EXHIBIT 10.3.4
NISSAN CONTIGUOUS MARKET OWNERSHIP ADDENDUM
-------------------------------------------
This Nissan Contiguous Market Ownership Addendum (the "CMO Agreement") is
entered into this 16th day of JULY, 1997, by and among Nissan Motor Corporation
in U.S.A. ("Nissan"), Xxxxxx X. Price ("Dealer Principal" or "Price"), FAA
Dublin N, Inc., ("Dublin Nissan" or "Dealer"), and FirstAmerica Automotive,
Inc., ("FAA").
RECITALS
--------
WHEREAS, Nissan, FAA and Dealer desire to create a Contiguous Market Ownership
Area in the San Francisco Bay Area, (the "East Bay CMO");
WHEREAS, Nissan, FAA and Dealer commit to develop and execute a Market Area Plan
that describes how Dealer will develop the East Bay CMO through the provision or
establishment of Dealership Facilities;
WHEREAS, Nissan, FAA and Dealer also commit to develop and execute a Business
Plan that describes how Dealer will fulfill its sales, service, customer
relations and other commitments hereunder, including heightened performance
standards that Dealer commits to meet;
WHEREAS, Dealer commits to operate in accordance with the Market Area Plan and
the Business Plan;
WHEREAS, Nissan, Price, FAA and Dealer acknowledge that this CMO Agreement
forges a new collaborative relationship in the automotive industry that is
uniquely and mutually beneficial to the parties, was negotiated by them in the
spirit of cooperation, and does not adversely affect their existing rights and
responsibilities;
WHEREAS, Price, FAA and Dealer, in exchange for the opportunities and other
consideration specified herein, agree to assume the obligations set forth
herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and mutual covenants set
forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
---------
1. THE CMO AGREEMENT
-----------------
THE CMO Agreement supplements the Nissan Dealer Sales and Service Agreement
between Nissan and Dealer (the "Dealer Agreement"), including the Standard
Provisions thereto (the "Standard Provisions"). To the extent that the CMO
Agreement conflicts with the Dealer Agreement, the CMO Agreement controls
and shall govern the relationship between the parties. Subject to such
conflicts and except as otherwise provided herein, the Dealer Agreement
survives the execution of the CMO Agreement and remains in full force and
effect.
2. DEFINITIONS
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The parties agree that the following terms, as used in the CMO Agreement,
shall be defined exclusively as set forth below.
A. "NISSAN VEHICLES" shall mean Nissan Cars and Nissan Trucks as well
as near-new" Nissan Vehicles of the current and three prior model
years.
B. "NISSAN PRODUCTS" shall mean Nissan Vehicles, Genuine Parts and
Accessories, Nissan Security + Plus and such other products and
services offered by Nissan to Dealer and designated by Nissan as a
Nissan Product.
C. "PRIMARY MARKET AREA" shall mean the East Bay CMO, which shall
consist of the entire geographic area that is designated from time to
time as the area of Dealer's sales and service responsibility for
Nissan Products in a Notice of Primary Market Area issued by Nissan to
Dealer. Nissan reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to
issue a new, superseding "Notice of Primary Market Area" to Dealer
from time to time.
D. "EXECUTIVE MANAGER" shall mean the person named as Executive
Manager in the Final Paragraph of the Dealer Agreement upon whose
personal qualifications, expertise, reputation, integrity, experience,
ability and representations that he or she shall devote his or her
efforts to and have full managerial authority and responsibility for
the day-to-day management and performance of Dealer throughout the
East Bay CMO, or with Nissan's consent, any contiguous CMO(s),
including but not limited to the supervision of all Location Managers,
which Nissan has relied in entering into the CMO Agreement.
E. "LOCATION MANAGER" shall mean the persons named as Location
Managers in the Location Manager Addendum to the CMO Agreement upon
whose personal qualifications, expertise, reputation, integrity,
experience, ability and representations that he or she shall devote
his or her full-time efforts to and have managerial authority and
responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of Dealer
at a particular Dealership Facility, Nissan has relied in entering
into the CMO Agreement.
F. "MARKET AREA PLAN" shall mean the written plan prepared and
executed by the parties that describes the number, location, type,
size and opening date of the Dealership Facilities to be provided by
Dealer hereunder.
G. "BUSINESS PLAN" shall mean the written plan prepared and executed
by the parties that contains Dealer's plan and commitment to develop
its business throughout the East Bay CMO, including but not limited to
its plan and commitment with respect to organizational, operational,
financial, succession and other issues, and certain standards on which
its performance hereunder will be evaluated.
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H. "DEALERSHIP FACILITIES" shall mean the land areas at each
Dealership Location and the buildings and improvements erected thereon
provided by Dealer in accordance with Section 2 of the Standard
Provisions and the Market Area Plan.
3. TERM
----
This Agreement and the Dealer Agreement shall have a renewable term
commencing on its effective date and continuing for a term of five years
unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 12 of the Standard
Provisions or the CMO Agreement.
4. DEALERSHIP LOCATION AND DEALERSHIP FACILITIES
---------------------------------------------
A. DEALERSHIP FACILITIES
---------------------
In accordance with the Market Area Plan, FAA and Dealer shall provide
Dealership Facilities at each Dealership Location that are
satisfactory in space, appearance, usage, layout and signage; and
otherwise are substantially in accordance with the Guides therefor
established by Nissan from time to time. Dealer shall conduct its
Dealership Operations only from the Dealership Locations specified in
the Dealership Facilities Addendum and shall use each such place of
business only for the purposes specified therefor in the Dealership
Facilities Addendum. Where applicable, Dealer shall establish
additional Dealership Facilities in the time, place and manner agreed
to by Dealer and Nissan in the Market Area Plan. Dealer agrees that
the Dealership Facilities shall have a consistent image, appearance
and name.
B. DEALERSHIP FACILITIES ADDENDUM
------------------------------
FAA, Dealer and Nissan shall execute a Dealership Facilities Addendum
which will include a description of each Dealership Location and each
Dealership Facility as well as the approved use for each such place of
business and facility.
C. EXCLUSIVE NISSAN OPERATIONS
---------------------------
FAA and Dealer agree that each Dealership Facility and Dealership
Location shall be dedicated to the promotion of Nissan Products and
devoted exclusively to the conduct of Nissan sales, service, parts
and/or other operations as specified in the Dealership Facilities
Addendum. Dealer shall not conduct any sales, service, parts and/or
other operations for any other new line-make of vehicles at any of the
Dealership Facilities or Dealership Locations.
D. EAST BAY CMO OBLIGATIONS
------------------------
FAA shall develop, and Dealer shall devote its full efforts to
developing the East Bay CMO. Consequently, Dealer agrees that it will
not engage, either directly or indirectly, in any of the activities
contemplated by the CMO Agreement from facilities or locations outside
of the East Bay CMO. If Dealer fails to develop the
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East Bay CMO according to its Market Area Plan or to implement the
plans or meet the performance standards established in the Business
Plan, then Nissan, will provide written notice specifying the default
and a reasonable period of at least 45 days within which to cure the
default. Should the 45 day cure period expire without material remedy
of the breach, Nissan may (i) terminate the CMO Agreement under
Paragraph 11 hereof, (ii) restructure the East Bay CMO and reassign to
other Authorized Nissan Dealers any areas necessary to achieve the
maximum potential development of the East Bay CMO, or (iii) exercise
its option to purchase under Paragraph 10.C hereof.
5. MARKET AREA PLAN
----------------
FAA, Dealer and Nissan shall execute a Market Area Plan that describes how
Dealer will develop its Primary Market Area through the provision or
establishment of Dealership Facilities. The Market Area Plan is an
essential part of the CMO Agreement.
A. MARKET AREA DEVELOPMENT
-----------------------
FAA and Dealer agree to develop its Primary Market Area according to
the Market Area Plan, which shall include a detailed description of
the number, location, type, size, usage and opening date of the
Dealership Facilities to be provided.
B. PLAN MODIFICATIONS
------------------
The Market Area Plan may be modified only if Nissan, FAA and Dealer
agree that a material change in marketing conditions warrants the
proposed modification.
C. MARKET STUDIES
--------------
The parties agree that although Nissan may continue to perform market
studies of the Primary Market Area and any contiguous market areas, or
any portion thereof, pursuant to Section 4.A of the Standard
Provisions, they will base the Market Area Plan on their collaborative
review and analysis of all relevant data, including such market
studies. Section 4.B of the Standard Provisions is hereby deleted in
its entirety.
D. WAIVER OF CLAIMS BASED ON NISSAN'S ACTIONS OUTSIDE THE PRIMARY MARKET
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AREA
----
Nissan agrees that in taking action outside the Primary Market Area,
it will consider the impact of such action on Dealer's investment in
and plans for the Primary Market Area. Dealer agrees not to initiate
or prosecute any judicial, administrative or governmental proceeding
with respect to Nissan's actions outside the Primary Market Area,
including but not limited to its appointment or relocation of any
other Authorized Nissan Dealer.
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6. BUSINESS PLAN
-------------
FAA, Dealer and Nissan shall execute a Business Plan in the form specified
in the Business Planning Process Workbook that describes how Dealer will
fulfill its sales, service, customer relations, marketing and other
commitments hereunder. The Business Plan is an essential part of the CMO
Agreement.
A. BUSINESS PLANNING
-----------------
The Business Plan shall include the following elements:
i. a statement of Dealer's legal and financial structure, including
capitalization, line of credit and equity ownership;
ii. the sales, service, customer relations, marketing and other
standards on which Dealer's performance will be evaluated, which
standards Dealer acknowledges and agrees will be higher than
those established for Authorized Nissan Dealers that are not
responsible for a CMO;
iii. a detailed organizational structure and staffing plans, including
the number of certified sales, service and parts managers, sales
personnel, and technicians that shall be provided for the East
Bay CMO;
iv. specific plans for maximizing owner loyalty and customer
satisfaction, including hours of operation and customer
convenience systems;
v. advertising, merchandising, marketing and community relations
plans;
vi. successorship, including the identity of the proposed successors
to Dealer, Dealer Principal and/or Executive Manager; and
vii. other standards or plans as agreed by Nissan, FAA and Dealer.
B. OPERATIONS
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Dealer shall operate in accordance with the Business Plan and shall
actively and effectively promote the sale of Nissan Products to
customers located throughout the Primary Market Area. In particular,
Dealer shall implement the plans and meet the performance standards
established in the Business Plan.
C. ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN REVIEW
---------------------------
Dealer shall review and update its Business Plan annually, or more
often if needed, and submit it to Nissan for joint review. Updated
Plans will include a performance evaluation and any proposed
modifications to the prior year's plan. If Nissan,
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FAA and Dealer agree that changes to the proposed Plan are necessary,
Dealer will make such changes and resubmit its Plan.
I. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
----------------------
Dealer's performance of its obligations is essential to the
effective representation of Nissan Products, and to the
reputation and goodwill of Nissan, in the East Bay CMO.
Therefore, Dealer agrees to review its performance against the
prior year's Business Plan in its updated Business Plan. Nissan,
FAA and Dealer will use this analysis as a basis for jointly
evaluating Dealer's performance so that any necessary
improvements can be made. In evaluating Dealer's sales
performance, in addition to those factors established in the
Standard Provisions, Nissan will give consideration to: (a) sales
volume or market share objectives for Nissan Products set by the
parties, and (b) sales and market penetration achieved by Dealer
in each of the various segments in which Nissan Vehicles compete.
II. PLAN MODIFICATIONS
------------------
Plans for operations are subject to update, but modifications can
be implemented only if Nissan, FAA and Dealer agree thereto.
7. OTHER DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES
-----------------------------
A. FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL REPORTING
-----------------------------------
Dealer shall provide to Nissan financial statements and sales reports
pursuant to Section 6.G of the Standard Provisions for each Dealership
Facility and for Dealer for the entire Primary Market Area. Dealer
shall furnish to Nissan annual certified financial statements for
Dealer or for the entity that owns Dealer and shall otherwise disclose
to Nissan in a format reasonably satisfactory to Nissan the financial
and operational results of Dealer's Nissan business.
B. DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO AFFILIATED COMPANIES
-----------------------------------------------------------
Nissan shall be entitled to disclose to and receive from affiliated
companies, including but not limited to Nissan Motor Acceptance
Corporation, all financial statements and reports provided by Dealer
under the CMO Agreement and/or the Dealer Agreement or otherwise
relating to Dealership Operations.
C. DEALER'S LOAN ARRANGEMENTS FOR REAL PROPERTY
--------------------------------------------
Dealer's loan arrangements for its Dealership Facilities and/or
Dealership Locations shall grant to Nissan the right to notice of and
a reasonable opportunity
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to cure any default thereunder as well as the right to take possession
of such real property upon such cure, and shall otherwise be
satisfactory in form to Nissan.
8. NISSAN CAR AND NISSAN TRUCK ALLOCATIONS
---------------------------------------
Nissan's allocation of Nissan Cars and Nissan Trucks to Dealer shall be
based on the entire Primary Market Area in accordance with the procedures
established therefor by Nissan.
9. TRANSFERS
---------
A. SALE OF EAST BAY CMO DEALERSHIP
-------------------------------
In view of the efforts and resources that Nissan has expended in order
to establish the East Bay CMO, if Dealer proposes to sell certain
assets or Dealership Facilities, Nissan may require that Dealer sell
all East Bay CMO dealership assets, or none of such assets or
Dealership Facilities to the proposed buyer.
B. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSED DEALER PRINCIPAL
-------------------------------------------
FAA and Dealer acknowledge and agree that, in view of the increased
responsibilities that Price has assumed as the principal of Dealer for
the East Bay CMO, Nissan has and will apply heightened standards with
respect to the personal, business and financial qualifications,
expertise, reputation, integrity, experience and ability of a proposed
Dealer Principal.
C. SUCCESSORSHIP
-------------
Section 14 of the Standard Provisions is hereby deleted in its
entirety. The parties shall address successorship in the Business Plan
prepared pursuant to Paragraph 6 hereof. Dealer shall identify the
proposed successor to Dealer, Dealer Principal and/or Executive
Manager in its successorship plan and shall provide such documents and
information as Nissan may reasonably require in evaluating such plans.
Nissan shall evaluate such plan and approve it only if it meets the
heightened standards applied by Nissan in connection with Nissan
Contiguous Market Ownership Agreements. Subject to Paragraph 10
hereof, the parties agree that if for any reason Dealer is unable to
implement its successorship plan upon the death or physical or mental
incapacity of Dealer Principal, then Dealer shall be given a
reasonable period of time not to exceed six (6) months in which to
transfer to person(s) acceptable to Nissan the principal assets of
Dealer utilized in the dealership business, including but not limited
to the Dealership Facilities, and for such person(s) to apply for a
Nissan Dealer Sales and Service Agreement and, if applicable, a Nissan
Contiguous Market Ownership Agreement.
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D. DEALER'S OBLIGATION TO REPAY FINANCIAL INTERVENTION FUNDING UPON
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PUBLIC OFFERINGS
----------------
If Nissan has furnished financial intervention funding to FAA and/or
Dealer in connection with the establishment or development of the East
Bay CMO, then, upon the completion of any public offering of FAA
and/or Dealer's stock or other ownership interest, upon Nissan's
demand, Dealer shall repay to Nissan the full amount of such funding.
10. RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL OR OPTION TO PURCHASE
---------------------------------------------
A. DEALERSHIP ASSETS OR OWNERSHIP INTERESTS
----------------------------------------
Whenever Dealer proposes to sell its principal assets or the owners of
Dealer propose to sell a majority ownership interest in Dealer, in
addition to its rights under Articles Third and Fourth of the Dealer
Agreement and Section 15.B of the Standard Provisions, Nissan shall
have the right and option to purchase the dealership assets or
ownership interests pursuant to this Paragraph 10.
i. If Nissan chooses to exercise its option, it must do so in its
written refusal to consent to the proposed sale or transfer
pursuant to Section 15.B. Dealer agrees not to complete any
proposed change or sale prior to the expiration of the period for
exercise of Nissan's option and without Nissan's prior written
consent. Such exercise shall be null and void if Dealer withdraws
its proposal within thirty (30) days following Dealer's receipt
of Nissan's notice exercising its option.
ii. After being exercised, Nissan's option may be assigned to any
party, and Nissan hereby agrees to guarantee the full payment of
the purchase price by such assignee. Nissan's rights under this
Paragraph 10 shall be binding on and enforceable against any
assignee or successor in interest of Dealer or purchaser of
Dealer's assets. Nissan shall have no obligation to exercise its
rights hereunder.
iii. If Dealer has entered into a bona fide written buy/sell agreement
respecting its Nissan dealership, Nissan's right under this
Paragraph 10 shall be a right of first refusal, enabling Nissan
to assume the prospective purchaser's rights and obligations
under such buy/sell agreement. The purchase price and other terms
of sale shall be those set forth in such agreement and any
related documents. Nissan may request, FAA and Dealer agrees to
provide all other documents relating to Dealer and to the
proposed transfer, including, but not limited to, those
reflecting any other agreements or understandings between the
parties to the buy/sell agreement. Nissan shall have sixty 960)
days from its receipt of all such documents in which to exercise
its right of first refusal hereunder. If Dealer refuses either to
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provide such documentation or to state in writing that no such
documents exist, it shall be presumed that the agreement is not
bona fide.
iv. In the absence of a bona fide written buy/sell agreement, Nissan
shall have the option, but no obligation, under this Paragraph 10
to purchase the principal assets of Dealer utilized in the
Dealership Operations, including real property and leasehold
interest, and to terminate this Agreement and all rights granted
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 to lease the
Dealership Facilities. The purchase price of Dealer's assets
shall be at their fair market value as a going concern as
negotiated by the parties and the other terms of sale shall be
those agreed by Dealer and Nissan. If Dealer and Nissan are
unable to reach a negotiated settlement in a reasonable time, the
price and other terms of sale shall be established by arbitration
pursuant to the Dispute Resolution Process established in
Paragraph 12 hereof. If Nissan determines that the buy/sell
agreement is not bona fide, Nissan will so notify Dealer. Dealer
shall have ten (10) days from its receipt of such notice within
which to withdraw its proposal. Nissan's exercise of its rights
hereunder shall be null and void if Dealer withdraws its proposal
within such time period.
v. Dealer shall transfer the affected property free and clear of
liens, claims, mortgages, encumbrances, tenancies and
occupancies. Dealer shall also furnish to Nissan copies of any
easements, licenses, or other documents affecting the dealership
and/or property and shall assign any permits or licenses which
are necessary for the conduct of the Dealership Operations.
B. REAL PROPERTY
-------------
Whenever Dealer proposes to sell or lease any of its Dealership
Facilities and/or Dealership Locations, in addition to its rights
under Article Third and Fourth of the Dealer Agreement and Section
15.B of the Standard Provisions, Nissan shall have the right and
option to purchase or lease said Dealership Facilities and/or
Dealership Locations pursuant to this Paragraph 10.B.
i) If Nissan chooses to exercise its right of first refusal, it must
do so by written notice delivered to Dealer within sixty (60)
days of Nissan's receipt of notice of the proposed sale or lease
by Dealer. Dealer agrees not to complete any proposed sale or
lease prior to the expiration of the period for exercise of
Nissan's right of first refusal and without Nissan's prior
written consent, and agrees to allow Nissan to perform an
environmental study of the property. Dealer also agrees to
furnish to Nissan copies of any easements, licenses,
environmental studies or other documents affecting the property
Such exercise shall be null and void if Dealer withdraws its sale
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or lease proposal within thirty (30) days following Dealer's
receipt of Nissan's notice exercising its right of first refusal.
ii) After being exercised, Nissan's right to purchase or lease may be
assigned to any party, and Nissan hereby agrees to guarantee the
full payment of the purchase price or the rental payment by such
assignee. Nissan's rights under this Paragraph l0.B shall be
binding on and enforceable against any assignee or successor in
interest of Dealer or purchaser of Dealer's assets. Nissan shall
have no obligation to exercise its rights hereunder, and Seller
may rescind its offer if the property is determined to be
contaminated pursuant to an environmental study. Such
contamination shall be deemed a breach of this agreement by
dealer.
iii) Dealer shall transfer the affected property by Warranty Deed
conveying marketable title free and clear of liens, claims,
mortgages, encumbrances, tenancies and occupancies, or, if
applicable, by an assignment of any existing lease. The Warranty
Deed shall be in proper form for recording. Dealer shall deliver
complete possession of the property at the time of delivery of
the Deed or lease assignment. Dealer shall also assign any permit
or licenses which are necessary for the conduct of the Dealership
Operations.
iv) In addition to any other rights Nissan may have at law, in equity
or hereunder, any sale or lease of the Dealership Facilities
and/or the Dealership Locations in violation of this right of
first refusal shall be voidable by Nissan.
C. OPTION TO PURCHASE
------------------
If the CMO Agreement or the Dealer Agreement is to expire or be
terminated for any reason, including but not limited to the death or
physical or mental incapacity, without replacement in accordance with
Section 9.C. hereinabove, of Dealer Principal, Nissan has the option
to purchase the principal assets of Dealer utilized in the dealership
business, including such real property as Nissan in its sole
discretion may elect to purchase, and cancel the CMO Agreement and the
Dealer Agreement and all rights granted Dealer thereunder. The
purchase price of the dealership assets and real property and other
terms will be determined by agreement between the parties or, if the
parties are unable to reach agreement in a reasonable time, by
arbitration pursuant to the Dispute Resolution Process established in
Paragraph 12 hereof. Nissan must advise Dealer of its intent to
exercise this option within 30 days prior to the expiration of the CMO
Agreement and/or the Dealer Agreement or within 30 days after one
party notifies the other of its intent to terminate the CMO Agreement
and/or the Dealer Agreement. Nissan may assign its right to exercise
its option to purchase under this Paragraph 10.C to any third party.
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11. TERMINATION
-----------
A. TERMINATION DUE TO ACTS OR EVENTS
---------------------------------
The following represent events which are within the control of or
originate from actions taken by Dealer or its management or owners and
which are so contrary to the intent and purpose of the CMO Agreement
that they warrant its termination and the termination of the Dealer
Agreement:
(i) Any conduct that warrants the termination of the Dealer
Agreement;
(ii) The termination of the Dealer Agreement;
(iii) The failure of Dealer to maintain at all times exclusive Nissan
sales, service, parts and/or other operations at the Dealership
Facilities and the Dealership Locations; or
(iv) Any actual or attempted sale or transfer of stock or any other
ownership interest in Dealer by way of a public offering without
Nissan's prior written consent;
Upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, Nissan may
terminate the CMO Agreement by giving Dealer notice thereof, such
termination to be effective upon the date specified in such notice, or
such later date as may be required by any applicable statute.
B. TERMINATION FOR NON-PERFORMANCE
-------------------------------
If, based on the evaluation thereof made by Nissan, Dealer shall fail
to substantially fulfill its responsibilities with respect to:
(i) the development of the East Bay CMO according to the Market Area
Plan;
(ii) the implementation of the plans set forth in the Business Plan,
including but not limited to any deviation therefrom; or
(iii) the performance of its sales, service, customer relations or
other obligations based on the standards established therefor in
the Business Plan;
Nissan will notify Dealer of such failure and will review with Dealer
the nature and extent of such failure and the reasons which, in
Nissan's or Dealer's opinion, account for such failure. Thereafter,
Nissan will provide Dealer with a reasonable opportunity to correct
the failure. If Dealer fails to make substantial progress towards
remedying such failure before the expiration of such period, Nissan,
may, direct Dealer to transfer its rights and obligations under this
Agreement to another entity, acceptable to Nissan, within a reasonable
time. Should Dealer fail to do so
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Nissan may (a) terminate this Agreement by giving Dealer notice of
termination, such termination to be effective at least sixty (60) days
after such notice is given, (b) exercise its option to purchase the
principal assets of Dealer utilized in the business, including such
real property as Nissan in its sole discretion may elect to purchase,
and cancel the CMO Agreement and the Dealer Agreement pursuant to
Paragraph 10.C hereof, or (c) restructure the East Bay CMO and
reassign to other Authorized Nissan Dealers any areas necessary to
achieve the maximum potential development of the East Bay CMO.
12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS
--------------------------
A. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
----------------
The parties acknowledge that, at the state and federal levels, various
courts and agencies would, in the absence of this Paragraph 12, be
available to them to resolve claims or controversies which might arise
between them. The parties agree that it is inconsistent with their
relationship for either to use courts or governmental agencies to
resolve such claims or controversies.
THEREFORE, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED STATES
ARBITRATION ACT (9 U.S.C. (S)(S) 1 et seq.), NISSAN AND DEALER AGREE
THAT THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS OUTLINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH 12,
WHICH INCLUDES BINDING ARBITRATION, SHALL BE THE EXCLUSIVE MECHANISM
FOR RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
THE PARTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLAIMS UNDER ANY STATE OR
FEDERAL STATUTES (hereinafter "Disputes").
There are two steps in the Dispute Resolution Process: a) Mediation,
and b) Binding Arbitration. All Disputes must first be submitted to
Mediation, unless that step is waived by written agreement of the
parties. If Mediation does not resolve the Dispute to their mutual
satisfaction, the Dealer or Nissan can submit the Dispute to Binding
Arbitration.
Section 16 of the Standard Provisions is deleted in its entirety.
B. MEDIATION
---------
Dealer or Nissan can submit a Dispute to Mediation. Mediation is
conducted by a panel consisting of a Nissan representative designated
by Nissan, a Dealer representative designated by Dealer, and an
independent professional mediator chosen by the parties'
representatives. The Mediation Panel will evaluate each position and
recommend a solution. This recommended solution is not binding.
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C. BINDING ARBITRATION
-------------------
If a dispute has not been resolved at mediation, or if Dealer and
Nissan have agreed in writing to waive Mediation, the Dispute will be
settled by Binding Arbitration. SPECIFICALLY THE PARTIES AGREE TO
RESOLVE ALL SUCH DISPUTES VIA BINDING ARBITRATION CONDUCTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION PROCEDURES OF THE AMERICAN
ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION WITH THE PREVAILING PARTY TO RECOVER ITS COSTS
AND ATTORNEY'S FEES FROM THE OTHER PARTY. ALL ARBITRATION AWARDS ARE
BINDING AND NON-APPEALABLE, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE UNITED
STATES ARBITRATION ACT. JUDGMENT UPON ANY SUCH AWARD MAY BE ENTERED
AND ENFORCED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION.
13. RELEASE
-------
Dealer hereby releases Nissan from any and all claims and causes of action
that it may have against Nissan for money damages or other relief relating
to or arising out of any event occurring prior to the execution of the CMO
Agreement, except for any accounts payable by Nissan to Dealer in
connection with the provision of any services under the Dealer Agreement
and any claim described in Section 11.A.1 and 2 of the Standard Provisions.
In connection with this release, Dealer expressly acknowledges and waives
its rights under California Civil Code, Section 1542, which provides:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES
NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE
RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST ? MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS
SETTLEMENT WITH THE ?.
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FAA DUBLIN N, INC. NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION IN U.S.A.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Price By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
------------------------------ -----------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Price, President Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Vice President
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Regional Vice President
Acknowledged and Concur:
First Automotive, Inc.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Price
------------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Price, President
President and CEO
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