3/03 Date 2-28-03
----------------------------------------- -------------------------
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XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XX XXXXX XXXXXXX, INC.
STANDARD PROVISIONS
ASTON XXXXXX TYSONS CORNER
[ASTON XXXXXX LOGO]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 -- DEFINITIONS ........................................................... 1
1.1 Capital and Operating Standards .................................. 1
1.2 Corporate Identification Program ................................. 1
1.3 Dealer ........................................................... 1
1.4 Dealer Operator .................................................. 1
1.5 Dealership Facilities ............................................ 1
1.6 Executive Officer ................................................ 1
1.7 Facilities/Personnel Guide ....................................... 1
1.8 Aston Xxxxxx ..................................................... 1
1.9 Aston Xxxxxx Operations .......................................... 1
1.10 Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts ....................................... 1
1.11 Aston Xxxxxx Products ............................................ 2
1.12 Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited ..................................... 2
1.13 Aston Xxxxxx Signs ............................................... 2
1.14 Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks .......................................... 2
1.15 Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles ............................................ 2
1.16 Performance Agreement ............................................ 2
1.17 Relevant Market Area ("RMA") ,.................................... 2
ARTICLE 2 -- OBLIGATIONS OF ASTON XXXXXX ........................................... 2
2.1 Sale of Aston Xxxxxx Products .................................... 2
2.2 Support Services ................................................. 2
ARTICLE 3 -- TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE OF ASTON XXXXXX
VEHICLES ..................................................................... 3
3.1 Dealer's Purchase Price .......................................... 3
3.2 Liability of Owners............................................... 3
3.3 Allocation and Distribution of Vehicles........................... 3
3.4 Financing the Purchase of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles................... 3
3.5 Payment for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles; Title.......................... 3
3.6 Grant of Security Interest; Execution of Security Agreement....... 3
3.7 Method of Shipment of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles....................... 4
3.8 Diversions of Shipments........................................... 4
3.9 Risk of Loss; Insurance........................................... 4
3.10 Transportation Damages or Loss.................................... 4
3.11 Changes in Specifications......................................... 4
3.12 Failure of, or Delay in, Delivery................................. 4
3.13 Federal, State and Local Taxes.................................... 5
3.14 Inventories; Demonstrators........................................ 5
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3.15 Changes in Price of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles; Refunds................ 5
3.16 Incorporation of Aston Martin's Warranties in Dealer's Sales...... 6
3.17 Labels............................................................ 6
ARTICLE 4 -- DEALERSHIP FACILITIES ................................................. 6
4.1 Quality of Dealership Facilities.................................. 6
4.2 Maintenance of Dealership Facilities.............................. 6
4.3 Relocation of Aston Xxxxxx Operations............................. 6
4.4 Aston Xxxxxx Signs................................................ 7
4.5 Aston Xxxxxx Stationery........................................... 7
ARTICLE 5 -- DEALER OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL............................. 7
5.1 Identity of Owners, Officers and Dealer Operator ................. 7
5.2 Changes in Ownership or Dealer Operator; Sale of Assets;
Multiple Dealerships.............................................. 7
5.3 Authority and Ownership Interest of Dealer Operator............... 8
5.4 Sales and Servicing Staff......................................... 8
5.5 Appointment of Other Dealers...................................... 8
5.6 Other Corporate Changes........................................... 8
5.7 Right of First Refusal or Option to Purchase...................... 8
ARTICLE 6 -- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALER'S ASTON XXXXXX
OPERATIONS .................................................................... 10
6.1 Conduct of Business .............................................. 10
6.2 Business Hours.................................................... 10
6.3 Compliance with Laws.............................................. 10
6.4 Modification of Aston Xxxxxx Products ............................ 11
6.5 Compliance with Aston Martin's Recommendations.................... 11
6.6 Performance Agreement............................................. 11
6.7 Review of Customer Satisfaction Data.............................. 11
6.8 Maintenance of Accounting Systems; Sales Information.............. 11
6.9 Access to Dealer's Premises and Records........................... 11
6.10 Insurance......................................................... 12
ARTICLE 7 -- SALE AND PROMOTION OF ASTON XXXXXX PRODUCTS ........................... 12
7.1 Aston Xxxxxx Customer Events...................................... 12
7.2 Sales Performance................................................. 12
7.3 Down Payments and Trade-Ins ...................................... 12
7.4 Dealer's RMA...................................................... 12
7.5 Notification to Aston Xxxxxx of Difficulty to Repair.............. 12
7.6 Dealer's Purchase of Aston Xxxxxx Products........................ 13
1.7 Marketing and Sale of Non-Automotive Aston Xxxxxx Products........ 13
ARTICLE 8 -- CUSTOMER SERVICE....................................................... 13
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8.1 Importance of Service Department.................................... 13
8.2 Body Repair Services................................................ 13
8.3 Management and Training of Service Department....................... 13
8.4 Service Department Facilities....................................... 13
8.5 Tools Used by Service Department.................................... 13
8.6 Pre-Delivery Inspection and Servicing............................... 13
8.7 Evaluation of Dealer's Service Department........................... 13
8.8 Performance of Warranty Service..................................... 13
8.9 Warranty Procedures................................................. 14
8.10 Records of Warranty Claims.......................................... 14
ARTICLE 9 -- PURCHASE AND INVENTORY OF GENUINE ASTON XXXXXX
PARTS ........................................................................... 14
9.1 Inventory of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts............................. 14
9.2 Condition of Parts Department....................................... 15
9.3 Price of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts................................. 15
9.4 Incomplete Delivery................................................. 15
9.5 Return of Non-Conforming Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts................. 15
9.6 Return of Specially Ordered Aston Xxxxxx Products................... 15
9.7 Delivery of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.............................. 15
9.8 Dealer's Account with Aston Xxxxxx.................................. 15
9.9 Representations as to Genuineness of Parts Used and Sold by Dealer.. 16
ARTICLE 10 -- CAPITAL AND OPERATING STANDARDS, FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS .......................................................... 16
10.1 Capital and Operating Standards .................................... 16
10.2 Reports of Dealer's Sales and Inventory; Departmental
Profitability....................................................... 16
10.3 Maintenance of Books of Account..................................... 16
10.4 Monthly Financial Statements........................................ 16
10.5 Yearly Financial Statements......................................... 16
10.6 Confidentiality of Dealer Data...................................... 17
10.7 Access to Dealer's Premises and Auditing of Records................. 17
ARTICLE 11 -- TRADEMARKS.............................................................. 17
11.1 Use of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks by Dealer............................ 17
11.2 Exclusive Ownership of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks...................... 17
11.3 Use of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks by Dealer Upon Termination
of Dealer Agreement................................................. 17
11.4 Use of Trademarks in Connection With Used Automobiles............... 18
ARTICLE 12 -- ADVERTISING AND MERCHANDISING .......................................... 18
12.1 Contents of Advertising............................................. 18
12.2 Participation in Advertising Programs............................... 18
12.3 Sales Aids.......................................................... 18
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ARTICLE 13 -- INDEMNIFICATIONS...................................................... 18
13.1 Indemnification by Aston Xxxxxx................................... 18
13.2 Indemnification by Dealer......................................... 19
13.3 Notification of Request to Indemnify or Defend.................... 19
13.4 Attorneys' Fees................................................... 20
ARTICLE 14 -- TERMINATION........................................................... 20
14.1 Termination by Mutual Agreement................................... 20
14.2 Termination by Dealer............................................. 20
14.3 Termination Due to Expiration of Aston Martin's Status as
Distributor of Aston Xxxxxx Products.............................. 20
14.4 Termination for Failure to Maintain Necessary Licenses............ 20
14.5 Termination for Cause............................................. 20
14.6 Termination for Death or Disability of Owner or Dealer Operator... 22
14.7 Termination for Failure to Enter into or Fulfill the Terms of a
Performance Agreement ............................................ 22
ARTICLE 15 -- RIGHT OF SUCCESSION................................................... 23
15.1 Continuation of this Agreement Upon Death or Incapacity........... 23
15.2 Successor Nominee................................................. 23
15.3 Successor to Dealer In Event of Death............................. 23
ARTICLE 16 -- BUSINESS RELATIONS AFTER TERMINATION.................................. 24
ARTICLE 17 -- RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION OF
AGREEMENT...................................................................... 24
17.1 Purchase of Dealer's Inventory of Aston Xxxxxx Products by
Aston Xxxxxx...................................................... 24
17.2 Absence of Liens.................................................. 24
17.3 Delivery; Right to Take Inventory; Right of Offset................ 25
17.4 Customer Files and Product Literature............................. 25
17.5 Mutual Release and Termination.................................... 25
ARTICLE 18 -- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.............................................. 26
18.1 Notice of Failure to Act in Good Faith............................ 26
18.2 No Oral Agreements or Modifications............................... 26
18.3 Entire Agreement.................................................. 26
18.4 Assignment of Agreement........................................... 26
18.5 Third Party Beneficiaries......................................... 26
18.6 Dealer Is Not an Agent of Aston Xxxxxx............................ 26
18.7 Notices........................................................... 26
18.8 Waivers........................................................... 26
18.9 Severability...................................................... 27
18.10 Choice of Law; Arbitration; Jurisdiction.......................... 27
18.11 Withdrawal or Suspension of Supply of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles....... 27
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18.12 Aston Martin's Security Interest.................................. 28
18.13 Anti-Theft Labels ................................................ 28
18.14 Time of the Essence............................................... 28
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DEALER AGREEMENT STANDARD PROVISIONS
The following Standard Provisions of the Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda of North
America, Inc. Retail Dealer Sales and Service Agreement, as the same may be
amended, superseded or substituted from time to time (the "Standard Provisions")
are expressly made a part of and are incorporated by reference into the Aston
Xxxxxx Lagonda of North America, Inc. Retail Dealer Sales and Service Agreement
(the "Dealer Agreement") and shall apply to and govern the transactions,
dealings and relations between Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda of North America, Inc.
("Aston Xxxxxx") and Dealer with the same force and effect as if set forth in
full in the Dealer Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "Agreement"
shall mean the Dealer Agreement, the Standard Provisions, and any Performance
Agreement the parties may execute, collectively.
ARTICLE 1 -- DEFINITIONS
As used in the Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
1.1 Capital and Operating Standards includes, without
limitation, minimum levels of cash, net working capital, net worth and
debt-to-equity ratios, sales ratios, inventory levels and wholesale credit
standards, as Aston Xxxxxx may establish from time to time.
1.2 Corporate Identification Program means the standards Aston
Xxxxxx may establish from time to time for the use and display of Aston Xxxxxx
Trademarks at the Dealership Facilities and in connection with the authorized
sale and servicing of Aston Xxxxxx Products.
1.3 Dealer means the retail dealer authorized hereunder to
sell and service new and unused Aston Xxxxxx Products.
1.4 Dealer Operator means the person identified in Article
D(iii) of the Dealer Agreement, or his/her successor.
1.5 Dealership Facilities means the real property and
buildings at which, and out of which, Dealer is authorized to conduct its Aston
Xxxxxx Operations.
1.6 Executive Officer means the President of Aston Xxxxxx or
the most senior employee of Aston Xxxxxx responsible for Aston Xxxxxx
franchising matters.
1.7 Facilities/Personnel Guide means the standards Aston
Xxxxxx may issue from time to time establishing minimum staffing requirements
for its authorized dealers and the minimum size and layout of, and allocation of
space in, Dealership Facilities. The Facilities/Personnel Guide is incorporated
by reference and expressly made a part hereof as if set forth herein in full.
1.8 Aston Xxxxxx means Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda of North America,
Inc., a Connecticut corporation, its successors or assigns.
1.9 Aston Xxxxxx Operations means all of Dealer's activities
relating to the sale, repair or servicing of Aston Xxxxxx Products and the
rendering of customer services on behalf of owners and prospective owners of
Aston Xxxxxx Products and all other operations and activities of Dealer governed
by this Agreement.
1.10 Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts means all parts, accessories
or equipment for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles manufactured, sold and/or licensed by
Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx and supplied to Dealer by Aston
Xxxxxx or by a third-party designated in writing by either Aston Xxxxxx or Aston
Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited.
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1.11 Aston Xxxxxx Products means any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles or
Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.
1.12 Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited means a corporation
organized under the laws of the United Kingdom which is the manufacturer,
licensee or authorized supplier of Aston Xxxxxx Products.
1.13 Aston Xxxxxx Signs means any display of the words "Aston
Xxxxxx" or "Lagonda", the Aston Xxxxxx "Wings Device" trademark and/or any
other Aston Xxxxxx Trademark now, or at any time hereafter, used or claimed by
Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx.
1.14 Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks means the words "Aston Xxxxxx" or
"Lagonda", the Aston Xxxxxx "Wings Device" Trademark and any other trademark,
service xxxx, trade name or trade dress now or at any time hereafter used or
claimed by Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx.
1.15 Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles means any new automobile
manufactured by Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited and bearing any of the trademarks
of Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited and sold and distributed by Aston Xxxxxx.
1.16 Performance Agreement means a written agreement entered
into by and between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer, in accordance with which Dealer
agrees to improve its sales and/or servicing of Aston Xxxxxx Products, customer
satisfaction with its Aston Xxxxxx Operations or to construct, renovate and/or
relocate its Dealership Facilities, make changes in its management and/or
personnel, increase capital investment or otherwise modify its Aston Xxxxxx
Operations.
1.17 Relevant Market Area ("RMA") means the geographical
territory comprising Dealer's primary area of sales, service and customer
satisfaction responsibility, as Aston Xxxxxx may define from time to time.
ARTICLE 2 -- OBLIGATIONS OF ASTON XXXXXX
2.1 Sale of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Subject to availability,
Aston Xxxxxx agrees to sell and deliver Aston Xxxxxx Products to Dealer in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, provided, however,
that Aston Xxxxxx shall have no obligation to supply and Dealer shall not be
entitled to receive Aston Xxxxxx Products which exceed Dealer's ability to
purchase, store or display such Aston Xxxxxx Products at the Dealership
Facilities, or to sell or service such Aston Xxxxxx Products within its RMA.
2.2 Support Services. Aston Xxxxxx will use reasonable
commercial efforts to assist Dealer in the conduct of Dealer's Aston Xxxxxx
Operations and will provide the following support services:
(a) Conduct training courses for Dealer's personnel (it
being, however, Dealer's obligation to (i) ensure that its personnel attend such
courses and (ii) pay for the cost of such training to the extent required by
Aston Xxxxxx of its Dealers);
(b) Prepare and disseminate sales, service, parts and
warranty literature relating to Aston Xxxxxx Products, policies and procedures;
(c) Provide communications and/or promotional campaigns
from time to time for Aston Xxxxxx Products; and
(d) Develop and convey recommendations and evaluations to
assist Dealer in the conduct of its Aston Xxxxxx Operations.
Aston Xxxxxx may also provide additional support services at its
discretion. Dealer shall contribute to the cost of any support services provided
directly or indirectly by Aston Xxxxxx if Aston Xxxxxx, in its sole discretion,
deems such contribution to be fair and equitable. The amount of such
contribution shall be within the sole discretion of Aston Xxxxxx.
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ARTICLE 3 -- TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE OF ASTON XXXXXX VEHICLES
3.1 Dealer's Purchase Price. Aston Xxxxxx will sell Aston
Xxxxxx Vehicles to Dealer at such prices and upon such terms and conditions as
it may establish from time to time. In addition, Dealer may, from time to time,
act as Aston Martin's representative for the limited purpose of facilitating the
leasing of certain Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles by Aston Xxxxxx or its affiliates or
designees to bona fide retail customers approved by Aston Xxxxxx, its affiliates
or designees. Dealer shall be responsible for collection and payment of any and
all applicable sales taxes, use taxes, excise taxes, luxury taxes, and other
governmental charges imposed, levied, based upon or as a result of the sale or
lease of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles by Aston Xxxxxx to or through Dealer or by Dealer
which have not previously been paid by Aston Xxxxxx.
3.2 Liability of Owners. Each direct and indirect equity owner
of Dealer identified in the Dealer Agreement agrees to be bound by the
provisions of this Agreement and is personally liable to Aston Xxxxxx for any
and all damages arising from or out of fraud and payment for goods sold and
delivered to Dealer. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, each
direct and indirect equity owner of Dealer shall be deemed to have knowledge of
all activities of Dealer and Dealer's employees.
3.3 Allocation and Distribution of Vehicles. Aston Xxxxxx and
Dealer recognize and acknowledge that there have been and may be times when
demand for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles in North America exceeds available supply and
must, therefore, be allocated among Aston Xxxxxx'x authorized dealers. In making
sales and deliveries to its authorized dealers in such circumstances, Aston
Xxxxxx will at all times endeavor to provide a fair, reasonable and equitable
allocation and distribution of Aston Xxxxxx vehicles among Dealer and Aston
Martin's other dealers. Dealer expressly acknowledges and agrees that its
receipt of a sold order, or its submission of such a sold order to Aston Xxxxxx,
does not entitle Dealer to allocation or receipt of a vehicle from Aston Xxxxxx
to fill such order.
3.4 Financing the Purchase of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles. Dealer
shall continuously maintain floor plan financing exclusively for the purchase of
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles in an amount and with a financing institution reasonably
acceptable to Aston Xxxxxx. Aston Xxxxxx will, upon request from Dealer, execute
Aston Martin's standard form of vehicle repurchase agreement with Dealer's
financing institution, if such an agreement is required in order for Dealer to
secure floor plan financing in accordance with this Article 3.4.
3.5 Payment for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles; Title. Payment to Aston
Xxxxxx for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles shall be made by Dealer by such means as may be
specified from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx which means may include cash
drafting or wire or electronic transfer (such as Automated Clearing House
("ACH")), to an account specified in writing by Aston Xxxxxx. Such payment will
be made by electronic debit or, in the alternative, such payment is due upon
presentation of Aston Martin's cash draft for said Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles to
Dealer's financial institution and shall include any charges referred to in
Article 3.1 above invoiced by Aston Xxxxxx. If timely payment is not received by
Aston Xxxxxx, Dealer shall pay all reasonable collection charges incurred by
Aston Xxxxxx including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and court
costs. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, or in any other
agreement, or course of performance, between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer, title and
ownership to Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles shall remain with Aston Xxxxxx until Aston
Xxxxxx has received payment in full for such Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles. Aston Xxxxxx
shall have the right and Dealer hereby grants to Aston Xxxxxx the right to
retake possession of and resell each Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle until receipt of such
payment.
3.6 Grant of Security Interest: Execution of Security
Agreement. As security for the due and punctual payment by Dealer of all amounts
now or hereafter due to Aston Xxxxxx, including without limitation, amounts now
or hereafter due under this Agreement and the performance by Dealer of all its
obligations hereunder and pursuant to any Performance Agreement, Dealer hereby
grants to Aston Xxxxxx a first and senior lien on and security interest in all
of Dealer's right, title and interest in and to this Agreement and the franchise
represented hereby (collectively referred to herein as the "Collateral"). Dealer
will execute and deliver to Aston Xxxxxx all applicable state Uniform Commercial
Code forms provided by Aston Xxxxxx to perfect Aston Martin's security interest
in the Collateral, which forms may be filed by Aston Xxxxxx in the manner
contemplated by applicable state Uniform Commercial Code. Dealer further agrees
to execute and
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deliver from time to time one or more separate security agreements as may be
required by Aston Xxxxxx to further evidence and secure Aston Martin's security
interest in the Collateral.
3.7 Method of Shipment of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles. Aston Xxxxxx
reserves the right to arrange for shipment of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles from the
point of distribution to Dealer's place of business by whatever mode of
transportation and by whatever route Aston Xxxxxx may select. All shipping
charges for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles will be borne by Dealer.
3.8 Diversions of Shipments. If diversions of shipments are
made upon Dealer's request or are made by Aston Xxxxxx as a result of Dealers
failure or refusal, for any reason, to accept or make payments for shipments
made pursuant to Dealer's offers to purchase, Dealer agrees to pay the
additional charges and expenses incident to such diversions but in no event
shall Dealer be required to pay Aston Xxxxxx an amount in excess of charges or
expenses incident to returning shipments to their original shipping point.
3.9 Risk of Loss: Insurance. Any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle sold by
Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer shall be at Dealer's risk and peril from the time of its
delivery to Dealer or Dealer's Agent. Aston Xxxxxx may, at Dealer's expense,
insure against such risks for the benefit of Dealer and/or for the benefit of
Aston Xxxxxx when payment to Aston Xxxxxx has not been made in full prior to
delivery. For purposes of this Agreement, and notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, "delivery" of any Aston Xxxxxx vehicle shall be at the point of
origin of shipment from Aston Xxxxxx.
3.10 Transportation Damages or Loss. In the event any Aston
Xxxxxx Product sold by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer is damaged prior to delivery to
Dealer, or is determined to contain a non-conformity prior to sale by Dealer,
Dealer shall, upon notification to Aston Xxxxxx in accordance with the
provisions of any policy regarding notice of damage established by Aston Xxxxxx
xxxx time to time and in accordance with instructions from Aston Xxxxxx, repair
such damage or non-conformity or take such other action as Aston Xxxxxx may
direct. Aston Xxxxxx will reimburse or credit Dealer for any such work performed
on an Aston Xxxxxx Product at Aston Martin's request in accordance with
applicable policies and procedures in effect at the time such repairs are made;
provided, however, that Aston Xxxxxx will not reimburse or credit Dealer for any
such work performed as a result of damages caused by Dealer or one of Dealer's
Agents. In the event any damage or non-conformity of the nature referred to in
the first sentence of this Article 3.10, Aston Xxxxxx may at its discretion
reimburse or credit Dealer for repair of such damage or non-conformity
(including a credit for floorplan financing to the extent that repair of the
Aston Xxxxxx Product prevents Dealer from selling the product for a period in
excess of thirty (30) days) or for loss of the vehicle upon Aston Martin's
receipt of Dealer's written assignment of its claim as the insured so as to
enable Aston Xxxxxx to resolve fully the claim with the common carrier or any
party which has insured the risk of such damage or loss. In addition, in the
event of total loss of Aston Xxxxxx Product, Aston Xxxxxx may in its discretion
rescind the sale of the Aston Xxxxxx Product and supply Dealer with a comparable
product, supply permitting, before resolution of any claim for such loss.
3.11 Changes in Specifications. Aston Xxxxxx Products will be
delivered by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer in accordance with standards applicable at
the time of their shipment by Aston Xxxxxx. Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer recognize
that Aston Xxxxxx and/or Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited shall have the right,
without prior notice or limitation, at any time and from time to time, in their
sole discretion, to make changes or modifications in the design specifications
of Aston Xxxxxx Products. No change in Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles shall be considered
a model year change unless so specified by Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited. Aston
Xxxxxx shall have no obligation to Dealer to make such change or modification
with respect to Aston Xxxxxx Products previously delivered to or ordered by
Dealer or to make any refund or other adjustment for any Aston Xxxxxx Products
previously purchased by Dealer or being imported, manufactured or sold, whether
or not the price of such Aston Xxxxxx Products is affected thereby.
3.12 Failure of, or Delay in, Delivery. Aston Xxxxxx shall
have no liability whatsoever to Dealer for failure to deliver or for delay in
making delivery to Dealer of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles offered to and accepted by
Dealer if such failure or delay is brought about by causes other than willful or
grossly negligent conduct of Aston Xxxxxx, such as any event in the nature of
force majeure, including without limitation, acts of God, acts of any
government, foreign or civil wars, riots, interruptions of navigation,
shipwrecks, strikes, lockouts, other labor troubles, embargoes, blockades,
fires, explosions, lack of materials, or failure of Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited
or of any other supplier of Aston Xxxxxx in making delivery.
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The obligations of either party with respect to the sale or delivery of such
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles shall be suspended during any such contingency, without
liability to the other for direct or consequential damages.
3.13 Federal, State and Local Taxes. With regard to each
purchase of Aston Xxxxxx Products, Dealer represents and warrants that:
(1) Such Aston Xxxxxx Products are being purchased from Aston Xxxxxx by
Dealer for resale or lease to bona fide retail customers in the
ordinary course of Dealer's business;
(2) Dealer has complied with all of the applicable provisions of
federal, state, provincial and local laws prerequisite to the
collection and payment by Dealer of all sales, use, excise and luxury
taxes and other governmental or municipal charges applicable to all
such resale transactions; and
(3) Dealer has furnished or will, upon demand, furnish to Aston Xxxxxx
all resale certificates or similar documents required to perfect an
exemption from any applicable sales, use or other tax.
In the event that any Aston Xxxxxx Products are put to taxable use by Dealer or
are in fact purchased by Dealer for purposes other than resale in the ordinary
course of Dealer's business, Dealer shall make timely return and payment to the
appropriate taxing authorities, as required by Article 3.1, with respect to
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles, and Article 9.3, with respect to Genuine Aston Xxxxxx
Parts, of all applicable sales, use, luxury and excise taxes, and other
governmental charges imposed or levied or based upon the sale of such Aston
Xxxxxx Products by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer, and Dealer shall hold Aston Xxxxxx
harmless from any and all claims and demands which may be made by such taxing
authorities against Aston Xxxxxx with respect thereto.
3.14 Inventories; Demonstrators.
(a) Subject to availability, Dealer shall acquire and maintain
a representative supply of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles to satisfactorily meet Dealer's
sales potential in the Dealer's RMA, as determined by reasonable criteria
including, but not limited to, those factors used to evaluate Dealer's sales
performance, as set forth in Article 7.2 of this Agreement.
(b) Dealer shall also have available, at all times, for
purposes of demonstration, a number of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles which Aston Xxxxxx
reasonably believes is sufficient to conduct all demonstrations during the
selling process, such Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles to remain at all times in
first-class operating and cosmetic condition.
3.15 Chances in Price of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles; Refunds. The
parties understand and agree that periodic fluctuations in the prices of Aston
Xxxxxx Vehicles are to be anticipated. Aston Xxxxxx will use reasonable
commercial efforts to give Dealer advance notice of any price increases, but
this may not always be possible. In the event the price of any Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicle which has already been allocated to Dealer is increased sixty (60) days
or more before the vehicle is received by Dealer, Dealer shall pay the increased
price. In addition, if the price of any new model year vehicle which has already
been allocated to Dealer is increased at any time before the vehicle is received
by Dealer, Dealer shall pay the increased price. If the manufacturer's suggested
retail price on any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle in Dealer's stock is reduced, Aston
Xxxxxx will refund or credit to Dealer the difference, if any, between the
reduced dealer price and the price actually paid by Dealer, net of any
applicable rebates or allowances. Aston Xxxxxx shall make such refunds or give
such credits only if Dealer submits written application therefor, on a form or
forms furnished by Aston Xxxxxx, within thirty (30) days from the date Dealer
becomes eligible to receive such refund or credit. Each application for a refund
or credit must be supported by evidence satisfactory to Aston Xxxxxx. Aston
Xxxxxx reserves the right to credit Dealer's account with Aston Xxxxxx or to pay
any refund on any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle for which application for refund or
credit is made by Dealer and accepted by Aston Xxxxxx under this Article 3.15 to
any financing institution which financed the purchase from Aston Xxxxxx of such
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle and which retains a lien on or an ownership interest
therein.
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3.16 Incorporation of Aston Martin's Warranties in Dealer's
Sales. Aston Xxxxxx will keep Dealer informed of the warranty or warranties
applicable to Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer till ensure that such warranty or
warranties, in the form prepared and disseminated by Aston Xxxxxx, are included
in each agreement for the sale of such Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles by Dealer, to the
extent applicable, and will furnish a copy of such warranty or warranties to the
customer upon delivery of any such Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle. Dealer will furnish to
customers, at or before the point of sale or delivery, a copy of any materials
or literature required by law (whether supplied to Dealer by a governmental unit
and/or Aston Xxxxxx). Except as otherwise provided by law, the written Aston
Xxxxxx Warranties are the only Warranties applicable to Aston Xxxxxx products.
Except for its limited liability under such written warranties, Aston Xxxxxx and
Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited do not assume any other warranty, obligation or
liability with respect to Aston Xxxxxx products. Dealer is not authorized to
create, modify or assume additional warranty obligations or liability on behalf
of Aston Xxxxxx or Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited. Any such unauthorized creation,
modification or assumption without the prior written consent of Aston Xxxxxx
shall be the sole responsibility of dealer. As to dealer, the written warranties
are in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including, without
limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. Aston Xxxxxx disclaims any responsibility or liability to dealer for
commercial losses based on negligence or manufacturer strict liability, or any
other theory of liability or recovery.
3.17 Labels. If any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle has been delivered to
Dealer without a label, or with an incorrect or incomplete label affixed thereto
pursuant to the Federal Automobile Information Disclosure Act, 15 U.S.C. ss.
1232, as amended, Dealer will notify Aston Xxxxxx of such finding. Thereafter,
Aston Xxxxxx shall give Dealer instructions with respect to affixing, correcting
or completing such label and Dealer agrees that it will comply with such
instructions. Dealer shall not modify or otherwise tamper with any such label.
ARTICLE 4 -- DEALERSHIP FACILITIES
4.1 Quality of Dealership Facilities. Dealer acknowledges and
agrees that attractive, well-maintained and conveniently located Dealership
Facilities, consistent in design and decor with, and appropriate for the
presentation and after-sales care of specialized, high-performance, luxury cars,
are essential to the fulfillment of Dealer's obligations under this Agreement.
Dealer agrees that its Dealership Franchises must continuously comply with Aston
Martin's Corporate Identification Program and Facilities/Personnel Guide
(including but not limited to the need for a separate Aston Xxxxxx showroom) for
a dealership of the relevant size. Dealer understands and acknowledges that the
standards set forth in Aston Martin's Corporate Identification Program and
Facilities/Personnel Guide as designed to enhance brand recognition and to
maximize the opportunities afforded to Dealer under this Agreement.
4.2 Maintenance of Dealership Facilities. Dealer agrees to
maintain and enhance its Dealership Facilities in accordance with Aston Xxxxxx'x
reasonable recommendations or as a result of increases in the volume of sales
and service business conducted by Dealer.
4.3 Relocation of Aston Xxxxxx Operations. Dealer agrees that
it will not relocate all or any part of its Aston Xxxxxx Operations unless and
until it has first presented to Aston Xxxxxx such information as Aston Xxxxxx
xxxxx necessary to evaluate the proposed new site for such Aston Xxxxxx
Operations and has secured from Aston Xxxxxx its prior express written consent
to such relocation. Dealer understands that in evaluating any proposed site,
Aston Xxxxxx will consider various factors, including, but not limited to, the
adequacy of the site for a dealership of the size contemplated, the convenience
and accessibility of the site to existing and potential Aston Xxxxxx owners and
the type and quality of residential buildings and commercial enterprises located
in the general area adjacent to and surrounding the site. Aston Xxxxxx will
conduct its evaluation of any such proposed site as expeditiously as possible
and will use reasonable commercial efforts to complete such evaluation within
ninety (90) days after it has received all of the information it requires to
make such evaluation. Aston Xxxxxx will approve the proposed relocation only if,
based upon all the relevant factors, Aston Xxxxxx in the exercise of its
reasonable business judgment considers the proposed relocation to be in the best
interest of Aston Xxxxxx, Dealer, other authorized dealers in Aston Xxxxxx
Products and existing and potential Aston Xxxxxx owners in the RMA in which
Dealer is located.
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4.4 Aston Xxxxxx Signs. Subject to applicable ordinances,
Dealer agrees to erect or install at, around or on Dealer's Facility conspicuous
Aston Xxxxxx Signs in such number, style and locations as Aston Xxxxxx shall
reasonably require in accordance with a sign survey of the Dealership Facilities
to be conducted by or on behalf of Aston Xxxxxx and or in accordance with the
Corporate Identification Program. In the event that Dealer transfers its
business or a portion thereof to another location or upon termination of this
Agreement, Dealer shall forthwith remove all Aston Xxxxxx Signs and other
references to Aston Xxxxxx Products displayed at, around or on the prior
location. Dealer shall not, in connection with its Aston Xxxxxx business,
exhibit any Aston Xxxxxx Sign or any other sign, marking or display to which
Aston Xxxxxx objects in writing.
4.5 Aston Xxxxxx Stationery. Dealer shall use stationery and
business forms in connection with its Aston Xxxxxx Operations which incorporate
Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks conforming to directives, policies and recommendations
of Aston Xxxxxx including, but not limited to the Corporate Identification
Program. Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks and any pictorial representation of Aston
Xxxxxx automobiles appearing on such stationery and business forms shall be
printed in the uniform style as approved by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer shall not use
any stationery, business forms or other printed materials if the use thereof is
objected to by Aston Xxxxxx in writing.
ARTICLE 5 -- DEALER OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL
5.1 Identity of Owners, Officers and Dealer Operator. This
Dealer Agreement is in the nature of a personal services contract between Aston
Xxxxxx and Dealer. Aston Xxxxxx enters into this Dealer Agreement in express
reliance upon, and in consideration of, the identity, expertise, reputation,
character, integrity, abilities, financial resources, personal and business
qualifications and experience and business philosophy of the owners, officers
and Dealer Operator of Dealer. Dealer recognizes that Aston Xxxxxx has entered
into this Dealer Agreement on the basis of and relies upon the representations
concerning the ownership and management of Dealer contained in the Dealer
Agreement and any application therefor.
5.2 Changes in Ownership or Dealer Operator, Sale of Assets,
Multiple Dealerships.
(a) Dealer expressly recognizes and acknowledges that the
identity, expertise, reputation, character, integrity, abilities, financial
resources, personal and business qualifications and experience and business
philosophy of the owners and Dealer Operator of Aston Martin's authorized
dealers is of vital importance and significance to Aston Xxxxxx in its efforts
to achieve and maintain a unique level of retail representation for Aston Xxxxxx
Products. Consequently, in the event Dealer or its owners propose to appoint a
successor Dealer Operator or to change the ownership of Dealer in any way,
including but not limited to any transfer of any equity interest, grant of
voting rights, merger, division, recapitalization, reorganization or otherwise,
or to sell any material assets used in its Aston Xxxxxx Operations, other than
in the ordinary course of business (any of the foregoing referred to herein as
an "Ownership or Dealer Operator Change"), Dealer will advise Aston Xxxxxx in
writing not less than sixty (60) days prior to entering into any binding
contractual agreement for an Ownership or Dealer Operator Change. Subject to and
without limiting the rights provided for in Article 5.7, Aston Xxxxxx will not
unreasonably withhold its approval of any proposed Ownership or Dealer Operator
Change submitted to it by Dealer in a timely manner. In deciding whether or not
to approve an Ownership or Dealer Operator Change, Aston Xxxxxx will consider
whether and to what extent any proposed new owners or Dealer Operator(s) have
prior experience in the management of luxury car dealerships and, in particular,
their knowledge, understanding and experience of Aston Xxxxxx Products and Aston
Xxxxxx customers. In evaluating any timely proposed Ownership or Dealer Operator
Change, Aston Xxxxxx will also consider all other relevant factors concerning
the proposed new owners or Dealer Operator, including but not limited to those
factors set forth in this Article 5.2(a). Aston Xxxxxx will not, however, be
obligated to review or approve any Ownership or Dealer Operator Change that has
not been proposed in a timely and complete manner, as provided for herein, or
which has been effectuated (or sought to be effectuated) prior to full
notification to and approval by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer will be notified in writing
by Aston Xxxxxx of its decision with respect to any timely proposal within sixty
(60) days (thirty (30) days in the case of a change in Dealer Operator only)
after Aston Xxxxxx has received all of the information requested by Aston Xxxxxx
concerning the proposal.
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(b) The preceding subparagraph notwithstanding, Aston Xxxxxx
shall have no obligation to review or approve any Ownership or Management change
presented to it after Aston Xxxxxx has notified Dealer of its intention to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 14, unless and until a final
determination has been made (after exhaustion of all appeals) that said notice
of termination was invalid.
(c) Dealer, with Aston Martin's express prior written
approval, may own and operate more than one Aston Xxxxxx Dealership if Dealer
complies with such policies as Aston Xxxxxx may promulgate from time to time to
promote competition among Aston Xxxxxx dealers, and between Aston Xxxxxx dealers
and dealers in competing line makes and to avoid an excessive concentration of
retail sales of Aston Xxxxxx Products in any person or entity or group of
related persons or entities, as well as standards regarding Dealer's financial
status, Dealership Facilities, customer satisfaction and sales and service
performance. Dealer agrees to enter into an agreement with Aston Xxxxxx limiting
the number of authorized Aston Xxxxxx dealerships that Dealer (or any related
person or entity) may control at any one time as Aston Xxxxxx may request.
5.3 Authority and Ownership Interest of Dealer Operator.
Dealer has designated in the Dealer Agreement a Dealer Operator with full
managerial authority and responsibility for the operations of Dealer. The Dealer
Operator shall devote substantial time and attention to the management of Dealer
and shall have full authority to make decisions and act on behalf of Dealer.
5.4 Sales and Servicing Staff. Dealer acknowledges and agrees
that maintaining a stable, experienced sales, service and parts staff is
essential to the proper representation of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer will
employ in all managerial and technical positions the number of individuals
required by the Aston Xxxxxx Facilities/Personnel Guide, as the same may be
amended, superseded or substituted from time to time. Each such individual shall
be experienced in the sale and/or servicing of luxury and/or Aston Xxxxxx
products or must be expeditiously trained in such sale and/or servicing. Dealer
expressly agrees that all personnel engaged in Dealer's Aston Xxxxxx Operations
must attend all applicable training courses offered by Aston Xxxxxx.
5.5 Appointment of Other Dealers. Dealer acknowledges that
Aston Xxxxxx shall have absolute discretion to appoint such other Aston Xxxxxx
dealers as Aston Xxxxxx shall xxxx necessary or desirable, subject only to any
statute requiring notification of the appointment of such new dealership(s).
5.6 Other Corporate Changes. Dealer expressly recognizes and
acknowledges that there will be no change in Dealer's name, identity, business,
organization or corporate structure without the prior written consent of Aston
Xxxxxx.
5.7 Right of First Refusal or Option to Purchase. Subject to
Article 15 hereof (regarding the Right of Succession) and without limiting the
provisions of Article 5.2 of this Agreement in any way, should Dealer or its
owners propose to sell or transfer Dealer's principal assets, or any majority
ownership interests (whether equitable or voting) in Dealer, whether by transfer
of any equity interests, grant of voting rights, merger, division,
recapitalization, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all assets used
in its Aston Xxxxxx Operations or otherwise (any of the foregoing, an "Ownership
Change"), Aston Xxxxxx shall, in addition to any other right vested in it
hereunder, have a right to purchase (herein, a "Right of First Refusal" and/or
"Option to Purchase") such ownership interests or principal assets, including
any leasehold interest or realty of the dealership, pursuant to this Article.
(a) Dealer will not complete any Ownership Change prior to the
expiration of the period in which Aston Xxxxxx may exercise its Right of First
Refusal hereunder without Aston Martin's express prior written approval.
(b) Should Aston Xxxxxx choose to exercise its Right of First
Refusal, it must do so in writing within sixty (60) days of the date that Aston
Xxxxxx receives written notice of the proposed Ownership Change and all
information necessary for Aston Xxxxxx to evaluate the proposed transfer. If
Aston Xxxxxx exercises its Right of First Refusal, such exercise shall supersede
any other right Dealer may have to transfer or otherwise dispose of its stock or
assets. Aston Xxxxxx may assign the foregoing right to any person selected by
Aston Xxxxxx in its sole discretion, subject to Aston Martin's guaranty to the
Dealer's owners of collection of the full amount of the purchase price. Aston
Martin's rights under this
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Article shall be binding upon and enforceable against any assignee or
successor-in-interest of Dealer or purchaser of Dealer's assets or ownership
interests.
(c) If Dealer has entered into a bona fide written agreement
with a qualified candidate for an Ownership Change, Aston Xxxxxx shall have the
right, but not the obligation, under this subparagraph to (i) assume the
prospective purchaser's rights and obligations under such agreement, or (ii)
nominate, in its sole discretion, an alternative purchaser who will purchase
such ownership interest or principal assets on terms and conditions identical to
those contained in the Dealer's agreement. The purchase price and other terms of
sale shall be those set forth in such agreement and any related documents unless
Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx (or Aston Martin's nominated alternative purchaser)
agree to other terms or unless different terms are established pursuant to an
arbitration award rendered in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Aston Xxxxxx may request and Dealer agrees to provide all other documents
relating to the proposed transfer, including, but not limited to, those
reflecting any other agreements or understandings between the parties to the
agreement. If Dealer refuses either to provide such documentation or to state in
writing that no such documents exist, it shall be conclusively presumed that the
agreement is not bona fide.
(d) If Aston Xxxxxx exercises its Right of First Refusal,
Aston Xxxxxx agrees to reimburse or credit Dealer for reasonable costs and
expenses that Dealer may be liable to the initial proposed purchaser as a result
of Dealer's failure to complete the sale or transfer to such purchaser. These
costs may include, but are not limited to, title searches, reasonable attorneys'
fees, property inspections and brokers' fees. Dealer shall provide Aston Xxxxxx
with all documents substantiating such costs and expenses. In no event shall
Aston Martin's liability to Dealer for reimbursement of said costs or fees
exceed Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars in the aggregate.
(e) Should Aston Xxxxxx determine that the proposed agreement
is not bona-fide, or if no value is specified for the Aston Xxxxxx-related
assets being sold as part of the agreement, Aston Xxxxxx may, within the period
provided for above, notify Dealer in writing of same. Aston Xxxxxx shall,
thereafter, have the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the principal
assets of the Aston Xxxxxx dealership utilized in the dealership operations
including, but not limited to, real property and leasehold interests as may be
agreed upon between Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx, and to terminate this Agreement and
all rights granted to Dealer hereunder. If the Dealership Facilities are leased
by Dealer from an affiliated company, the right to purchase the principal assets
of Dealer shall include the right, but not the obligation, to lease that part of
the Dealership Facilities related to the Aston Xxxxxx Operations on the same
terms and conditions as applicable to Dealer. The purchase price of the
dealership's principal assets, as well as the dealership's "blue sky" or
goodwill, shall be at their fair market value as a separate, stand-alone, going
concern (without giving considerations to, or imputing value from, other
dealerships) as negotiated by Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer. The purchase price and
other terms of sale shall be those agreed upon by Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx within
forty-five (45) days of receipt of Aston Martin's notice exercising its option.
If a mutually satisfactory purchase price cannot be reached, or if the Dealer
believes the proposed agreement is bona fide, the matter shall be decided by
arbitration before a single arbitrator to be selected in accordance with the
commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The award
shall be in writing, signed by the arbitrator and shall be final and binding on
the parties. The site of the arbitration shall be the office of the American
Arbitration Association in Manhattan, New York City. The fees and expenses of
the American Arbitration Association including the arbitrator shall be shared
equally by the parties; however each party shall be responsible for its own
costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, witness expenses and other
related expenses.
(f) As provided above, the Right of First Refusal set forth
herein shall include the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the fee or
leasehold interest in the real estate on which the Dealer Facility is located.
Aston Xxxxxx may designate its preference to exclude such real estate interests
at the time of exercise of the Right of First Refusal. In such case, the
purchase price for such assets shall exclude any consideration or any liability
for such real estate interests. If, however, at the time of exercise of the
Right of First Refusal, (i) Dealer has no other automotive dealership located at
the Dealership Facility, (ii) the Dealership Facility has no other tenants or
occupants and the Aston Xxxxxx Operations are the sole use of the fee or
leasehold interest in the real estate on which the Dealership Facility is
located, (iii) such real estate is free, or will be made free by Dealer, of any
material liens, mortgages or other encumbrances, is free from any potential
liability from any violation of environmental or other laws and is properly
zoned and insurable without significant exception by a national title insurance
company, (iv) the landlord consents to the transfer of Dealer's leasehold
interest to Aston Xxxxxx or its assigns (in the case of a lease), (v) the
Dealership Facility meets, in Aston Martin's judgment, the
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requirements set forth in Aston Martin's Facilities/Personnel Guide, (vi) Aston
Xxxxxx intends to continue the operation of an Aston Xxxxxx dealership at such
location, (vii) the fee or leasehold interest on which the Dealership Facility
is located is included in the bona fide written agreement with a qualified
candidate for an ownership change, and (viii) the value attributed to the fee
interest does not exceed the fair market value of such property and the rental
payment for the leasehold interest does not exceed the fair rental value of such
property, then such Right of First Refusal (if exercised by Aston Xxxxxx) shall
include the obligation to purchase the fee or leasehold interest in the real
estate on which the Dealership Facility is located.
(g) Closing of such sale to Aston Xxxxxx or its assignee shall
occur within sixty (60) days after the later to occur of (i) the exercise of the
Right of First Refusal, and (ii) agreement of the purchase price or its
determination after arbitration. At closing, Dealer shall deliver all documents
and conveyancing instruments customarily delivered in an arms' length
transaction of this nature, including, without limitation, the following: Dealer
shall transfer the affected property by warranty deed conveying marketable title
free and clear of liens, claims, mortgages, encumbrances, tenancies and
occupancies. The warranty deed shall be in proper form for recording and Dealer
shall deliver complete possession of the property at the time of delivery of the
deed. Dealer shall also furnish to Aston Xxxxxx copies of any easements,
licenses, or other documents affecting the property and shall assign any permits
or licenses which are necessary for the conduct of Aston Xxxxxx Operations.
Dealer shall also execute and deliver to Aston Xxxxxx, at Aston Martin's
expense, all instruments satisfactory to Aston Xxxxxx conveying title to all
personal property including leasehold interests involved in the transfer or sale
to Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer shall deliver such personal property free and clear of
all liens, claims, mortgages, encumbrances, tenancies and occupancies.
(h) If Aston Xxxxxx does not exercise its Right of First
Refusal within sixty (60) days of its receipt of written notice of a proposed
Ownership Change, together with all information necessary for Aston Xxxxxx to
evaluate such proposed transfer, then Dealer may effect the Ownership Change,
but only after approval by Aston Xxxxxx in writing and only upon the terms and
conditions contained in the proposed Ownership Change delivered to and approved
by Aston Xxxxxx. Such Ownership Change must close with the proposed purchaser
within ninety (90) days after the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration of the
sixty (60) day period referred to in the immediately preceding sentence; or (ii)
the date that Aston Xxxxxx gives notice to Dealer that it does not intend to
exercise its Right of First Refusal, and approves of the Ownership Change. If
the Ownership Change does not close within such ninety (90)-day period or if
Dealer proposes to close such Ownership Change on terms different than those
presented to Aston Xxxxxx, then such proposed Ownership Transfer shall again be
subject to Aston Martin's Right of First Refusal in accordance with this Section
5.7.
(i) Dealer agrees that any outstanding monetary obligations it
may have to Aston Xxxxxx must be paid prior to, or at the time of, any Ownership
Change or closing of a transaction pursuant to the Right of First Refusal.
ARTICLE 6 -- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALER'S
ASTON XXXXXX OPERATIONS
6.1 Conduct of Business. Dealer, its owners and Management,
shall at all times conduct Dealer's business in an ethical, fair and courteous
manner and shall avoid any conduct which might be harmful to the reputation and
marketing of Aston Xxxxxx Products or the goodwill of Aston Xxxxxx or which is
in any way inconsistent with the public interest.
6.2 Business Hours. Dealer shall keep its Dealership
Facilities open for business during, and for not less than, the customary
business days and hours of the trade in Dealer's community.
6.3 Compliance with Laws. Dealer will, at all times, maintain
current and valid all licenses required of Dealer for operation of Dealer or
occupancy of the Dealership Facilities and will adhere to all laws, rules,
regulations and codes relating to the conduct of its business which are
applicable to Dealer. In addition, Dealer will comply with all applicable
provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the
Federal Clean Air Act, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxx Warranty Act and any applicable state
repair/replace legislation, all as amended, including regulations issued
hereafter, together with any other federal, state and local vehicle emission,
safety and warranty legislation. Dealer
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agrees to disclose information with respect to the foregoing in a manner and in
such form as Aston Xxxxxx may, from time to time, reasonably request.
6.4 Modification of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer shall not
modify an Aston Xxxxxx Product in any manner which (i) causes, or may cause,
such Product to fail to comply with any motor vehicle safety standard; (ii)
creates, or may create, a risk to motor vehicle safety or which causes any such
product not to comply with any other federal, state, provincial or local law or
regulation; or (iii) voids or may void any warranties applicable to such
Product.
6.5 Compliance with Aston Martin's Recommendations. Dealer
shall comply with all reasonable directives and recommendations of Aston Xxxxxx
in the marketing and sale of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles, the sale of Genuine Aston
Xxxxxx Parts and the performance of customer services, including warranty
servicing of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles.
6.6 Performance Agreement. In the event Aston Xxxxxx in the
exercise of its reasonable business judgment determines that Dealer should
construct, renovate and/or relocate its Dealer Facilities, make changes in its
management and/or personnel, improve sales or service performance, increase
customer satisfaction, increase capital investment or otherwise modify its Aston
Xxxxxx Operation, an agreement specifying such modifications shall be
memorialized in a Performance Agreement. Any change in Dealer's Dealership
Facilities shall be made at Dealer's sole cost and expense and shall be made in
accordance with plans produced by Dealer and expressly approved by Aston Xxxxxx
in writing. In negotiating a Performance Agreement, the parties will give due
consideration to the economic consequences of the Performance Agreement on
Dealer, it being understood, however, that the short-term costs of complying
with the Performance Agreement must be weighed against, and be viewed in light
of, its long-term benefits. Any Performance Agreement entered into by Dealer and
Aston Xxxxxx shall be an exhibit to these Standard Provisions and shall govern
the relationship between the parties as if set forth herein in full.
6.7 Review of Customer Satisfaction Data. Dealer commits to
review with care all customer satisfaction data provided by Aston Xxxxxx to
Dealer and to take such steps as are reasonably necessary and appropriate to
correct my deficiencies in its sales, service or parts operations or customer
services revealed by such data, it being understood that such data are used by
Aston Xxxxxx to determine compliance with Articles 7 and 8 hereof.
6.8 Maintenance of Accounting Systems; Sales Information.
(a) Dealer agrees to purchase and use Aston Xxxxxx-approved
data processing and computer systems to maintain its accounting records, parts
inventory and similar records on a current basis.
(b) Dealer agrees to maintain complete and accurate records
relating to all sales of Aston Xxxxxx Products and all customer services
provided to Aston Xxxxxx customers as well as complete and accurate files
regarding any and all actual and prospective Aston Xxxxxx customers. Dealer
further agrees to supply copies of such records to Aston Xxxxxx upon request.
6.9 Access to Dealer's Premises and Records.
(a) Until termination of the Agreement and thereafter until
consummation of all the transactions referred to in Article 17.1 hereof, Aston
Xxxxxx, through its designated employees and other designees, shall have the
right, at all reasonable times during regular business hours and on reasonable
notice, to inspect the Dealership Facilities, to oversee Dealer's Aston Xxxxxx
Operations to review Dealer's records, and to observe the nature and quality of
Dealer's customer services, and Dealer shall cooperate fully and take all action
necessary to facilitate such inspections, reviews, oversight and observations.
(b) Aston Xxxxxx shall have ongoing, continuous electronic
access to all records relating to (i) accounting information, (ii) inventory and
sales of Aston Xxxxxx Products, (iii) customer service provided to Aston Xxxxxx
customer, (iv) prospective Aston Xxxxxx customers, and (v) financial and
operational data.
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6.10 Insurance. Dealer shall maintain comprehensive and excess
liability insurance policies in an amount sufficient to meet all reasonably
anticipated contingencies, including legal judgments entered against Dealer. In
no event shall the aggregate value of the policies be less than Three Million
($3,000,000.00) Dollars. The policies must be issued by an insurance company
with a Best's insurance rating of "B+" or better. Copies of said policies will
be supplied by Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx upon the latter's request.
ARTICLE 7 -- SALE AND PROMOTION OF ASTON XXXXXX PRODUCTS
7.1 Aston Xxxxxx Customer Events. Dealer will actively promote
the sale of Aston Xxxxxx Products through systematic contacts with existing
and potential owners of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles and through such other reasonable
means as Aston Xxxxxx may from time to time recommend. Dealer expressly agrees
to sponsor and/or participate in Aston Xxxxxx customer events on a regular basis
as part of its continuing obligations under this Agreement.
7.2 Sales Performance. Within the limitations, if any,
resulting from the quantity of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles made available to Dealer by
Aston Xxxxxx, Dealer shall use its best efforts to achieve the best sales
performance in its RMA for Aston Xxxxxx Products, used Aston Xxxxxx vehicles and
Aston Xxxxxx services. Such sales performance shall be evaluated by Aston Xxxxxx
periodically on the basis of such reasonable and consistent criteria as may be
established from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx. The evaluation report will be
furnished to and discussed with Dealer so that Dealer may take prompt action as
necessary to achieve satisfactory sales performance results.
7.3 Down Payments and Trade-Ins. Dealer shall hold any
payments or goods received from customers, whether in money or in kind, which
are to be applied towards the subsequent purchase of a new or used Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicle (the "Down Payment"), in such a manner as Aston Xxxxxx may from time to
time establish. Dealer shall promptly notify Aston Xxxxxx, by such means as
shall be designated by Aston Xxxxxx xxxx time to time, whenever Dealer receives
a Down Payment. If a trade-in is applied toward the purchase of a new or used
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle from Dealer, Dealer shall either promptly pay off any loan
encumbering the vehicle traded in or enter into a written consignment agreement
with the customer at the time of delivery of the trade-in. Failure to comply
with Aston Martin's instructions regarding a Down Payment, to apply or reimburse
funds, as required, to notify Aston Xxxxxx of receipt of a Down Payment or pay
off a loan, shall constitute a material breach of Dealer's obligations
hereunder.
7.4 Dealer's RMA. Dealer acknowledges and agrees that Aston
Xxxxxx has appointed Dealer as an authorized Dealer in Aston Xxxxxx Products at
the Dealership Facilities for the primary purpose of selling and servicing Aston
Xxxxxx Products in Dealer's RMA. Dealer specifically acknowledges and agrees
that Aston Xxxxxx may, from time to time, in the exercise of its reasonable
judgment, modify the definition of Dealer's RMA. An RMA is not an exclusive
sales or service area for any Aston Xxxxxx dealer and Aston Martin's definition
of an RMA shall not in any way restrict Aston Martin's right to relocate or
appoint additional retail representation within such RMA. For purposes of any
statute which restricts such right of relocation or appointment, the Dealer's
RMA or principal area of responsibility shall in no event be deemed to comprise
an area larger than the maximum radius mileage or other area expressly defined
by such statute, without reference to this Agreement or any other definition of
Dealer's RMA used by Aston Xxxxxx.
7.5 Notification to Aston Xxxxxx of Difficulty to Repair.
Because certain customer complaints concerning Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles may have
legal significance for, or impose liability upon, Dealer and/or Aston Xxxxxx
under various "Repair or Replace" or other consumer protection laws and
regulations, Dealer agrees to provide Aston Xxxxxx with prompt notice of all
such complaints. Dealer agrees to take other steps as Aston Xxxxxx may
reasonably require, including, without limitation, providing notice to Aston
Xxxxxx when a vehicle is brought into Dealer which may become subject to such
law or regulation prior to a presumption of liability arising under such law or
regulation from the inability to repair or correct a nonconformity or condition
of an Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle. Dealer hereby agrees to do nothing to affect
adversely Aston Martin's rights under such laws and regulations, and recognizes
that failure to comply with this provision may result in a chargeback from Aston
Xxxxxx for monies expended in remedying such complaints which in the reasonable
opinion of Aston Xxxxxx were caused wholly or predominantly by Dealer.
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7.6 Dealer's Purchase of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Aston Xxxxxx
may, in its discretion, but only by supplementary or separate agreement,
authorize Dealer to purchase for resale Aston Xxxxxx products other than Aston
Xxxxxx Vehicles and Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.
7.7 Marketing and Sale of Non-Automotive Aston Xxxxxx
Products. Notwithstanding any of the provisions contained herein to the
contrary, Aston Xxxxxx retains the exclusive right, in its sole discretion, to
enter into any marketing and sale arrangements for non-automotive Aston Xxxxxx
products, which arrangements may preclude any or all Aston Xxxxxx dealers from
marketing and/or selling such products.
ARTICLE 8 -- CUSTOMER SERVICE
8.1 Importance of Service Department. Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer
understand and agree that their mutual success depends upon their ability to
provide outstanding levels of customer satisfaction with Aston Xxxxxx Products
and the authorized dealers who represent them. Aston Xxxxxx commits to use
reasonable commercial efforts to assist Dealer in achieving this objective and
Dealer commits to provide the highest level of expert customer service at
reasonable prices to all owners of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles, regardless of whether
or not they have purchased such vehicles from Dealer. Dealer shall not engage in
any service practice with respect to any Aston Xxxxxx Product if the nature or
quality of such service has been reasonably objected to by Aston Xxxxxx.
8.2 Body Repair Services. Dealer agrees to provide body repair
services for Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles. Dealer may provide these services either
through its own body shop or by arrangement with an auto body repair shop owned
by a third party and acceptable to Aston Xxxxxx.
8.3 Management and Training of Service Department. Dealer
expressly agrees that the operation of a fully-equipped, well-managed Service
Department, staffed with courteous, experienced, personnel fully trained in the
servicing and repair of Aston Xxxxxx Products, and able to provide outstanding
levels of customer satisfaction is essential to the fulfillment of Dealer's
obligations under this agreement. Dealer further agrees to adopt and implement
employment practices intended to maintain a stable team of service personnel.
8.4 Service Department Facilities. Dealer's Service Department
must comply in all respects with the requirements of Aston Martin's
Facilities/Personnel Guide, as the same may be promulgated and amended from time
to time, and Corporate Identification Program, including but not limited to the
requirements relating to the size, layout and decor of the facilities. Dealer
also agrees that the entire Service Department will be maintained in a clean,
well-organized and attractive condition. Dealer also understands and agrees that
its Service Department must be supplemented by a mobile service capability, the
nature and requirements of which will be promulgated by Aston Xxxxxx xxxx time
to time.
8.5 Tools Used by Service Department. Dealer will purchase and
maintain in good working order (i) such special Aston Xxxxxx tools and shop
equipment as Aston Xxxxxx shall from time to time specify and (ii) such general
tools and shop equipment as are necessary and appropriate for the servicing and
repair of Aston Xxxxxx Products.
8.6 Pre-Delivery Inspection and Servicing. Dealer recognizes
and accepts its obligation to use its best efforts to effectively service and
condition each new Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle before delivery in accordance with any
pre-delivery inspection, service and conditioning schedules or notifications
furnished from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer.
8.7 Evaluation of Dealer's Service Department. Dealer's
performance of its service responsibilities will be evaluated by Aston Xxxxxx
xxxx time to time. Results of any customer service satisfaction surveys and
service evaluation reports will be furnished to and discussed with Dealer so
that Dealer may take prompt action to achieve and maintain satisfactory
performance in all aspects of Dealer's service operations.
8.8 Performance of Warranty Service. Dealer shall perform all
warranty obligations of Aston Xxxxxx in accordance with the terms and conditions
of the warranties issued from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer will provide
13
prompt, courteous and expert warranty service and repair of all Aston Xxxxxx
Products covered by Aston Martin's warranties, regardless of whether such Aston
Xxxxxx Products have been sold by Dealer. In doing so, Dealer shall comply with
all local, state and federal laws and regulations respecting such warranties and
shall be solely responsible for the quality of the warranty service it performs.
8.9 Warranty Procedures.
(a) Aston Xxxxxx shall from time to time establish policies
and procedures for the processing, payment or other disposition of warranty
claims and for the return and disposition of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts claimed
to be non-conforming. Strict adherence to the procedures (including but not
limited to any pre-approval procedures) established for performing warranty
repairs and processing warranty claims is necessary in order for Aston Xxxxxx to
process such claims fairly and expeditiously. Dealer expressly acknowledges that
Dealer will be compensated for warranty work at rates, prices and xxxx-ups to be
established from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer will be promptly
compensated for warranty work (labor, parts and sublet) actually performed, for
which Dealer submits full, complete and accurate warranty claims, and for which
Dealer has appropriate supporting documentation, in accordance with Aston
Xxxxxx'x warranty policies and procedures. Currently, Aston Xxxxxx credits
Dealer for parts used in connection with warranty repairs at a 40% xxxx-up from
dealer cost, which Dealer agrees is fair and reasonable. Aston Xxxxxx will be
under no obligation whatsoever with respect to warranty claims not submitted on
a timely basis and strictly in accordance with its procedures. Unless Dealer
objects to the amounts or prices paid to it for any warranty repair, servicing
or parts within thirty (30) days of such payment, Dealer shall be conclusively
presumed to have accepted such payment as satisfaction in full for all amounts
due and owing to it for such repair, servicing or parts.
(b) Dealer is not authorized to assume or incur any other or
additional warranty obligations or liabilities on behalf of either Aston Xxxxxx
Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx. Any such other or additional obligations
assumed or incurred by Dealer shall be solely the responsibility of Dealer,
including the disclosure of the identity of the supplier or warrantor, the
existence of a warranty, and the specific terms and conditions of such warranty
to the consumer. Dealer shall not, by act or omission, expand, modify, limit,
nullify or interfere with Aston Martin's warranty obligations.
8.10 Records of Warranty Claims. Dealer shall prepare and
maintain such records as Aston Xxxxxx may reasonably require to support the
warranty claims submitted by Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer understands and
agrees that Aston Xxxxxx will from time to time perform audits of such warranty
records and supporting documentation and Dealer agrees to comply with any
recommendations made to it to improve its procedures and/or record keeping as a
result of such audits. Dealer also understands that Aston Xxxxxx shall, at its
option, and in addition to any other remedies it may have, chargeback any
credits previously posted to Dealer's account for any incomplete, inaccurate,
false or fraudulent warranty claims or for any warranty claims for which Dealer
lacks appropriate supporting documentation or which do not otherwise comply with
Aston Martin's warranty policies and procedures.
ARTICLE 9 -- PURCHASE AND INVENTORY OF GENUINE ASTON XXXXXX PARTS
9.1 Inventory of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.
(a) Dealer shall acquire and at all times maintain a
sufficient inventory of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts to (i) meet all of its
current and anticipated warranty and service obligations on a prompt and regular
basis and (ii) meet or exceed any reasonable stocking requirements established
from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer expressly understands and agrees that
failure to maintain an adequate and representative stock of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx
Parts is a material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Dealer shall maintain, in electronic format, a
complete and accurate inventory of all Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts, and shall
maintain such inventory in a manner which is consistent with recommendations
made by Aston Xxxxxx.
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9.2 Condition of Parts Department. Dealer will maintain its
entire Parts Department in a clean, well-organized and attractive condition.
9.3 Price of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts. Aston Xxxxxx shall
sell Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts to Dealer at such prices and upon such terms and
conditions as may be established from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx. Such terms
may provide for open account, limited open account, C.O.D. or cash as Aston
Xxxxxx may consider appropriate, irrespective of Dealer's credit standing or
payment history. If Aston Xxxxxx delivers Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts on a C.O.D.
basis, collection charges, if any, are to be paid by Dealer. Dealer is
responsible for any and all applicable sales, excise, use and other taxes,
governmental or municipal charges imposed or levied or based upon the sale of
Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer or by Dealer to the
customer. In the event of any increase in the price established by Aston Xxxxxx
for Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts, Dealer will have the right to cancel all orders
for Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts affected by the increase which are pending and
unfilled at the time Dealer obtains notice of the increase, provided that Aston
Xxxxxx is notified in writing of such cancellation within ten (10) days from the
time Dealer obtains such notice.
9.4 Incomplete Delivery. All claims for incomplete delivery of
Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts must be made by Dealer in writing immediately upon
Dealer's receipt of shipment.
9.5 Return of Non-Conforming Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.
(a) Dealer may, after receipt of written authorization from
Aston Xxxxxx, return new, undamaged, non-conforming Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts
in their original packaging to Aston Xxxxxx for credit, together with the
original invoice indicating Dealer's purchase price of such Genuine Aston Xxxxxx
Parts. Such Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts shall be shipped, shipping charges
prepaid, to the destination specified by Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer will be reimbursed
for shipping charges prepaid by it on authorized returns of new, undamaged,
non-conforming Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts based on the lowest applicable rate of
transportation by common carrier.
(b) Dealer may return, after receipt of written authorization
from Aston Xxxxxx, new, undamaged Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts in their original
packaging shipped to Dealer due to Aston Martin's shipping error. Such Genuine
Aston Xxxxxx Parts shall be shipped, shipping charges prepaid, to the
destination specified by Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer shall be credited for such
prepaid shipping charges based on the lowest applicable rate of transportation
by common carrier. Dealer will also be credited for the invoiced prices of the
returned Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts.
9.6 Return of Specially Ordered Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer
will not be entitled to return (1) any materials which have been acquired or
specially fabricated by Aston Xxxxxx upon Dealer's order, or (2) unlisted
Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts or assemblies or any cut or fabricated upholstery or
trim items.
9.7 Deliver of Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts. Delivery of Genuine
Aston Xxxxxx Parts ordered by Dealer shall be made by overnight delivery, common
carrier, U.S. mail or other similar modes of transportation. If freight charges
are to be paid by Aston Xxxxxx, the means of transportation will be selected by
Aston Xxxxxx in its sole discretion.
9.8 Dealer's Account with Aston Xxxxxx. Subject to the
foregoing, Aston Xxxxxx will maintain an open account for Dealer in accordance
with such terms and conditions as Aston Xxxxxx may from time to time establish.
Aston Xxxxxx will credit such account with certain amounts due and owing to
Dealer from Aston Xxxxxx, including but not limited to amounts due for warranty
claims submitted by Dealer to, and approved by, Aston Xxxxxx. Provided that
Dealer's account with Aston Xxxxxx remains current, Aston Xxxxxx will debit such
account for certain purchases made by Dealer from Aston Xxxxxx, including but
not limited to the total cost of all parts ordered and filled by Aston Xxxxxx
for Dealer to the extent shipped on open account. Aston Xxxxxx will issue a
statement as of the end of each month summarizing the activity in Dealer's
account for that month and indicating whether Dealer's account is in a debit or
credit position as of the last day of such month. Dealer will be obligated to
pay to Aston Xxxxxx within fifteen (15) days of the date of such statement the
total amount of any debit balance, without deduction or setoff of any kind.
Dealer's failure to pay such amounts as required shall constitute a material
breach hereunder. Aston Xxxxxx, in turn, agrees to pay to the Dealer by the
fifteenth (15th) day of each month any credit balance existing in the Dealer's
account as of the last day of the preceding month, provided that Aston
15
Xxxxxx has not concluded that the Dealer's financial condition is such that
payment of such monies will jeopardize Aston Martin's ability to collect any
bona fide debt owed by the Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx.
9.9 Representations as to Genuineness of Parts Used and Sold
by Dealer. Dealer shall not represent as new, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts or as
parts approved or authorized by Aston Xxxxxx or Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited,
any parts which are not in fact new, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts or parts
expressly approved or authorized by Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston
Xxxxxx. Dealer shall not sell, offer for sale or install non-approved parts or
accessories if the nature or quality thereof has been reasonably objected to by
Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer will not install on any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle any
non-approved parts or accessories which (a) may affect the owner's rights under
any warranty applicable to the vehicle; (b) may create any unreasonable risk to
motor vehicle safety or environmental compliance; or (c) are necessary to the
proper mechanical operation of such Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle. If Dealer sells parts
which are not new, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts or parts approved by Aston Xxxxxx
Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx in accordance with this Article 9.9, Dealer
shall disclose in writing to the customer such fact and that such parts are not
warranted by Aston Xxxxxx.
ARTICLE 10 -- CAPITAL AND OPERATING STANDARDS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
10.1 Capital and Operating Standards. Dealer recognizes that
in order to conduct its business in a commercially viable manner and to fulfill
its obligations under this Agreement, Dealer must at all times comply with the
reasonable Capital and Operating Standards established from time to time by
Aston Xxxxxx. If Aston Xxxxxx in the exercise of its reasonable business
judgment determines at any time that Dealer is not complying with the Capital
and Operating Standards, or reasonably anticipates such noncompliance, Dealer
will take whatever steps are necessary to meet such Capital and Operating
Standards within a reasonable time after notification by Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer
of any such deficiency or anticipated deficiency. Dealer agrees, upon request,
to provide Aston Xxxxxx with electronic access to all information and data
necessary to determine Dealer's compliance with said Capital and Operating
Standards.
10.2 Reports of Dealer's Sales and Inventory; Departmental
Profitability. Dealer shall furnish to Aston Xxxxxx, at such intervals as Aston
Xxxxxx may specify, complete and accurate reports of Dealer's sales and stocks
of Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles, of used Aston Xxxxxx vehicles and other used
automobiles, order portfolio, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts, and Aston Xxxxxx
services. Such reports required hereunder shall be submitted in electronic form
or in such other form as Aston Xxxxxx may from time to time require. Dealer
shall also furnish from time to time to Aston Xxxxxx such other reports and
financial statements as Aston Xxxxxx may reasonably require, in order to analyze
Dealer's operating performance and financial condition on a current and ongoing
basis, including, but not limited to, reports regarding business management
ratios, which ratios must comply with minimum standards set forth by Aston
Xxxxxx xxxx time to time, and Aston Xxxxxx shall have electronic access to all
information and data necessary to calculate such ratios.
10.3 Maintenance of Books of Account. Dealer shall keep
accurate and current books of account in accordance with an accounting system
approved by Aston Xxxxxx.
10.4 Monthly Financial Statements. Dealer shall furnish to
Aston Xxxxxx, on or before the tenth (10th) day of each calendar month (or at
such other intervals as Aston Xxxxxx may from time to time establish), in
electronic form or on such forms as Aston Xxxxxx may require, and in accordance
with such accounting procedures as Aston Xxxxxx may reasonably establish, a
financial statement completely and accurately reflecting the results of Dealer's
Aston Xxxxxx Operations for the preceding month and year-to-date. Dealer may
include, with Aston Martin's approval, the financial results of Dealer's other
brands provided the operations of those other brands are physically connected
with Deal's Aston Xxxxxx Operations.
10.5 Yearly Financial Statements. Aston Xxxxxx also reserves
the right, upon prior written notice, to require Dealer to provide within three
months after the close of Dealer's fiscal or calendar year, a financial and
operating statement for such year for Dealer and/or Dealer's other consolidated
corporate operations which may affect the Aston Xxxxxx dealership, which
statements shall, at Aston Martin's option, be audited or reviewed and compiled,
subject to appropriate and acceptable representations made to Aston Xxxxxx by
Dealer's owners and managers as to their accuracy and
16
completeness. Upon review of such statements, Aston Xxxxxx may reasonably
require Dealer to invest additional capital or obtain other financial guarantees
to ensure the continued economic viability of the dealership operations.
10.6 Confidentiality of Dealer Data. Aston Xxxxxx will not
furnish to any third party (other than affiliates of Aston Xxxxxx, including but
not limited to Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited and any financial services
affiliate) any data, including but not limited to financial statements,
submitted to it by Dealer unless authorized to do so by Dealer, or required to
do so by law. Aston Xxxxxx reserves the right, however, to use data supplied by
Dealer to compile composite reports either for its own use or for distribution
to its authorized dealers or third-parties.
10.7 Access to Dealer's Premises and Auditing of Records.
Dealer agrees that Aston Xxxxxx may from time to time arrange at its own expense
to audit or otherwise review Dealer's records. Until termination of this
Agreement and thereafter until consummation of all the transactions referred to
in Article 17.1 hereof, Aston Xxxxxx, through its designated employees and other
designees, shall also have the right, at all reasonable times during regular
business hours and on reasonable notice, to inspect Dealer's books and records
and all Aston Xxxxxx Products on hand at the Dealership Facilities and Dealer
shall cooperate fully and take all reasonable actions necessary to facilitate
such inspection.
ARTICLE 11 -- TRADEMARKS
11.1 Use of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks by Dealer. Except as set
forth in this Article 11, Dealer agrees that it will use the Aston Xxxxxx
Trademarks only in connection with the promotion and sale of Aston Xxxxxx
Products and customer service for Aston Xxxxxx Products and only in such manner,
at such location, to such extent, for such purposes and meeting such standards
as Aston Xxxxxx may specify from time to time. Any such use shall be
non-exclusive. Dealer agrees to cooperate with Aston Xxxxxx in facilitating
Aston Martin's monitoring of Dealer's compliance with Aston Martin's standards
relating to use of the Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks and to permit reasonable
inspection of Dealer's Operations.
11.2 Exclusive Ownership of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks. Dealer
shall not use, for any purpose or in any manner, any word, coined word, symbol,
or abbreviation which is similar to, or may be confused with, or contains a
significant part or element of any Aston Xxxxxx Trademark or which otherwise
violates Aston Martin's Corporate Identification Program. Dealer shall not use
as part of its corporate or trade name the word "Aston Xxxxxx" unless expressly
authorized to do so by Aston Xxxxxx in uniting. Dealer is expressly authorized
to use the designation "Authorized Aston Xxxxxx Dealer," "Genuine Aston Xxxxxx
Parts" and "Authorized Aston Xxxxxx Service" in connection with its Aston Xxxxxx
Operations. No Aston Xxxxxx Trademark may be used except in the color, size,
form and style as uniformly approved by Aston Xxxxxx in its Corporate
Identification Program or otherwise. Dealer shall not remove or alter any Aston
Xxxxxx Trademark affixed to any Aston Xxxxxx Product by Aston Xxxxxx or a
third-party authorized by Aston Xxxxxx to do so, or one of its corporate
affiliates. Dealer shall not use, display, advertise or sell any product which
incorporates or utilizes an Aston Xxxxxx Trademark unless such product is
manufactured or licensed by Aston Xxxxxx or one of its corporate affiliates.
Dealer shall not file, register, or record with any federal, state, local
government, or agency thereof any name, design or form that may be confused with
an Aston Xxxxxx Trademark. Dealer acknowledges the exclusive ownership by Aston
Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx of, and the validity of, the Aston Xxxxxx
Trademarks and all registrations thereof, and shall not contest during the term
of this Agreement or at any time thereafter such exclusive ownership of, or the
validity of, the Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks and all registrations thereof. Dealer
agrees to take such steps as Aston Xxxxxx may reasonably request to protect the
Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks and properly designate Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited
and/or Aston Xxxxxx as the legal owner(s) thereof. The parties agree to
cooperate with each other and with Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited in preventing
any acts of trademark infringement or unfair competition with respect to any
Aston Xxxxxx Trademark, but Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited and Aston Xxxxxx shall
have sole control over and discretion with respect to commencement of any
actions and legal proceedings to enjoin infringement of and unfair competition
with respect to any Aston Xxxxxx Trademark.
11.3 Use of Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks by Dealer Upon Termination
of Dealer Agreement. Dealer shall discontinue the use of any Aston Xxxxxx
Trademark upon the termination of this Agreement. In the event Dealer fails to
comply with the terms of this Article 11.3, Aston Xxxxxx shall serve Dealer with
written notice of such failure and demand that Dealer immediately cease and
desist from the use of said trademarks. Dealer agrees that the Aston Xxxxxx
Trademarks possess a special, unique and extraordinary character that makes
difficult the assessment of the monetary damage that would
17
be sustained by Aston Xxxxxx in the event of any unauthorized use. Dealer
specifically recognizes that irreparable injury would be caused by unauthorized
use. Aston Xxxxxx reserves all rights to seek preliminary and permanent
injunctive relief to prevent such unauthorized use. Such remedies shall not be
exclusive of other legal or equitable remedies otherwise available to Aston
Xxxxxx.
11.4 Use of Trademarks in Connection With Used Automobiles.
Dealer shall not use, in connection with the sale of used Aston Xxxxxx
automobiles, any Aston Xxxxxx Trademark unless Dealer shall have complied fully
with all directives and recommendations of Aston Xxxxxx relating to standards,
practices, and facilities for used Aston Xxxxxx automobile sales under such
trademarks or trade names, including but not limited to any guidelines
promulgated in connection with the Corporate Identification Program.
ARTICLE 12 -- ADVERTISING AND MERCHANDISING
12.1 Contents of Advertising. Both Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer
recognize the need to maintain uniformly high standards in the advertising and
merchandising of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Dealer commits to conduct all of its
advertising and merchandising efforts in a truthful and ethical matter and
consistent with the reputation and image of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Failure to do
so shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement. Dealer shall forthwith
discontinue any advertising and cease to use or sell any promotional materials
or accessories to which Aston Xxxxxx objects. Aston Xxxxxx specifically reserves
the right to require Dealer to cease any advertising inconsistent with this
provision including the right to prohibit Dealer from using Aston Xxxxxx
Trademarks in advertising.
12.2 Participation in Advertising Programs. Dealer agrees to
participate in any cooperative advertising program and, where applicable, in any
local market advertising program, which are funded jointly by Aston Xxxxxx and
its authorized dealers and operated by Aston Xxxxxx. Failure by the Dealer to
participate in such programs, when a majority of other authorized dealers or
dealers in Dealer's metropolitan area are participating, as the case may be, is
inconsistent with Dealer's obligations under this Agreement and shall be
considered a material breach hereof.
12.3 Sales Aids. Aston Xxxxxx will offer to Dealer, on the
same terms and conditions as other authorized dealers, such sales aids as
brochures, posters, promotional kits and similar advertising materials as Aston
Xxxxxx may from time to time prepare and disseminate. Dealer will acquire and
make available to its customers and potential customers such sales aids as are
reasonably necessary for the operation of its dealership.
ARTICLE 13 -- INDEMNIFICATIONS
13.1 Indemnification by Aston Xxxxxx.
(a) Aston Xxxxxx shall indemnify and hold Dealer harmless from
loss, damages and expense, including reasonable attorneys' fees, resulting from
or arising out of lawsuits filed against Dealer (i) which seek damages for
bodily injury or property damage (other than claims of breach of warranty or
violations of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxx Act, state repair/replace statutes or similar
federal, state, provincial or local laws) caused by an alleged non-conformity in
the design or the manufacture of an Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle, not reasonably
susceptible of discovery by Dealer in either its pre-delivery inspection and
preparation of the Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle or subsequent servicing, and (ii) which
do not plead claims against Dealer for negligence in the preparation, servicing,
or repair of an Aston Xxxxxx Product.
(b) If any lawsuit pleads claims against Dealer for acts of
negligence in the preparation, servicing or repair of an Aston Xxxxxx Product,
Aston Xxxxxx shall nevertheless defend and indemnify Dealer, if Aston Xxxxxx,
acting in good faith, makes a determination that the allegations of dealer
negligence are without merit or are not a genuine issue in the lawsuit. Such
initial determination shall, however, be subject to review and reconsideration
by Aston Xxxxxx during the course of the lawsuit. If Aston Xxxxxx at any time
determines in good faith that the allegations of dealer negligence do raise a
genuine issue in the lawsuit, Aston Xxxxxx will so advise Dealer, shall tender
to Dealer the defense of the lawsuit from that time forward, and shall have no
further obligation to defend or indemnify Dealer under this provision. In such
case, Dealer
18
expressly waives any right to seek disqualification of Aston Martin's attorney
based upon such attorney's prior representation of Dealer.
(c) Aston Xxxxxx is specifically authorized by Dealer to
settle or to continue to defend any such lawsuit brought against Dealer,
provided that Aston Xxxxxx shall be solely liable for the payment of the amount
of any settlement which it effects or judgment that is rendered to the extent
that Aston Xxxxxx has an obligation to indemnify Dealer under Article 13.1(a)
hereof.
13.2 Indemnification by Dealer.
(a) Dealer shall indemnify and hold Aston Xxxxxx harmless from
loss, damage and expense, including reasonable attorneys' fees, resulting from
or arising out of lawsuits filed against Aston Xxxxxx concerning:
(i) Dealer's alleged failure to perform, or negligent
performance of, any obligations under this Agreement, or any maintenance, repair
service or alteration performed on any Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle or other motor
vehicle sold or serviced by Dealer;
(ii) Dealer's alleged breach of any contract between
Dealer and Dealer's customer, provided, however, that the breach was not caused
by any act or omission on the part of Aston Xxxxxx;
(iii) Dealer's alleged misleading statements,
misrepresentations or unfair or deceptive acts or practices, whether through
advertisement or otherwise, affecting any customer of Dealer, provided, however,
that the statements, representations or advertisements are not based solely on
information or material produced or supplied to Dealer by Aston Xxxxxx.
(b) In the event that any action based upon or relating to
allegations set forth in subparagraph (i) through (iii) above is filed naming
Aston Xxxxxx as a defendant, Dealer will, following receipt of notice from Aston
Xxxxxx, undertake the defense of the action on behalf of Aston Xxxxxx at
Dealer's sole expense. Dealer is specifically authorized by Aston Xxxxxx to
settle or defend any such action on behalf of Aston Xxxxxx provided that the
cost of said defense and/or settlement and any judgment are borne exclusively by
Dealer. Dealer agrees to maintain liability insurance in amounts sufficient to
meet its obligations pursuant to this Article.
(c) If Dealer refuses for any reason to undertake Aston
Martin's defense, or fails to undertake such defense on terms reasonably
satisfactory to Aston Xxxxxx, when obligated to do so under this article, Aston
Xxxxxx may conduct its own defense and Dealer shall be liable for any judgments,
costs and attorneys' fees paid or incurred by Aston Xxxxxx with respect thereto.
(d) Dealer shall have the right to decline to accept Aston
Martin's defense or, having accepted such defense may, prior to trial, tender
such defense back to Aston Xxxxxx, if Dealer, acting in good faith, makes a
determination that the allegations upon which the action is based do not fall
within the terms of subparagraphs 13.2(a)(i)-(iii) hereof.
13.3 Notification of Request to Indemnify or Defend.
(a) If Dealer or Aston Xxxxxx intends to request of the other
indemnification or defense with respect to any lawsuit, each shall, no later
than thirty (30) days after service of a complaint, notify the other in writing
of such request and shall supply to the other copies of any pleadings served to
date and any information then reasonably available concerning the circumstances
allegedly giving rise to such complaint.
(b) Any request for defense and indemnification shall be
accepted or rejected by the party to whom the request is made within twenty (20)
days following receipt of such request. Prior to receipt of a response to its
request, each party agrees to take all reasonable steps to ensure that defense
of the complaint is in no way prejudiced. If the request is accepted, the party
making the request shall cooperate fully in the defense of the complaint in such
manner and to such
19
extent as the party assuming the defense may reasonably require. Any expenses
incurred by either party prior to acceptance of any request for defense and
indemnification shall be borne solely by the party making such request.
13.4 Attorneys' Fees. Whenever a complaint alleges liability
on the part of both Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer on the bases set forth in 13.1 and
13.2 respectively, each party shall be responsible for its own defense,
including costs and attorneys' fees, unless one party offers to undertake the
total defense and the other party agrees thereto in writing. Aston Martin's or
Dealer's responsibility for its own defense pursuant to this Article, or
pursuant to any other circumstances not within the scope of these
indemnification provisions, shall in no way affect whatever legal rights either
may have to indemnification or contribution from the other.
ARTICLE 14 -- TERMINATION
14.1 Termination by Mutual Agreement. Subject to the terms and
conditions of Article 17.5 hereof, Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer may at any time agree
to terminate this Agreement on such terms and subject to such conditions as the
parries hereto may consider mutually satisfactory.
14.2 Termination by Dealer. Subject to the terms and
conditions of Article 17.5 hereof, Dealer may terminate this Agreement by
sending written notice of such termination to Aston Xxxxxx not less than sixty
(60) days prior to the effective date of such termination.
14.3 Termination Due to Expiration of Aston Martin's Status as
Distributor of Aston Xxxxxx Products. Aston Xxxxxx may terminate this Agreement
upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to Dealer, or on such other notice as
may be provided for under applicable law, in the event that (i) any licensing or
distribution agreement or similar arrangement pursuant to which Aston Xxxxxx is
the distributor of Aston Xxxxxx Products in either the United States or Canada,
as applicable, shall terminate or expire without renewal, or (ii) Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicles are withdrawn or suspended from importation and sale in the United
States or Canada, as applicable.
14.4 Termination for Failure to Maintain Necessary Licenses.
If Dealer fails to secure or maintain any license or if any license of Aston
Xxxxxx or Dealer, required for the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement, is suspended or revoked, regardless of the reason, either party may
terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other.
14.5 Termination for Cause. Except to the extent a greater
notice and/or cure period is required by any applicable statute, in which case
the minimum notice period shall be deemed to be the minimum period required by
such law, Aston Xxxxxx shall have the right to terminate the Agreement for
cause, with immediate effect, by sending notice of such termination to Dealer by
hand delivery, recognized overnight mail service, or certified or registered
mail, return receipt requested, if any of the following events should occur:
(a) Any material misrepresentation by Dealer's owners,
officers or Dealer operator as to any fact relied upon by Aston Xxxxxx in
entering into or continuing this Agreement or relied upon by any affiliate of
Aston Xxxxxx in entering into or continuing any agreement to which Dealer and
any such affiliate are parties;
(b) Any attempted or actual sale, transfer or assignment by
Dealer of this Agreement, or any of the rights granted to it under this
Agreement, or any attempted or actual transfer, assignment or delegation by
Dealer of any of the responsibilities assigned to Dealer under this Agreement
without Aston Martin's express prior written approval;
(c) Any attempted or actual Ownership or Management Change for
any reason, without the prior written approval of Aston Xxxxxx, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that Dealer has fulfilled the terms
and conditions of Article 5 hereof,
(d) Subject to provisions contained herein with regard to any
Ownership or Management Change occurring by reason of death or permanent
disability of Dealer's Owners, or any change, whether voluntary or by operation
20
of law, in the appointment of a Dealer Operator, without prior consultation with
and the prior written approval of Aston Xxxxxx, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, provided Dealer has fulfilled the terms and conditions of
Article 5 hereof;
(e) Any change in the location of any of the Dealership
Facilities, the establishment of additional facilities, or the conduct of any
dealership operations other than at the location specifically approved herein,
without prior consultation with and the prior written approval of Aston Xxxxxx,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided Dealer has fulfilled
the terms and conditions of Article 4 hereof;
(f) Dissolution, liquidation, or insolvency of Dealer or the
voluntary filing by Dealer of a petition in bankruptcy, or filing of a petition
to have Dealer declared bankrupt; or the appointment of a receiver or trustee
for Dealer or Dealer's business; or any levy under attachment, execution or
similar process or the execution of an assignment for the benefit of creditors,
or any process of law by which a third party acquires rights in or to the
ownership, operations or facilities of Dealer;
(g) Conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere in any
court of competent jurisdiction of Dealer, or of any of the persons named in
Article D of the Dealer Agreement, of any crime (excepting traffic infractions
not involving personal injury or death); or the finding by any government agency
or court that Dealer or any other person specified in Article D of the Dealer
Agreement has committed any unfair business practice, or, having been charged
with any such unfair business practice, the operative provisions of a resolution
of such charge permits the inference that all or some of the acts charged
actually occurred;
(h) Submission by Dealer of any false or fraudulent report,
statement or claim;
(i) Failure by Dealer to conduct its sales, service and parts
operations during the customary business hours of the trade in Dealer's area for
five (5) or more consecutive business days, unless such failure is caused by
circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Dealer, as more fully described
in Article 3.12 hereof;
(j) Dealer's refusal or inability to pay any amount owed by
Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx or any of its corporate affiliates after demand for such
payment has been made to Dealer;
(k) Failure by Dealer to pay for Aston Xxxxxx Products in
accordance with the terms and conditions of sale and failure to establish or to
comply with the Capital Standards established from time to time by Aston Xxxxxx;
(l) Any circumstances, events or conditions that would, in the
reasonable judgment of Aston Xxxxxx, result in an uninsured material adverse
change or impairment to Dealer's financial condition, assets or business
considered as a whole.
(m) Within the limitations, if any, of the supply of Aston
Xxxxxx Vehicles made available to Dealer by Aston Xxxxxx, failure by Dealer to
achieve such reasonable sales objectives as may from time to time be established
by Aston Xxxxxx;
(n) Failure by Dealer to achieve such reasonable customer
satisfaction results as may from time to time be established by Aston Xxxxxx;
(o) Grossly negligent or willful conduct on the part of Dealer
or any of the persons specified in Article D of the Dealer Agreement that Aston
Xxxxxx determines, in the reasonable exercise of its business judgment, to be
harmful to the goodwill of Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited or Aston Xxxxxx, the
reputation of Aston Xxxxxx Products, Aston Xxxxxx Trademarks or the marketing of
Aston Xxxxxx Products;
21
(p) Failure by Dealer to maintain warranty records in
accordance with Aston Martin's warranty policies and procedures, it being
recognized by both parties that such records are vital to the processing and
substantiation of warranty claims submitted by Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx;
(q) Failure by Dealer to hold and maintain Down Payments in
accordance with Aston Martin's instructions or to promptly pay off loans on any
trade-in vehicles, as provided in Article 7.3 hereof;
(r) Importation, distribution or sale by Dealer of Aston
Xxxxxx vehicles then currently in production which are not originally
manufactured or designed for use in North America or the sale of current model
or new Aston Xxxxxx vehicles for resale or use outside North America or other
violation of any Aston Xxxxxx export policy established by Aston Xxxxxx xxxx
time to time;
(s) Failure by Dealer to furnish sales or financial
information in a timely manner, to permit Aston Xxxxxx to examine or audit
Dealer's accounts and records or to monitor Dealer's operations as provided for
herein.
(t) Failure by Dealer to take any actions pursuant to the
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Consumer Product
Safety Act, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxx Warranty Act, repair or replace legislation or
"Lemon Laws," or any other legislation or regulation pertaining to safety, air
pollution, noise control, or warranties to consumers which may be required of
automobile dealers or which Aston Xxxxxx may request in implementing any action
undertaken by Aston Xxxxxx or Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited;
(u) Any breach or violation of any material obligation
contained in the Agreement or in any Performance Agreement or in connection with
any transaction between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer, or any material failure by
Dealer to comply with a requirement established by Aston Xxxxxx and communicated
to Dealer in accordance with this Agreement;
(v) Any use by Dealer of the Dealership Facilities for any
purpose other than those approved by Aston Xxxxxx;
(w) Any default by Dealer in the performance of any
obligation, covenant, term or condition of any agreement between Dealer and any
affiliate of Aston Xxxxxx; or
(x) Any change, modification, repeal or addition of any
applicable federal, state, provincial or local law or regulation which, in the
sole discretion of Aston Xxxxxx, would create an undue hardship on Aston Xxxxxx
in the performance of its obligations under the terms of this Agreement.
14.6 Termination for Death or Disability of Owner or Dealer
Operator. Except as provided in Article 15 hereof, the death or permanent
disability of any of Dealer's Owners holding a majority or controlling interest
in Dealer or the death or permanent disability of a Dealer Operator may, at
Aston Martin's option, result in the termination of this Agreement, upon written
notice by Aston Xxxxxx to the Dealer. Aston Xxxxxx shall provide such notice
within a reasonable time after such death or permanent disability. Termination
hereunder shall be effective ninety (90) days after the date of such notice or
on such notice as may be provided for under applicable law.
14.7 Termination for Failure to Enter into or Fulfill the
Terms of a Performance Agreement. If Aston Xxxxxx determines that Dealer should
enter into a Performance Agreement to improve its sales and/or servicing of
Aston Xxxxxx Products, customer satisfaction with its Aston Xxxxxx Operations or
to construct, renovate and/or relocate its Dealership Facilities, in accordance
with the standards set forth in this Agreement, Aston Xxxxxx will advise Dealer
of such requirement(s) and attempt to reach agreement on the terms of such
Performance Agreement. If Dealer refuses to enter into a Performance Agreement
acceptable to Aston Xxxxxx with respect to the issues identified in Aston
Martin's notice or fails to substantially remedy the deficiencies identified by
Aston Xxxxxx within the period of time provided for in such notice or
Performance Agreement, Aston Xxxxxx may terminate this Agreement immediately, or
upon such other greater notice period
22
as may be required by any applicable statute, in which cake the minimum notice
period shall be deemed to be the minimum period required by such law.
ARTICLE 15 -- RIGHT OF SUCCESSION
15.1 Continuation of this Agreement Upon Death or Incapacity.
Notwithstanding the right of Aston Xxxxxx to terminate this Agreement upon death
or incapacity of Dealer's Owners or a Dealer Operator as set forth in Article
14.6 above, Aston Xxxxxx will not terminate this Agreement solely as a result of
such death or incapacity if:
(a) The surviving owners, officers or Dealer Operator listed
in Article D of the Dealer Agreement remain unchanged and can in the opinion of
Aston Xxxxxx, comply with the requirements imposed upon Dealer by this
Agreement; or
(b) Within ninety (90) days of such death or incapacity, or
such other reasonable time as circumstances may require, Aston Xxxxxx approves
arrangements for the assumption of active management and/or ownership of Dealer
by persons satisfactory to Aston Xxxxxx;
(c) Aston Xxxxxx has previously approved a Designated
Successor for the deceased owner, officer or Dealer Operator in accordance with
procedures established by Aston Xxxxxx xxxx time to time; or
(d) If the terms set forth in Article 15.3 are satisfied.
Subject to the foregoing, Aston Xxxxxx reserves the right to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article 14 of this Agreement.
15.2 Successor Nominee.
(a) Subject to Article 15.3(c) hereof, and prior to the death
or disability of the Dealer Owner, Dealer may, in accordance with procedures
established by Aston Xxxxxx xxxx time to time, nominate a Successor Nominee.
Dealer may also, in accordance with such procedures, cancel a Successor Nominee
by providing notice to Aston Xxxxxx that it intends to amend the Dealer
Agreement to delete and/or substitute a new Successor Nominee. The request to
name or to cancel a Successor Nominee must be executed by all Dealer's Owners
and be received by Aston Xxxxxx prior to such death or permanent disability. In
the case of a Successor Nominee, any proposed Dealer Owner(s) must be acceptable
to Aston Xxxxxx.
(b) In the case of cancellation of a Successor Nominee, Aston
Xxxxxx agrees to delete the name of the party listed as Designated Successor
upon the receipt of that notice. If, due to changed circumstances, Aston Xxxxxx
believes or has a reasonable basis to believe the Successor Nominee is or should
be disqualified, Aston Xxxxxx will notify Dealer that the proposed owner is no
longer acceptable and a substitute Successor Nominee will then be designated.
(c) If Aston Xxxxxx has notified Dealer Owners in writing
before the death or permanent disability of such owners that Aston Xxxxxx does
not plan to continue to have a dealer at Dealer's location, Aston Xxxxxx shall
have no obligation to approve a Successor Nominee.
15.3 Successor to Dealer In Event of Death. In the event of
the death of any of the Dealer's Owners, if the beneficial ownership interest in
Dealer passes directly to the surviving spouse and/or children, Aston Xxxxxx
shall not terminate the Agreement if within ninety (90) days after the death of
such Owner, arrangements are completed for the assumption or continuation of
management of dealer by a Dealer Operator reasonably acceptable to Aston Xxxxxx.
Upon such acceptance, in writing by Aston Xxxxxx of a continuing or substitute
Dealer Operator, Dealer and Aston Xxxxxx shall enter into a twelve (12) month
interim agreement, provided that Dealer is otherwise in compliance with all the
material terms of this Agreement. Prior to the expiration of such interim
agreement and after completion of Aston Martin's evaluation of the performance
of the Dealer Operator during such period, Aston Xxxxxx will review with Dealer
the changes, if any, in the
23
management or ownership of Dealer required by Aston Xxxxxx as a condition to
entering into a new agreement with Dealer. Provided such conditions are
satisfied, Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer will enter into an agreement in substantially
the same form as the standard agreement then currently offered by Aston Xxxxxx
to its other authorized dealers.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, prior to the death of any Owner,
notice of termination has been provided by Aston Xxxxxx to the Dealer in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, no right of succession shall
exist and the Agreement will terminate in accordance with the terms of said
notice. Additionally, nothing in this Article 15 shall prevent Aston Xxxxxx xxxx
terminating this Agreement pursuant to Article 14 hereof.
ARTICLE 16 -- BUSINESS RELATIONS AFTER TERMINATION
Any business relations of any nature whatsoever between Aston Xxxxxx
and Dealer after termination of this Agreement shall not operate to revoke the
termination of this Agreement. Nevertheless, all such business relations, so
long as they are continued, shall be governed by terms identical with the
provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 17 -- RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
17.1 Purchase of Dealer's Inventory of Aston Xxxxxx Products
by Aston Xxxxxx. Upon termination of this Agreement by either party, Aston
Xxxxxx may, at its option, repurchase from Dealer and Dealer will sell to Aston
Xxxxxx, the following assets only, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances:
(a) All new, unused and unsold Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles of the
then current model year bought by Dealer from Aston Xxxxxx which are in
first-class, salable condition and all new, unused and unsold Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicles of the preceding model year if acquired by Dealer from Aston Xxxxxx
within six months of the termination of this Agreement, for which Aston Xxxxxx
will pay Dealer the net price paid by Dealer for such vehicles, less a deduction
for any damage and less any applicable rebates or allowances paid by Aston
Xxxxxx with respect to such vehicle;
(b) All new, unused, undamaged and unsold Genuine Aston Xxxxxx
Parts still in their original packaging (i) which Dealer purchased from Aston
Xxxxxx during the 12-month period preceding the effective date of termination of
the Agreement (the "Matching Period") and (ii) which Dealer purchased from Aston
Xxxxxx prior to the Matching Period, but which Aston Xxxxxx is then selling and
can reasonably expect to sell to dealers in the future. Aston Xxxxxx will pay
Dealer for those eligible parts actually returned to it under this provision the
stock price then last established by Aston Xxxxxx for the sale of identical
parts, less all prior refunds or allowances made by Aston Xxxxxx with respect
thereto and less a fifteen percent (15%) handling charge;
(c) Aston Xxxxxx Signs which the Dealer purchased from Aston
Xxxxxx or from a supplier approved by Aston Xxxxxx. Aston Xxxxxx will pay for
such Aston Xxxxxx Signs, Dealer's original purchase price for such signs, less
"straight-line" depreciation computed on the basis of a useful life of five
years from the date of purchase and subject to adjustments based on use and
condition;
(d) Special tools and equipment purchased by Dealer from Aston
Xxxxxx during the Matching Period in accordance with any required tools and
equipment list issued by Aston Xxxxxx. Aston Xxxxxx will pay for such special
tools and equipment Dealer's original purchase price therefor, less
"straight-line" depreciation computed on the basis of a useful life of five
years from the date of purchase and subject to adjustments based on use and
condition; and
(e) Dealer shall be responsible for returning to Aston Xxxxxx,
on a freight prepaid basis, any assets which Aston Xxxxxx has agreed to
repurchase from Dealer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
17.2 Absence of Liens. Aston Xxxxxx may require and Dealer
commits to supply proof that any Aston Xxxxxx Products eligible for repurchase
in accordance with the terms and conditions of Article 17.1 are free and clear
of any liens or encumbrances.
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17.3 Delivery; Right to Take Inventory; Right of Offset. Any
and all items to be sold by Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx pursuant to the provision of
Article 17.1, shall be delivered by Dealer to Aston Xxxxxx, in first-class,
salable condition, at Dealer's place of business in suitable condition and,
except with respect to Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles, packed at Dealer's expense for
transportation. As a condition precedent to the purchase by Aston Xxxxxx of any
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts, Aston Xxxxxx Signs, special
tools or equipment, Dealer shall grant to Aston Xxxxxx and its designee or
designees, at such time and for such periods of time as Aston Xxxxxx reasonably
shall determine, the right to enter the Dealer's premises for the purpose of
taking an inventory of all or any part of Dealer's stock of Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicles, Genuine Aston Xxxxxx Parts, and special tools and equipment. At the
request of Aston Xxxxxx the Dealer shall comply in all respects with the
provisions of all applicable bulk sales acts or similar statutes protecting a
transferee of personal property with respect to liabilities of the transferor.
In making payments in accordance with the article, Aston Xxxxxx reserves the
right to:
(a) Set-off the amount due Dealer against any amounts which
may be due to Aston Xxxxxx or to any of its affiliates from Dealer;
(b) Pay any financial institution retaining a security
interest in any of the property to be repurchased such sums as are necessary to
obtain a good, unencumbered, and marketable title to the property being
repurchased by Aston Xxxxxx;
(c) Pay any claimant, in accordance with any applicable
statute, such sums as may be necessary to acquire a good, unencumbered, and
marketable title free of any interest, right, or claim of such claimant to the
property being repurchased by Aston Xxxxxx.
17.4 Customer Files and Product Literature. Upon the
expiration or prior termination of this Agreement, and as a condition precedent
to Aston Martin's obligations assumed by Aston Xxxxxx under Article 17.1 hereof,
Dealer shall immediately do the following:
(a) Transfer to Aston Xxxxxx, or Aston Martin's designee or
designees, all of its warranty files and files of prospective customers for
Aston Xxxxxx Products, or complete copies (including but not limited to paper
and computerized or electronic copies) of all such files;
(b) Provide Aston Xxxxxx (in electronic format, if requested)
with all records and files relating to inventory, sales and customer services,
including but not limited to, the names and addresses of all customers who
purchased Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles from or by Dealer or have been placed on a
customer waiting list by Dealer, and the service records of all service
customers for the five-year period prior to the expiration or prior termination
of this Agreement; and
(c) Deliver to Aston Xxxxxx at Aston Martin's place of
business, or to Aston Martin's designee or designees, free of charge, any and
all technical or service literature, advertising and other printed material
relating to Aston Xxxxxx Products then in Dealer's possession which were
acquired or obtained by Dealer from Aston Xxxxxx, such as, for example, sales
instruction and service manuals and promotional materials.
None of the foregoing shall result in any liability of Aston
Xxxxxx to Dealer for damages, commissions, loss of profits or compensation for
services, or in any other liability of Aston Xxxxxx to Dealer of any kind or
nature whatsoever.
17.5 Mutual Release and Termination. Upon termination of this
Agreement by either party or at the closing of any transaction entered into and
approved in accordance with Article 5.2 hereof, Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer shall
execute and deliver to each other the form of Mutual Release and Termination
Agreement then in use by Aston Xxxxxx. Said Mutual Release and Termination
Agreement (i) shall unconditionally terminate the Dealer Agreement then in force
between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer and (ii) shall provide for the mutual release by
each of the parties hereto of any and all claims either may have against the
other, excepting only such claims as are then known to and pending between Aston
Xxxxxx and Dealer
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and which are expressly set forth and specified in said Mutual Release and
Termination Agreement. Termination of this Agreement shall not release Dealer,
however, from the obligation to pay any sum which may be then owing Aston
Xxxxxx.
ARTICLE 18 -- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
18.1 Notice of Failure to Act in Good Faith. In the interest
of maintaining a harmonious relationship between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer, Dealer
shall report promptly, in writing, to an Executive Officer of Aston Xxxxxx any
act or failure to act on the part of Aston Xxxxxx which Dealer deems not to have
been, or that Dealer proposes to use in support of a claim that Aston Xxxxxx has
not acted, in good faith towards Dealer. It is the intention of the parties that
the purpose of the requirement of such notification by Dealer is to afford Aston
Xxxxxx sufficient opportunity to consider the claim of Dealer and if, in the
sole determination of Aston Xxxxxx, such claim is found to be meritorious, to
undertake such measures which may be necessary to correct the condition
complained of without resorting to litigation.
18.2 No Oral Agreements or Modifications. Dealer understands
and acknowledges that this Agreement and any Performance Agreement, and any
modifications or amendments thereto or any notice of prior termination of this
Agreement, shall be effective only if signed by an Executive Officer of Aston
Xxxxxx or the most senior employee of Aston Xxxxxx responsible for Aston Xxxxxx
franchising matters. Except as provided for in the preceding sentence, no
contracts, agreements, representations, understandings, arrangements,
modifications or amendments of any kind (whether oral or otherwise) with respect
to this Agreement will be binding upon Aston Xxxxxx. Dealer expressly
acknowledges and agrees that it has not, in entering into this Agreement, and
will not in the future, rely on any oral representation made by any officer,
employee, representative or agent of Aston Xxxxxx and further acknowledges and
agrees that Aston Xxxxxx is not bound by or responsible for any damages arising
out of such oral representation.
18.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
integrated agreement between the parties, except with respect to any Performance
Agreement(s) between the parties which is/are expressly made a part thereof. No
representations or statements, other than those expressly set forth herein,
whether written or oral, were relied upon by Aston Xxxxxx or Dealer in entering
into this Agreement. Aston Xxxxxx Lagonda Limited is not a party to this
Agreement.
18.4 Assignment of Agreement. This Agreement, or any part
thereof or interest therein, may not be transferred, delegated or assigned by
the Dealer. Any such attempted transfer, delegation or assignment shall be void.
Aston Xxxxxx may assign this Agreement and any rights, or delegate any
obligations, hereunder to any affiliate or successor company and will provide
notice of such assignment or delegation to Dealer.
18.5 Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is made solely
by and between Aston Xxxxxx and Dealer and neither confers upon, nor shall be
deemed to confer upon, any person not a party hereto any third party rights or
benefits of any kind.
18.6 Dealer Is Not an Agent of Aston Xxxxxx. Except as
otherwise expressly provided herein, nothing herein shall be deemed to make
Dealer an agent for Aston Xxxxxx in any respect, nor is Dealer authorized to
transact any business or to incur any obligations or liability on behalf of
Aston Xxxxxx.
18.7 Notices. Any notices under, or pursuant to, the
provisions of this Agreement shall be directed to the respective addresses of
the parties stated in the Dealer Agreement or, if either of the parties shall
have specified another address by notice in writing to the other party, to the
address so specified and shall be delivered personally, sent by hand delivery,
facsimile transmission (with a confirmation copy sent by another means specified
in this Article 18.7) or sent by certified, registered or overnight mail,
postage prepaid or by a reputable courier service. Any such notice shall be
deemed given when so delivered personally or sent by facsimile transmission, or,
if mailed, five days after the date of deposit in the United States mail, or, if
by overnight mail, DHL, Federal Express or other reputable comparable courier,
24-hours after timely delivery to the carrier. The parties shall advise each
other forthwith, in writing, of any change of such address.
18.8 Waivers. Except as otherwise provided for in this
Agreement, the failure of either party at any time to require performance by the
other party of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to
require such
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performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party of a
breach of any provision hereof constitute a waiver of any succeeding breach of
the same or any other such provision, nor constitute a waiver of the provision
itself.
18.9 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement should
be held (after exhaustion of all rights of appeal) invalid or unenforceable for
any reason whatsoever or in violation of any law of the United States of
America, the District of Columbia, any state of the United States or province of
Canada, this Agreement shall be considered severable as to such provision; and
such provision shall be deemed deleted from this Agreement or, in the event that
it should be held to violate only the laws of the District of Columbia, any
state of the United States or province of Canada, to be inapplicable within the
territory thereof; and the remainder of this Agreement shall be valid and
binding as if such provision were not included herein or as if it were included
herein only with respect to territories outside of such District a state, as the
case may be.
18.10 Choice of Law; Arbitration; Jurisdiction.
(a) All disputes or controversies which may arise out of, or
in connection with, this Agreement, its construction, interpretation, effect,
performance or non-performance, or the consequences thereof, as well as out of
or in connection with any transaction between the parties contemplated herein,
or the construction, interpretation, effect, performance or non-performance
thereof, or the consequences of any of the foregoing, shall be governed by the
laws of the state in which Dealer conducts the Aston Xxxxxx Operations
authorized by this Agreement.
(b) Any and all disputes arising out of or in connection with
this Agreement, its construction, interpretation, effect, performance or
non-performance, or the consequences thereof, as well as out of or in connection
with any transaction between the parties contemplated herein, or the
construction, interpretation, effect, performance or non-performance thereof, or
the consequences of any of the foregoing, shall be settled by arbitration in
Manhattan in New York City in accordance with the rules of the American
Arbitration Association.
(c) Any claim by Dealer that Aston Xxxxxx did not have good
cause, failed to act in good faith or otherwise acted improperly in terminating
or failing to renew or seeking to terminate or fail to renew this Agreement
under state law or under the Automobile Dealers' Day in Court Act, 15 U.S.C. ss.
1221, et seq., shall be submitted to arbitration in the following manner:
(i) Within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of
termination or non-renewal, Dealer shall file a written request for arbitration,
together with the appropriate arbitration fee, with the American Arbitration
Association, in its Manhattan, New York City office, which shall be the place of
arbitration.
(ii) The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with
the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association before a single
arbitrator selected in accordance with such rules.
(iii) If the arbitrator finds that Aston Xxxxxx properly
terminated this Agreement, the termination shall become effective as of the date
of the arbitrator's award to the extent that such termination has not already
taken effect. If the arbitrator finds that the termination was not justified,
Aston Martin's notice of termination shall be wholly void, and the parties
hereto shall continue their business as though no notice of termination had been
served.
If after termination, Dealer asserts any claim under statutes
governing the relationship between automobile dealers and distributors, and such
claim is required to be heard in court, it shall be heard in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York, and each party hereto
agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of that court for these purposes, and EACH
PARTY HEREBY WAIVES A RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH A TRIAL OF ANY
SUCH CLAIMS.
18.11 Withdrawal or Suspension of Supply of Aston Xxxxxx
Vehicles. Nothing in this Agreement shall give Dealer the right to continue to
be supplied by Aston Xxxxxx with the Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle line or any particular
Aston Xxxxxx Vehicle models, which may at any time be withdrawn or suspended
from importation and sale in North America,
27
without any obligation or liability on the part of Aston Xxxxxx by season
thereof. Nothing in this Agreement shall give Dealer the right to sell any
vehicle line, distributed by Aston Xxxxxx or any successor of Aston Xxxxxx,
other than Aston Xxxxxx Vehicles.
18.12 Aston Martin's Security Interest. As security for full
payment of all sums Dealer owes to Aston Xxxxxx under this Agreement, whether
such sums are now, or subsequently become due and owing, and as security for
Dealer's performance under this Agreement, Dealer grants to Aston Xxxxxx,
subject to any prior perfected secured creditor's interest, a security interest
in all inventory, including without limitation, all Aston Xxxxxx Products and
proceeds from sales or insurance, and all liens. Upon any non-payment or
default, Aston Xxxxxx may accelerate any then existing debt and shall have all
applicable rights, including, without limitation, those specified in the Uniform
Commercial Code. If Aston Xxxxxx requests, Dealer agrees to perfect Aston
Martin's security interest. Aston Martin may assign the security interest
granted to it under this Agreement and, upon notifying the Dealer, the assignee
shall be entitled to the full performance of the covenants, rights and remedies
contained in this Agreement relating to the security interest and the Collateral
assigned. Dealer will not assert any claim, defenses or offsets against the
assignee that it may have against Aston Martin.
18.13 Anti-Theft Labels. Dealer acknowledges and understands
that Federal law requires manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in the United
States to affix to designated items of original equipment, and replacement parts
for such equipment, labels containing certain identifying information
("anti-theft labels"). In certain cases, the manufacturer of Aston Martin
Vehicles places a transparent paint mask over such anti-theft labels. Dealer
will, when performing any service or repair work (such as painting or rust
proofing) insure that such anti-theft labels are neither obliterated nor
obscured and will remove any protective paint masks prior to delivering or
returning an Aston Martin Vehicle to a customer.
18.14 Time of the Essence. Except as otherwise specifically
provided for herein, the parties agree that with respect to all actions or
obligations referred to in or imposed by this Agreement time is of the essence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Aston Martin and Dealer have signed and executed
this Dealer Retail Sales and Service Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA OF H.B.L. LLC
NORTH AMERICA, INC.
D/B/A/
ASTON MARTIN TYSONS CORNER
By /s/ William T Donnelly By /s/ Roger S. Penske Jr
------------------------------------- -------------------------
William T Donnelly, President and C.E.O. Roger S. Penske Jr, Chairman
Date 31/3/03 Date 2-28-03
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