Confidential Materials omitted and filed separatelywith the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisksdenote omissions. Supply Agreement
Exhibit 10.3
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
Supply Agreement
This Supply Agreement (this Agreement) is being entered into by and between Fisker Automotive, Inc. and A123 Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (A123) (Fisker and A123 individually a Party and together the Parties).
The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to A123s supply, and Fiskers purchase, of lithium ion battery packs (the Products) for Fiskers vehicle programs currently designated as the Karma PHEV Program 1 (K1) and the Karma PHEV Program 2 (K2) (each, a Vehicle Program). The Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Program Award. Fisker will award A123 the K1 and K2 Vehicle Programs. A123 will be the exclusive supplier of batteries for the K1 and K2 Vehicle Programs for the life of the program contingent on meeting Fiskers continued engineering specifications, performance, quality, durability, total landed cost, supply chain and delivery requirements. After Fisker has purchased the initial [**] batteries from A123 for the K1 and K2 Vehicle Program, if Fisker determines and is able to document that A123 is uncompetitive in any of the afore mentioned areas by more than [**]%, Fisker shall give A123 written notice of the deviation. A123 shall then have [**] days in which to close the competitive gap and retain the business. Should this gap not be closed within the [**] days, Fisker shall have the right to re-source all or any part of the business, in Fiskers sole discretion.
2. Future Program Awards. Fisker is in the process of developing a third Program, currently designated as the Nina Program. The Nina program will be competitively bid. The parties intend that A123 shall supply batteries for the Nina Program based on A123 meeting Fisker Automotive Incs. engineering specifications, performance, quality, reliability, durability, total landed cost, supply chain and delivery requirements as stated in the Product manual. Should Fisker receive alternative, qualified, competitive bids it agrees that it shall, subject to its confidentiality obligations, provide A123 with written notice of the A123 gaps based on the qualified bids it has received. The parties will mutually agree proceedure for treating third party confidential information. A123 shall have [**] days to match the [**] of the competitive offers. If A123 is able to match the alternative bid, then A123 will be awarded the production Program. If A123 is awarded the Program, should Fisker determine and be able to document A123 to be uncompetitive in any of the afore mentioned areas by more than [**]%, Fisker shall give A123 written notice of the deviation. A123 shall then have [**] days in which to close the competitive gap and retain the business. Should this gap not be closed within the [**] days, Fisker shall have the right to re-source the business.
3. Intentionally Left Blank
4. Term. This Agreement will become effective on the date of the last Party to sign this Agreement (the Effective Date) and will expire upon the earlier of the Tenth Anniversary (the Term), or upon the default provisions of Fiskers General Terms and Conditions.
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5. Applicable Terms and Conditions. All Purchase Orders for Products issued to A123 during the Term will be subject to Fiskers General Terms and Conditions of Purchase attached hereto, except to the extent that such general terms and conditions have been expressly modified by this Agreement including the exceptions set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein. In case of a conflict between a term or condition in a Purchase Order, General Terms and Conditions of Purchase and a term or condition in this Agreement, the term or condition in this Agreement will control and supersede the conflicting term or condition in the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase or Purchase Order.
6. Unit Prices. The applicable unit prices for the Karma PHEV Program 1 Products are set forth in Exhibit 2 attached hereto and incorporated herein. The Parties will mutually agree on the pricing for the Karma PHEV Program 2 and Nina Program.
7. Confidentiality. The terms of the Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement dated April 3, 2009 between the Parties are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.
8. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all exhibits, schedules and attachments hereto), the Purchase Orders, and the General Terms and Conditions of Production constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the matters contained in this Agreement and supersede all prior oral or written representations and agreements pertaining to the subject hereof. This Agreement (including any policies and procedures incorporated by reference) may only be modified by a written amendment executed on behalf of both Parties by a person of comparable authority to the signatories of this Agreement.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Parties by their duly authorized representatives as follows:
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. |
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By: | /s/ Henrik Fisker |
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Name: | Henrik Fisker |
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Title: | CEO |
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Date: | 1/13/2010 |
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SIGNATURE PAGE TO SUPPLY AGREEMENT
This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Parties by their duly authorized representatives as follows:
A123 SYSTEMS, INC. |
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By: | /s/ David P. Vieau |
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Name: | David P. Vieau |
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Title: | President and CEO |
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Date: | 1/13/2010 |
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SIGNATURE PAGE TO SUPPLY AGREEMENT
Exhibit A
Exceptions to the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase
The Parties hereby agree to the following modifications to the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase:
1. Paragraph 4 of the General Terms and Conditions is hereby modified in the following manner:
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, Sellers liability for delayed delivery of up to [**] shall not exceed the fees paid to Seller by Buyer hereunder in the [**] prior to the applicable claim provided however, Seller shall not be liable for any damages, costs or fees that result from a delay in performing, if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond Sellers control. Causes beyond Sellers control shall include, but not be limited to, acts of God, flood, explosion, natural catastrophe, storms, fire or accident.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the Products shall be deemed accepted upon shipment. Nothing in this provision relieves Seller of its warranty obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6 is deleted in its entirety.
2. Paragraph 9 of the General Terms and Conditions is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
During the ten-year period after Buyer completes the last purchases for production, Seller shall sell to Buyer Supplies to fulfill Buyers service and replacement requirements. All such Supplies shall be sold at the prices mutually agreed upon by the Parties in the last year of production and Buyer and Seller shall negotiate in good faith with regard to such price provided, however that in no event shall the price for such Supplies exceed the price that Seller charges others for the same or similar Supplies at similar volumes.
3. Paragraph 10 of the General Terms and Conditions is hereby replaced with the following:
(a) Express Warranties.
(1) Seller warrants that during the Warranty Term the Products will (A) conform to the Product Specifications (as mutually agreed upon by the Parties), (B) be merchantable, and (C) be free from defects in material and workmanship.
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(2) Seller further warrants that on delivery Buyer will receive good title to the Products, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and that all Products.
(3) Seller warrants that the services shall be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner, consistent with all industry standards.
(b) Warranty Term. The Warranty Terms shall begin on the date of delivery of the Product to Buyer and end on the earliest to occur of: (A) [**] from the date of delivery of the Product to Buyer or (B) the end of the warranty period offered by Buyer to end-users for the vehicle into which the Product is assembled (currently 50 months or 50,000 miles whichever occurs sooner).
(c) Warranty Claims; Process and Procedures
(1) Sellers liability for a breach of the warranties given herein will be determined by the Parties analysis of a sample of parts against which claims are made that the parts are defective. Buyer and Seller will work together in good faith to develop procedures and guidelines for this process which will require component level serviceability, mutual agreement on any warranty cause and remedy, and development of an optimal low cost service and warranty process.
(2) Buyer and Seller will mutually agree on a warranty claims process and a list of serviceable pack components which Buyer will utilize in its field service organization.
(d) Warranty Disclaimer.
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS ORDER, SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTS AND DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT.
4. Paragraph 11 of the General Terms and Conditions is hereby replaced with the following:
(a) Seller agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Buyer and its stockholders, directors, officers, employees, distributors, agents and customers (each, an Indemnified Party) harmless against any and all third party demands, actions, expenses (including attorneys fees and disbursements), losses, claims, suits, proceedings, liabilities, damages or penalties arising out of or in connection with infringement by the Products (including the Products materials or design) of any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secrets or any other proprietary rights of any third party, except to the extent such infringement results exclusively from (a) the design specifications provided or required by Buyer, or (b) such infringement
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results from Buyers design or other development activities where any applicable Product (including third party products) in combination with Buyers design or other development activities would infringe, or (c) such infringement would not have occurred but for a modification of the Products by any party other than Seller or (d) the combination, operation or use of the Products with any other products or services not supplied by Seller where the Products would not by themselves be infringing.
(b) If the use of the Products, is enjoined or in Sellers opinion is likely to become the subject of a valid claim of infringement, then Seller shall, at its sole expense either: (i) procure for Buyer the right to continue using the Products as authorized hereunder; (ii) replace the Products with a non-infringing version of equivalent function, performance and price; and/or (iii) modify the Products to be non-infringing. Nothing in this Section 11(b) shall limit Sellers indemnity obligations under this Agreement
5. Paragraph 14 is hereby modified by deleting Section 14(b)(i).
6. Paragraph 14 is hereby modified by deleting Section 14(h)(i) and 14(h)(ii).
7. Section 14(k) is hereby modified by deleting the last sentence and replacing it with the following. Sellers obligation related to Recalls shall apply only during the warranty period for the Product.
8. Section 14(n) is modified by addition the following language to the beginning of the first sentence; Except for a partys breach of confidentiality or misappropriation of the other partys intellectual property .
9. Paragraph 18 is hereby modified in the following manner:
a. Section 18(c) is deleted.
b. Section 18 (d) is deleted and replaced with the following:
This Agreement does not affect the ownership of any existing intellectual property rights of either party. Each party shall retain ownership to all of its background intellectual property including but not limited to any improvements, modification or enhancements to its background intellectual property regardless of who created the improvements, modifications or enhancements. With the exception of the items specified below, Seller shall own all intellectual property rights in the Product developed under this Agreement. Sellers background intellectual property includes, without limitation, Sellers proprietary cells and their related components, materials and chemistry, product specifications, manufacturing and development methodologies, cell and system level electronics, know-how and research, experimental and development work, design details, and engineering information.
Buyer shall retain ownership to all of its background intellectual property including but not limited to any improvements, modification or enhancements to its background intellectual property regardless of who created the improvements,
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modifications or enhancements. With regard to intellectual property rights in the product developed under this Agreement, Buyer shall own the [**].
10. The first two sentences of Section 20 (a) are deleted and replaced with the following:
Seller shall maintain and upon request furnish to Buyer a certificate evidencing (a) general liability insurance with liability coverage limits reasonably acceptable to Buyer and naming Buyer as an additional insured and (b) workers compensation insurance as required by applicable law.
11. The following new provision is hereby added to the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase:
Limitation of Liability
(a) Disclaimer. EXCEPT FOR EITHER PARTYS BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF THE OTHER PARTYS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGES, OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA OR LOSS OF USE DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER BASED UPON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
(b) Limitation. Except for Sellers indemnification obligation under Section 11 or either partys breach of its confidentiality obligations or misappropriation of the other partys intellectual property, each partys aggregate liability to the other party, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, for all claims, in the aggregate, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, shall not exceed the amount of fees paid to Seller by Buyer hereunder in the twelve (12) months prior to the applicable claims, less any amounts paid for any other claims in such twelve (12) month period.
12. The following new provision is hereby added to the General Terms and Conditions of Purchase:
Payment terms are (45 days) from date of invoice. Seller shall invoice Buyer on a monthly basis for the units shipped in the preceding month.
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Exhibit 2
Pricing Schedule
Karma PHEV Program 1
A. [**]
[**] will be paid by Fisker to A123 at PPAP, [**]% at interim, [**]% at Full. [**] has the capacity to produce [**] packs per year, plus [**]% for a maximum of [**] without additional [**] procured and deployed.
[**] Description |
| Cost $ |
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[**] |
| [**] |
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[**] |
| [**] |
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[**] |
| [**] |
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[**] |
| [**] |
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[**] |
| [**] |
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[**] |
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[**] |
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[**] |
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Total |
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B. Prototype Pricing
A- Samples: $[**]/pack, [**] deliverables
B- Samples: $[**]/pack, [**] deliverables
C-samples: $[**]/pack, [**] through start of production
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C. Production Pricing
Cumulative Pack |
| Pack Price |
| Comments |
| Est. timing |
[**] units |
| [**] |
| Ramp up cost |
| [**] |
[**] units |
| [**] |
| Karma Prod. Volumes |
| [**] |
[**] units |
| [**] |
| Karma + Nina [**] |
| [**] |
[**] units |
| [**] |
| Productivity |
| [**] |
[**] units |
| [**] |
| Productivity |
| [**] |
Note:
1. Shipping Terms are FCA manufacturing location
2. Pricing is per the [**] cell agreed upon design solution.
3. 100% of the production volumes on the Karma Fisker and its derivatives are supplied by A123, subject to the program award terms defined above.
4. Price downs will be provided once the cumulative volume limits have been reached to qualify for the next step down in pricing level
5. Pricing assumes that Fisker will reasonably support A123 with all the necessary qualification approvals for A123 to launch a [**].
6. Recycling costs are not included in the pricing. FA and A123 will develop a mutually agreed upon recycling procedure. In the event the Product is in breach of the product warranty and the parties mutually agree to recycle the Product, Seller shall be responsible for the recycling costs for that particular unit.
7. Fisker will provide annual volume levels for planning and quotation purposes with quarterly releases and adjustments thereto. These quarterly volumes releases will be updated monthly and the [**] week schedule of product releases will be Fiskers volume commitment.
8. Buyer shall purchase [**] units from A123 and cannot suspend performance until the initial [**] units of packs have been purchased.
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9. Non returnable dunnage (in accordance with the FA quality and logistics manual) costs have been included in the above listed piece prices.
D. Non-Recurring Engineering
The cost to engineer and validate the Karma PHEV Program 1 and Karma PHEV Program 2 pack is $[**] (details to be supplied to Fisker). [**].
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Exhibit 3
General Terms and Conditions of Purchase
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FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF PURCHASE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. | The Supplies and Parties Covered by the Order | 1 |
2. | The Terms of the Order | 1 |
3. | Quantity; Blanket Orders; Material Releases | 2 |
4. | Shipping and Delivery | 3 |
5. | Price and Payment | 5 |
6. | Non-Conforming Supplies | 6 |
7. | Buyer and Industry Standards and Policies | 7 |
8. | Changes | 8 |
9. | Service Parts | 8 |
10. | Warranties | 9 |
11. | Indemnification | 11 |
12. | Inspection and Audit | 12 |
13. | Ethical Conduct | 13 |
14. | Duration, Termination and Remedies | 14 |
15. | Buyers Property | 19 |
16. | Sellers Property | 21 |
17. | Tooling | 22 |
18. | Intellectual Property | 23 |
19. | Proprietary Information | 24 |
20. | Insurance; Waiver of Liens | 26 |
21. | Excusable Delay | 26 |
22. | Buyers Liability | 28 |
23. | Limitation on Assignment and Subcontracting | 28 |
24. | Compliance with Laws | 28 |
25. | Foreign Purchases | 29 |
26. | Buyer Financing | 29 |
27. | Miscellaneous | 30 |
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FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE
1. The Supplies and Parties Covered by the Order
(a) Supplies
These General Terms and Conditions (Terms) apply to the purchase of the goods and/or services (Supplies) identified in a purchase order issued by Buyer to Seller which references these Terms.
(b) Parties
Buyer and Seller are identified on the face of the purchase order.
2. The Terms of the Order
(a) Terms of the Order
The Order consists of the following, which are sometimes referred to collectively as the Terms of the Order: (i) the purchase order; (ii) Material Releases (as defined in Section 3(a)) issued by Buyer to Seller under the purchase order (iii) these Terms; (iv) all other documents specifically incorporated into or otherwise made a part of the Order by Buyer; and (v) Buyers purchase policies, as revised by Buyer and agreed to in writing by Seller from time to time. Seller is responsible for keeping current regarding the terms of Buyers purchase policies.
(b) Sellers Acceptance
The purchase order is an offer by Buyer to purchase the Supplies from Seller on the Terms of the Order. The contract is formed when Seller accepts the offer of Buyer. This occurs upon the earlier of: (i) Seller beginning work or performance based on the purchase order; or (ii) Seller notifying Buyer of its acceptance of the offer in writing. The Order is limited to and conditional upon Sellers acceptance of these Terms exclusively.
(c) Sellers Terms Rejected
The Order does not constitute an acceptance of any offer or proposal made by Seller, and Seller acknowledges that: (i) a request for quotation or similar document issued by Buyer is not an offer by Buyer; and (ii) any response by Seller to a request for quotation or similar document issued by Buyer is not an offer by Seller. Any additional or different terms proposed by Seller, whether in Sellers quotation, acknowledgement, invoice or otherwise, are unacceptable to Buyer, are expressly rejected by Buyer, and are not part of
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the Order. However, additional or different terms proposed by Seller shall not operate as a rejection of the Order if Seller commences work or otherwise accepts Buyers offer, in which case the Order shall be deemed accepted by Seller without any additional or different terms or variations whatsoever. Any reference in the Order to any prior communication by Seller is solely to incorporate the description or specifications of the Supplies in such prior communication, but only to the extent that such description or specifications are not directly in conflict with the description and specifications in the Order. If the Order is determined to be an acceptance of any prior offer or proposal by Seller, such acceptance shall be limited to the Terms of the Order.
(d) Entire Agreement
The Order is the entire agreement between the parties respecting the Supplies and when accepted, supersedes any prior agreements, negotiations or understandings of the parties respecting the Supplies, whether written or oral. No modification shall be effective unless in writing and signed by Buyers and Sellers authorized representative. The Order may be modified only by a writing signed by Buyer and agreed to in writing by Seller.
3. Quantity; Blanket Orders; Material Releases
(a) Releases
Unless specified differently in the Order, Seller shall deliver Supplies in strict conformance with the dates, times, quantities and delivery locations determined by Buyer and identified as firm orders in material authorization releases, manifests, broadcasts or similar releases (Material Releases). Time, quantities and location are of the essence under the Order and Seller shall provide 100% on-time delivery of the quantities and at the times specified by Buyer. Seller shall not make any commitments for raw materials or other inventory or manufacture any Supplies in advance of the time necessary to meet Buyers firm delivery requirements. Buyer is not required to purchase Supplies exclusively from Seller unless the Order expressly states that it is exclusive, 100% requirements, or similar term.
(b) Blanket Orders
If the Order does not specify a quantity, states zero, blanket, per release or similar term, the Order is a Blanket Order. If the Order is a Blanket Order, then for consideration of $10.00 to be paid by Buyer following expiration or termination of the Order, Seller grants to Buyer an irrevocable option during the term of the Order to purchase Supplies in such quantities specified in Material Releases that are transmitted to Seller during the term of the Order, provided that Buyer shall purchase no less than a minimum quantity of at least one piece or unit of each of the Supplies and a maximum of no more than 100% of Buyers requirements for the Supplies.
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(c) Forecasts
Any estimates or forecasts of production volumes or length of program are for planning and are subject to change from time to time and shall not be binding upon Buyer or Seller.
(d) EDI
Buyer may require Seller to participate in electronic data interchange or similar inventory management program, at Sellers expense, for notification of Material Releases, shipping notices and confirmation and other information.
(e) Suspension of Performance
Buyer may at any time, by prior written notice to Seller, suspend performance of deliveries and Sellers other performance obligations for such time as it deems appropriate. Upon receiving notice of suspension, Seller shall promptly suspend deliveries and work to the extent specified, and properly care for and protect all work in progress and materials, supplies and equipment Seller has on hand for performance. Upon Buyers request, Seller shall promptly deliver to Buyer copies of Sellers outstanding purchase orders and subcontracts for materials, equipment and/or services related to performance of an Order, and shall take such action relative to such purchase orders and subcontracts as Buyer may direct. Buyer may at any time withdraw the suspension as to all or part of the suspended deliveries and work by written notice specifying the effective date and scope of withdrawal. Seller shall resume diligent performance on the specified effective date of withdrawal. In the event suspension of performance occurs for longer than 60 days, then Seller shall be entitled to recover its costs under section 14. All claims caused by suspension shall be limited to an equitable extension of time for performance as Sellers exclusive remedy must be pursued pursuant to and consistent with the Section on Changes or they shall be deemed waived.
4. Shipping and Delivery
(a) Buyers Requirements
Seller shall properly pack, mark, and ship Supplies (and provide related documentation) according to the requirements specified by Buyer, the involved carriers and the country of destination. Seller shall promptly provide Buyer with, in the form required by Law and as requested by Buyer, the identity and amount of all ingredients (and any changes in the ingredients) of the Supplies. Sellers Quality and Logistics Manual or similar documents,, prepared in association with its designated assembly supplier, Valmet Automotive, provides some of the specific requirements of Buyer and it will be provided separately by Buyer. Buyer may provide amendments, supplements and replacements to and/or of the current Manual for Logistics, which shall be binding on Seller.
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(b) Delay in Delivery
If Seller, for any reason, does not comply with Buyers delivery schedule or any other requirement of a Material Release, Buyer may, in its sole discretion: (i) approve a revised delivery schedule; (ii) require expedited or premium shipment of any of the Supplies; or (iii) cover from other sources, and adjust any quantity requirement under the Order accordingly. Seller shall be liable for all excess costs and for all other direct damages incurred by Buyer as a result of Sellers failure including: (a) additional transportation costs; (b) the direct cost of any production disruption; and (c) the cost of obtaining Supplies from an alternate source. Buyers rights under this Section may be exercised at Sellers sole expense, at Buyers sole discretion, and in addition to and without prejudice to any other right or remedy available to Buyer.
(c) Title and Risk of Loss
(i) Except for Tooling, Buyer shall take title to all Supplies upon the earlier of: (i) delivery and acceptance of the Supplies FCA Incoterms 2000 Sellers plant; or (ii) payment by Buyer of 100% of the purchase price of identified Supplies. Supplies shall be deemed identified upon fabrication, unless the Supplies are part of Sellers standard stock and sold to persons in addition to Buyer, in which case identification occurs when the Supplies are marked or otherwise designated by Seller as relating to the Order.
(ii) If the Supplies are Tooling, Buyer shall take title and risk of loss upon payment in full for the Tooling. Tooling includes fixtures, gauges, jigs, patterns, castings, cavity dies and molds, with all related software, appurtenances, accessions, and accessories.
(iii) Seller shall comply with Section 15 with respect to any Supplies to which Buyer has title but which are in the custody or control of Seller or Sellers suppliers, contractors or agents.
(iv) All shipments are at the risk of Seller until receipt by Buyer. If risk of loss is assumed by Buyer, all risk casualty insurance for replacement value must be provided by Seller for the benefit of Buyer. The cost of any insurance shall be paid by Seller unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by Buyer. Under no condition will the risk of loss be that of Buyer unless such insurance is provided. Risk of loss shall not be governed by transfer of title.
(d) Country of Origin
Seller shall promptly and reasonably furnish to Buyer all certificates of origin or domestic value-added and all other information relating to the costs and places of origin of the Supplies as may be deemed reasonably necessary by Buyer to comply fully with all
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customs, tariffs and other applicable Laws (as defined in Section 24). Seller shall comply with all such Lawsand warrants that any such information that is supplied to Buyer is true and that all sales covered by the Order will be made at not less than fair value under the anti-dumping Laws of the countries to which the Supplies are exported
(e) Hazardous Materials
Seller shall comply with all Laws relating to any hazardous or restricted material that is an ingredient or part of the Supplies. Sellers responsibility shall include appropriate government/country registration requirements such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and IMDS (International Material Data System). Seller shall give Buyer sufficient warning in writing (including appropriate labels, containers, and packing, and handling, disposal and recycling instructions, material safety data sheets and certificates of analysis) of any such materials.
5. Price and Payment
(a) Price
The purchase price of the Supplies is set forth in the Order. Unless otherwise stated in the Order, the purchase price: (i) is a firm fixed price for the duration of the Order and not subject to increase for any reason, including increased raw material costs, increased labor or other manufacturing costs, increased development costs, or changes in volumes or program length from those estimated or expected unless agreed to in writing by Buyer and Seller; (ii) is inclusive of all federal, state, provincial, and local taxes and any duties applicable to provision of the Supplies; and (iii) is inclusive of all storage, handling, packaging and all other expenses and charges of Seller. All prices are FCA Incoterms 2000 Sellers plant (place of shipment) unless otherwise provided in the Order.
(b) Invoices
Unless otherwise stated in the Order, invoices shall be issued on or after shipment of Supplies to Buyer and payment shall be deemed to occur upon mailing or other rendering of payment to Seller. All payments shall be made in U.S. dollars unless agreed to in writing by Buyer. Seller shall, at its expense, comply with Buyers written instructions and policies with respect to the form, content and method for submission of invoices, which will be provided to Seller by Buyer.
(c) Payment Terms
Unless otherwise stated in the Order, payment terms are net 45 days after date of receipt of invoice by Buyer.
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(d) Best Price
Seller warrants that the prices for the Supplies sold to Buyer are no less favorable than those that Seller currently extends to all third parties for the same or similar Supplies at similar locations under substantially similar Terms and in similar quantities. If Seller reduces its prices to third parties for the same or similar Supplies at similar locations under substantially similar Terms during the term of the Order for the Supplies, Seller shall correspondingly reduce the prices charged to Buyer.
(e) Setoff
In addition to any right of setoff or recoup provided by law, Buyer shall be entitled at any time to setoff or recoupment against sums payable by Buyer to Seller any amounts for which Buyer determines in good faith Seller is liable to Buyer or its affiliates under any Order or other agreements with Seller. Buyer may do so upon prior notice to Seller.
(f) Payment Not Acceptance
Payment for Supplies shall not constitute acceptance of non-conforming Supplies nor limit or affect any rights or remedies of Buyer.
(g) Credits
Credits or benefits resulting from the Order, including trade credits, export credits, and or the refund of duties, taxes, or fees, belong to Buyer. Seller shall provide all information and certificates (including NAFTA and other country and area certificates of origin) necessary to permit Buyer to receive these benefits or credits.
6. Non-Conforming Supplies
(a) Rejection
If defective or otherwise non-conforming Supplies are rejected by Buyer, the quantities under the Order are automatically reduced unless Buyer otherwise notifies Seller, and Seller shall not replace reduced quantities without a new Material Release from Buyer. Following rejection, Seller shall, without prejudice to any other right or remedy of Buyer, at Buyers sole discretion and at Sellers sole expense:
(i) Accept return of the non-conforming Supplies to Seller for a refund of the full invoice price, plus payment of transportation charges for such defective or otherwise non-conforming supplies;
(ii) Replace the non-conforming Supplies with conforming Supplies; and/or
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(iii) Correct at any time prior to shipment from Buyers plant the non-conforming Supplies.
(b) Buyers Losses
Seller is liable for all direct damages, losses, costs, and expenses incurred by Buyer resulting from Sellers failure to deliver conforming and non-defective Supplies or to comply with the shipping and delivery or other requirements of Buyer, even if Seller has cured the failure. This includes but is not limited to compensating Buyer for:
(i) Any amounts charged by Buyers vehicle assembly supplier to Buyer;
(ii) All costs of containment, sorting, repair, replacement, cure, cover, or any other reasonable and documented costs incurred by Buyer, determined in such manner and in such amount as reasonably determined by Buyer;
(iii) All costs of any recall campaign, corrective service action, or other voluntary or involuntary action in which Buyer participates in connection with inclusion of Supplies in goods sold by Buyer.
(c) Corrective Action
Promptly upon learning of defective or non-conforming Supplies, Seller shall develop, document and implement corrective actions in accordance with all applicable quality control policies and standards in the Supplier Quality and Logistics Manual as provided by Buyer to Seller. Seller shall immediately notify Buyer in writing when Seller becomes aware of any ingredient, component, design or other defect in the Supplies that is or may become harmful to persons or property.
7. Buyer and Industry Standards and Policies
(a) Quality Standards
Seller and Supplies shall conform to all quality control and other standards and inspection systems as established or directed by Buyer in the Supplier Quality and Logistics Manual Buyer may provide amendments, supplements, and replacements to and/or of the current Supplier Quality and Logistics Manual, which shall be binding on Seller.
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8. Changes
(a) Buyers Changes
Buyer reserves the right to change the design, specifications, engineering level, materials, packaging, testing requirements, shipping date, or time or place of delivery, of the Supplies. Seller shall promptly make any such change as directed by Buyer, provided that the parties agree upon the feasibility and cost impact of such changes per section 8(c).
(b) Sellers Changes
Seller shall not make any change to the Supplies except at Buyers written instruction or with Buyers written approval. If Seller learns of a possible change to the Supplies that may reduce costs, improve quality, or otherwise be beneficial to Buyer, Seller shall promptly inform Buyer of the possible change in writing. Seller shall maintain a process of continuous improvement in the Supplies. Seller certifies the location(s) from which it will ship the Supplies as specified in the Order. If Seller at any time intends to change such location(s), Seller must notify Buyer in writing prior to the change so that the effect of such change can be evaluated as to quality, transportation costs and time, packaging methods, and other factors.
(c) Impact on Changes
Seller shall, at the earliest of ten working days of receipt of a request for change from Buyer or the receipt of a purchase order change, notify Buyer in writing if a change directed or approved by Buyer will affect cost or timing and provide substantiation of its claim. Buyer and Seller will negotiate in good faith and agree on an equitable price adjustment (up or down), a change in shipping or delivery terms, required tooling investment, or other appropriate adjustment prior to implementation of any change. If an adjustment is not agreed upon, Seller shall make the change and the claim shall be subject to the dispute resolution provisions of these Terms.
9. Service Parts
(a) Period and Prices
During the ten-year period after Buyer completes purchases for production, Seller shall sell to Buyer Supplies to fulfill Buyers service and replacement requirements. All such Supplies shall be sold at the prices specified in the Order plus actual cost differentials for packaging. During the tenth year of such period, Buyer and Seller shall negotiate in good faith with regard to Sellers continued manufacture of service and replacement Supplies. Seller shall store and maintain all Tooling and other resources necessary for the production of service and replacement Supplies. If the Supplies are no longer required
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for Buyers vehicle production, then the price of the Supplies for service requirements will be no greater than the last price stated in the order plus or minus: (i) any changes in the cost of materials since the Order was terminated or production ceased; (ii) a volume adjustment reflecting the actual increase in the cost per unit of producing fewer units; (iii) a set-up charge reflecting the actual cost of preparation for the production run; and (iv) any additional costs actually incurred for special packaging. The foregoing must be documented to Buyers reasonable satisfaction, including, but not limited to, set-up detail, machine productivity, scrap allowance, labor inefficiencies and excess raw material requirements. Seller shall mark the Supplies shipped for service requirements, Made in (country of origin).
(b) Components
If the Supplies are systems or modules, Seller shall sell each component or part for service or replacement purposes at a price that does not, in the aggregate, exceed the system or module price specified in the Order, less assembly costs, plus any actual cost differential for packaging.
10. Warranties
(a) Express Warranties
In addition to any other express and implied warranties provided by law or otherwise, Seller warrants to Buyer that the Supplies shall:
(i) Be new and conform to Order in all respects;
(ii) Conform to all specifications, drawings, samples and other descriptions furnished by Buyer or otherwise part of the Order;
(iii) Be free from all defects in design (to the extent designed by or for Seller), workmanship and materials (with the exception of materials or components consigned by Buyer) during the warranty period and be of highest quality and workmanship;
(iv) Be selected, designed (to the extent designed by Seller), manufactured and assembled by Seller based upon Buyers stated use and be fit and sufficient for the purposes intended by Buyer;
(v) Conform to all applicable Laws (as defined in Section 24) in countries where the Supplies (or goods into which the Supplies are incorporated) are to be sold (and Buyer shall provide a list of such countries to Seller upon written request), including without limitation, in the case of Supplies used in connection with the manufacture of motor vehicles, the National Traffic and
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Motor Vehicle Safety Act, United States motor vehicle safety standards and European Union Directive 2000/53/EC;
(vi) Not infringe, misappropriate or violate the Intellectual Property Rights (as defined in Section 18) of third parties;
(vii) Properly function and be suitable for use within the systems, the vehicles and the products in which they are to be assembled; and
(viii) Conform to ISO 9001 and TS 16949 and other quality standards of Buyer.
(b) Service Warranties
For all services included in Supplies, Seller further warrants that its services shall be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner, consistent with all standards and specifications established by Buyer and otherwise consistent with industry standards.
(c) Title
Seller warrants that title to all of the Supplies shall be vested in Buyer free and clear of any and all liens and encumbrances of any nature.
(d) Warranty of Continued Performance
All warranties of Seller extend to future performance of the Supplies and are not modified, waived or discharged by delivery, inspection, tests, acceptance and payment. Buyers approval of any design, drawing, material, process or specifications shall not relieve Seller of these warranties. Seller waives any right to notice of Sellers breach.
(e) Warranty Period
The warranty period is the longest of: (i) five years from the date Buyer accepts the Supplies; (ii) the warranty period provided by applicable law; or (iii) the warranty period offered by Buyer to end-users for the vehicles and products into which the Supplies are assembled ( 50 months or 50,000 miles).
(f) Cumulative
All warranties and remedies provided by the Order are cumulative and in addition to those provided by law and shall survive testing and inspection of the Supplies by Buyer.
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11. Indemnification
(a) Indemnity
Seller shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer, and its affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, employees, customers, dealers and users of the Supplies sold by Buyer (or the products in which they are incorporated) and all of their respective agents, successors and assigns (including, as those terms are defined in Section 26, the Credit Providers, the Secured Party and their representatives), and each of their shareholders, directors, officers, employers and agents, on demand, (collectively Indemnified Parties) from and against any and all costs, fees, penalties, damages (direct, incidental, consequential and otherwise), reasonable attorneys fees and all other liabilities and obligations whatsoever (Losses), which, in whole or in part, arises from or relates to any actual or alleged:
(i) Defect or non-conformity to Buyers specifications in the Supplies;
(ii) Noncompliance by Seller with any of its representations, warranties or obligations under the Order;
(iii) Negligence or fault of Seller in connection with the design (if designed by or for Seller) or manufacture of the Supplies.
(iv) Any recall campaign, corrective service action, or other voluntary or involuntary action in which Buyer participates with respect to the Supplies or vehicles or products into which the Supplies are incorporated;
(v) Any spill, discharge or emission of hazardous wastes or substances which relates, in whole or in part, to the Supplies;
(vi) Infringement (including claims of direct or contributory infringement or inducement to infringe), misappropriation or violation of any Intellectual Property Right relating to Supplies provided by Seller, even if they are made to Buyers specifications;
(vii) Damages to the property of or personal injuries to Buyer, their respective agents, or any other person or entity to the extent arising from or in connection with Sellers work on the premises or Sellers use of Buyers property; and
(viii) Challenge to Buyers sole right, title and interest in the Tooling (as defined below), or right to possession of the Tooling, brought or asserted by
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any third party, including toolmakers, subcontractors, and lending institutions, if Seller received payment for such tooling.
(ix) Changes to the Supplies which have not been approved by Buyer in writing whether or not the Supplies otherwise comply with the specifications and other obligations under the Order.
(b) Buyers Participation
If Seller is obligated to indemnify under this Section, Buyer may at its option participate in or control the defense of any third party claim with its own counsel, at Buyers expense. Sellers obligation to indemnify shall not be lessened or compromised in anyway, even if Buyer is alleged or is found to have contributed in part to the events giving rise to the Losses.
12. Inspection and Audit
(a) Inspection of Facility
Buyer, its third party designees or representatives of the Secured Party or DOE (as defined in Section 26) may enter Sellers and its subcontractors facilities during Sellers normal business hours, upon reasonable notice to inspect the facility, Supplies, materials, and any of Buyers property related to the Order. Seller shall provide, without additional charge, all approvals and reasonable facilities and assistance for any such inspection. Buyers inspection does not constitute acceptance of any work-in-process or finished goods and does not relieve Seller of any of its responsibilities or warranties.
(b) Audit
Upon reasonable notice to Seller, either Buyer (or a third party designee of Buyer) or representatives of the Secured Party or DOE may audit Sellers or its subcontractors production facility, Supplies and any other Buyer property (including all pertinent documents, data and other information) related to the Order at the facility for the purpose of verifying Sellers costs and its compliance with its obligations under the Order. Seller shall provide, without additional charge, all reasonable facilities and assistance.
(c) Financial Review
Upon reasonable notice to Seller, either Buyer (or a third party designated by Buyer) or representatives of the Secured Party or DOE may review the financial condition of Seller and its contractors and affiliates. Seller will fully cooperate in such review and shall promptly provide copies of or access to requested documents , including without limitation financial records and statements, forecasts, business plans, banking contacts and loan documents, and shall make its financial managers available for discussions with
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Buyer or representatives of the Secured Party or DOE, as applicable, during reasonable business hours. The inspecting party shall keep confidential any nonpublic information about Seller obtained in a financial review and use such information only for purposes of the review, except as needed to enforce the Order.
(d) Buyers Discretion
Buyers right to conduct any inspection, audit or review under this Section or otherwise is at its sole discretion. Buyer has no obligation to Seller to conduct any inspection, audit or review. Buyers decisions as to whether, how and when to conduct any inspection, audit or review does not modify or relieve Seller of any obligations under the Order, does not give rise to any liability of Buyer to Seller and is without prejudice to any rights or remedies available to Buyer.
13. Ethical Conduct
(a) Work Environment
Seller warrants that no child, prison, forced or involuntary labor shall be used by Seller or its subcontractors in the provision of Supplies. Seller and its subcontractors shall maintain a work place free from physical abuse and any practice in violation of local law. Seller and its subcontractors shall provide a healthy, safe work environment, wages and benefits as required by law, freedom of association and reasonable working conditions.
(b) Business Practices
Seller shall not: (i) give or offer to give any gift or benefit to Buyers employees; (ii) solicit or accept any information, data, services, equipment or commitment from Buyers employees unless it is: (a) required under a contract between Buyer and Seller, (b) made pursuant to a written disclosure agreement between Buyer and Seller, or (c) specifically authorized in writing by Buyers management; (iii) solicit or accept favoritism from Buyers employees; (iv) enter into any outside business relationship with Buyers employees or other suppliers without full disclosure to and prior approval of Buyers management; or (v) provide to or accept from other suppliers any information regarding Buyer or its business. For the purposes of this Section: employee includes members of the employees immediate family and household, plus any other person who is attempting to benefit from his or her relationship to the employee; Seller includes all employees and agents of Seller; gift or benefit includes money, goods, services, discounts, favors and the like in any form but excluding items with a value of $25.00 or less; supplier includes prospective, current and past suppliers; and favoritism means partiality in promoting the interest of Seller over that of other suppliers. Any breach by Seller of its obligations under this Section shall constitute a material default by Seller of every contract and Order with Buyer and may further result in Sellers debarment from doing
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business with Buyer. Seller shall also comply with all ethics, fair business practices, non-discrimination and non-harassment policies of Buyer.
14. Duration, Termination and Remedies
(a) Duration
The Order shall be effective on the date specified in the Order, or if no date is specified, when accepted. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Order:
(i) The Order shall terminate on the date specified in the Order; or, if no date is specified, one year from the effective date. The termination date is not extended by an amendment or revision to an Order which does not expressly modify the termination date.
(ii) The Order will automatically renew for successive one-year periods after the initial term unless Seller provides written notice at least 90 days prior to the end of the current term of its desire that the Order not be renewed.
(b) Termination by Buyer
In addition to any other rights of Buyer to cancel or terminate the Order, Buyer may terminate the Order in whole or in part by written notice (a Termination Notice), as follows:
(i) For convenience, 60 days following delivery of the Termination Notice or upon such other date specified by Buyer in writing; and
(ii) For Default, effective upon delivery of the Termination Notice or upon such other date specified by Buyer in writing. Seller shall be in Default if it: (i) breaches any warranty or other Term of the Order; (ii) repudiates, breaches or threatens to breach any of the terms of the Order; (iii) fails to deliver, or threatens not to deliver, Supplies in connection with the Order; (iv) fails to make progress or to meet reasonable quality requirements so as to endanger timely and proper performance of the Order; (v) Seller makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency are instituted by or against Seller; (vi) Seller requests accommodations from Buyer, financial or otherwise, in order to meet its obligations under the Order; or (vii) at any time in Buyers sole judgment Sellers financial or other condition or progress on the Order shall be such as to endanger timely performance. Termination by Buyer shall not relieve Seller of any liability under the Order except as provided in these Terms.
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(c) Suspension or Termination by Seller
Seller may terminate or suspend performance under an Order only for non-payment of the purchase price for Supplies which are 30 or more days past due and material in amount, and then only if: (i) Seller first provides Buyer written notice specifying the amounts past due and Sellers intent to terminate or suspend performance under the Order if the past due amount is not paid; and (ii) Buyer, within 30 days of such notice, does not either: (a) pay the past due amounts, or (b) notify Seller that the amount claimed to be unpaid is disputed by Buyer. Seller shall terminate or suspend under this Section by delivering a termination notice to Buyer. Seller may not suspend performance or terminate the Order for any reason except as permitted under this Section.
(d) Sellers Obligations Following Termination
Following delivery of a notice of termination, Seller shall, unless otherwise directed by Buyer and subject to its obligation to provide Transition Support as provided in Section (h) below;
(i) Terminate promptly all performance under the Order and transfer title and deliver to Buyer all finished Supplies completed prior to receipt of the Notice of Termination;
(ii) Transfer title and deliver to Buyer all work in process, and the parts and materials which Seller produced or acquired in accordance with an Order and which Seller cannot use in producing goods for itself or for others to the extent such use is permitted;
(iii) Verify/settle all claims by subcontractors for actual costs that are rendered unrecoverable by such termination and provided the recovery of materials in Sellers possession is ensured; and
(iv) Take actions reasonably necessary to protect property in Sellers possession in which Buyer has an interest until disposal instruction from Buyer has been received.
(v) Seller shall continue performance of an Order to the extent not terminated and shall be liable to Buyer for any excess costs for alternative products or services and other direct damages. As an alternative remedy, and in lieu of termination for default, Buyer, at its sole discretion, may elect: (i) to extend the delivery schedule; and/or (ii) to waive other deficiencies in Sellers performance; in which case an equitable reduction in an Order price shall be established by Buyer to compensate Buyer for its damages. If Seller for any reason anticipates difficulty in complying with a required delivery date, or in meeting any of the other requirements of an Order, Seller shall promptly notify
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Buyer in writing of the potential default, the cause thereof, and the estimated length of the anticipated default. Buyer is under no obligation to waive any default.
(e) Buyers Obligations Following Termination
Subject to Section (g)(ii), Buyer shall pay to Seller in connection with termination only the following amounts, without duplication, in complete and final satisfaction of any liabilities relating to the Order:
(i) The purchase price for all conforming Supplies received by Buyer prior to Notice of Termination or delivered following Notice of Termination pursuant to Sections (d)(i) or (h) or at the written direction of Buyer;
(ii) Any amounts owed for Transition Support pursuant to Section (h)(iii); and
(iii) If terminated for any reason other than Default by Seller, Sellers reasonable actual cost of: (i) merchantable and useable work- in-process and the parts and materials transferred to Buyer under Section (d)(ii) above (but not to exceed the Order price of the Supplies had the work been completed); (ii) settling claims under Section (d)(iii); and (c) carrying out its obligation under Section (d)(iv).
(f) Buyers Obligations Following Expiration
If the Order expires, Buyer shall pay to Seller, in complete and final satisfaction of any liabilities relating to the Order, only the purchase price for all conforming Supplies received by Buyer prior to expiration and all quantities listed as firm releases not otherwise purchased by Buyer, and, if applicable, any amounts owed for Transition Support pursuant to Section (h)(iii).
(g) Limitations on Buyers Obligations Following Termination or Expiration
(i) Buyers obligations under Section (e) are conditioned upon Sellers furnishing to Buyer, within 60 days after the date of termination (or such shorter period as may be required by its customer), a termination claim, which will consist exclusively of the items of Buyers obligation to Seller that are expressly permitted by this Section. Buyer may audit Sellers records before or after payment to verify amounts requested in Sellers termination claim.
(ii) Buyer has no obligation under Section (e) to make any payment for Supplies, work-in-process, parts or raw materials inventory: (i) in
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excess of those authorized or required under any firm Material Release; (ii) that are damaged or destroyed or that are not merchantable or useable; (iii) that are in Sellers standard stock or that are readily marketable; or (iv) that can be returned to Sellers suppliers or subcontractors for credit.
(iii) Buyer has no obligation for and will not be required to pay Seller, directly or on account of claims by Sellers subcontractors, for loss of anticipated profit, failure to realize anticipated production volumes, revenues or savings, unabsorbed overhead, interest on claims, product development and engineering costs, Tooling, facilities and equipment rearrangement costs or rental, unamortized capital or depreciation costs, or general administrative burden charges from termination or expiration of the Order, except as otherwise expressly agreed in a separate Order issued by Buyer.
(h) Transition of Supplies Following Termination or Expiration
Following expiration or termination of the Order by either party for any reason (including termination by Seller) and notwithstanding any claimed or actual breach of any obligation by Buyer, Seller shall cooperate in the transition of supply to a successor supplier, including the following, which will collectively be referred to as Transition Support:
(i) Seller shall continue production and delivery of all Supplies as ordered by Buyer, at the prices and other terms stated in the Order, without premium or other condition, during the entire period reasonably needed by Buyer to complete the transition to the alternate supplier(s), so that Sellers action or inaction causes no interruption in Buyers ability to obtain Supplies as needed;
(ii) At no cost to Buyer, Seller will promptly provide all requested information and documentation regarding and access to Sellers manufacturing process, including on-site inspections, bill-of-material data, tooling and process detail and samples of Supplies and components; and
(iii) Subject to Sellers actual capacity constraints, Seller shall provide special overtime production, storage and/or management of extra inventory of Supplies, extraordinary packaging and transportation and other special services as expressly requested by Buyer in writing. If the transition occurs for reasons other than Sellers termination for Default, Buyer shall, at the end of the transition period, pay the reasonable, actual cost of the assistance under this Section 14(h)(iii), provided that Seller has advised Buyer prior to incurring such amounts of its estimate of such costs. If the parties disagree on the cost of Transition Support, Buyer shall pay the agreed portion to Seller without prejudice to Sellers right to seek to recover any disputed amounts.
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(i) Termination and Change of Control
Buyer may terminate an Order or Release, in whole or in part, upon reasonable written notice to Seller, if control of Seller changes. A change of control includes: (i) the sale, lease or exchange of a substantial portion of Sellers assets used for the production of the Supplies; (ii) the sale or exchange of a controlling interest in the shares or other ownership interests of Seller; or (iii) the execution of a voting or other agreement of control. Seller shall provide Buyer with written notices of a proposed and actual change of control at least ten days prior to the date the change of control is scheduled to occur and within ten days after the change of control has become effective. Buyer will have 30 days from the date the second notice from Seller is received within which to notify Seller if it decides to terminate the Order and the effective date of the termination, which will be no sooner than 30 days after the date the written notice of termination is sent.
(j) Duty to Deliver
Sellers continued holding of the Supplies, Buyers Property or Sellers Property (as defined herein), after demand has been made by Buyer for delivery, will substantially impair their value, and Buyer shall be entitled to a court order for possession without bond. Seller shall continue to sell Supplies under an Order during any dispute with Buyer provided Buyer continues to pay Seller amounts owed in excess of any right of offset.
(k) Recall
In the event of any safety, maintenance or improvement program, general recall or similar action (Recall) involving the Supplies which Buyer has determined do not meet requirements of the Order, whether initiated by Buyer, Seller, or any governmental agency or body, both Buyer and Seller shall use reasonable commercial efforts to reduce costs in connection with such Recall. If it shall be alleged or determined that failure of Supplies supplied by Seller to conform to Sellers warranty is a proximate cause of any Recall, Seller shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, agents and other representatives from and against all expenses and costs of such Recall. All Recalls shall be at the discretion of Buyer after consultation with Seller, except as ordered by a government agency or body. Sellers obligations related to Recalls shall continue to apply after the expiration of Sellers express warranties.
(l) Cumulative and Additional Remedies
Buyers remedies under this Section and the applicable law shall be cumulative and additional to any other or further remedies provided under the Order or by statute, law or equity, including, but not limited to, the recovery of direct damages and the entry of injunctive relief, but Buyer shall be entitled to only one full recovery of all of its damages and enforcement of all its rights.
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(m) Restrictions on Waiver
A delay by Buyer in notification of a breach or making a claim shall not constitute a waiver of a breach or remedy. No waiver of a breach of any provision of the Order by Buyer shall constitute a waiver of any other breach, or of the breached provision itself. No claim or right of Buyer arising under, or related to, the Order can be discharged in whole or in part by a waiver or renunciation unless supported by additional consideration and in writing signed by Buyer.
(n) Sellers Remedy
Money damages, as limited by the Order, are Sellers exclusive remedy for breach of contract or other claim or theory. Seller may not allege breach of contract or other theory of recovery for such money damages without providing a written notice of breach, documentation supporting the claim, and a reasonable time for Buyer to cure any breach and otherwise resolve the claims.
(o) Remedial Work
If repair, sorting, inspection, or similar activities (Remedial Work) is necessary for any rejected Supplies, then Buyer may elect either to perform the Remedial Work itself or to have a third party perform it. In either case, the reasonable cost of such Remedial Work shall be either: (i) offset against the amounts otherwise due Seller for such rejected Supplies; or (ii) charged separately to Seller. Buyer may require that the Remedial Work be performed on the premises of Buyer or its Customer by Seller, in which case Buyer or its Customer shall provide Seller with reasonable access to its premises and otherwise assist Seller with such arrangements as are necessary to perform the Remedial Work. In performing Remedial Work or replacing rejected Supplies, Seller is responsible for segregating and sorting any applicable Supplies providing for transportation of the Supplies, supervising the segregation and removal of the Supplies, and other incidental activities, all at its sole cost. Remedial Work by Seller requires the prior written permission of Buyer and/or Buyers Customer.
(p) Rights of the Secured Party and DOE
The Secured Party and DOE may exercise any of the Buyers rights under this Section 14 and, subject to the provisions of Section 26, such exercise shall not result in the assumption of any of Buyers obligations hereunder.
15. Buyers Property
(a) Buyers Property Defined
Buyers Property means any tangible or intangible property to which Buyer has title. Buyers Property includes:
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(i) As provided in Section 4(c), Supplies, together with materials and components incorporated or to be incorporated in the Supplies;
(ii) All property which is furnished by Buyer, either directly or indirectly to Seller to perform the Order;
(iii) Intellectual Property Rights and Proprietary Information of Buyer, as specified in Sections 18 and 19;
(iv) Tooling (as defined herein) and other property (including, by way of example, returnable packaging) for which Buyer has paid, and
(v) Any modifications, repairs, refurbishments, and replacements of Buyers Property defined above.
(b) Obligations of Seller
With respect to Buyers Property in the custody or control of Seller or Sellers suppliers, subcontractors or agents, Buyers Property shall, at Sellers cost and risk:
(i) Be used only for the production of Supplies for Buyer.
(ii) Be kept: (i) in good working condition house, maintain, repair and replace it, except for normal wear and tear; (ii) fully insured for the benefit of Buyer; and (iii) be kept segregated from all other assets and labeled as being the property of Buyer.
(iii) Bailment; Seller shall have only temporary possession as a bailee at will. Seller shall assure that Buyers Property is not released, relocated or delivered to any third party without the express written permission of Buyer. Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of the location of Buyers Property if located at any place other than Sellers facility.
(iv) Buyer, DOE and the Secured Party shall have the right to enter Sellers premises to inspect Buyers Property and all records of Seller and other third parties regarding Buyers Property. Only Buyer (or Buyers affiliates) and the Secured Party has any right, title or interest in Buyers Property, except for Sellers limited right, subject to Buyers sole discretion, to use Buyers Property in the provision of Supplies. Seller shall neither create nor allow to exist any liens on Buyers Property, and Seller shall immediately sign any documents reasonably required by Buyer to perfect all rights granted or confirmed by these Terms. Seller grants to Buyer, DOE and the Secured Party a limited and irrevocable power of attorney, coupled with an interest, to execute and record on Sellers behalf any documents with respect to Buyers Property that Buyer, DOE or the
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Secured Party determines are reasonably necessary to reflect Buyers or the Secured Partys interest in Buyers Property.
(v) Return; Unless instructed by Buyer to the contrary, immediately upon Buyers request or upon any bankruptcy or insolvency filing, and without payment of any kind, Seller shall return Buyers Property, and shall comply with Buyers instructions relating to its return, including but not limited to the method and location for its return. Seller is responsible for labor and other costs incidental to the return of Buyers Property. Seller shall cooperate with Buyer and shall provide Buyer with access to all facilities at which Buyers Property is located. Seller expressly waives any right to additional notice or process relating to Buyers exercise of its rights under this Section. Seller waives, to the extent permitted by law: (i) any lien or other rights that Seller might otherwise have on any of Buyers Property, including but not limited to molders and builders liens; and (ii) any objection to Buyers repossession and removal of Buyers Property for any or no reason, including bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
16. Sellers Property
(a) Definition
Sellers Property means all Tooling and other items that are not Buyers Property and that are necessary for the production of Supplies are Sellers Property.
(b) Maintenance
Seller, at its expense, shall furnish, keep in good working condition capable of producing Supplies meeting all applicable specifications, and replace when necessary, all Sellers Property. Seller shall insure Sellers Property with full fire and extended coverage insurance for its replacement value. If Seller uses Sellers Property to produce goods or services similar to Supplies for other customers, including aftermarket customers, such goods or services will not incorporate any of Buyers logos, trademarks, trade names or part numbers. Seller shall not disclose or imply in its marketing efforts that such goods or services are equivalent to those purchased by Buyer.
(c) Option to Purchase
Seller grants to Buyer an irrevocable option to take possession of and title to Sellers Property that is specific for the production of Supplies under the Order upon payment to Seller of its net book value less any amounts that Buyer has previously paid to Seller for the cost of such items. This option does not apply if Sellers Property is used to produce goods that are the standard stock of Seller or if a substantial quantity of like goods is being sold by Seller to other than Buyer.
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17. Tooling
(a) Definition and Acquisition
Tooling means all Tooling, jigs, fixtures and other personal property other than capital equipment used in the manufacture of Supplies. Unless otherwise provided in this order, property of every description including all tools, equipment, material, drawings, manufacturing aids and replacements of the foregoing furnished by Buyer, either directly or indirectly, or as acquired or manufactured by Seller for use in the performance of this order, for which Seller has been reimbursed by Buyer (Special Tooling), will be: (i) the property of Buyer; and (ii) plainly marked or otherwise adequately identified by Seller as the property of Buyer. Seller shall not purchase any Tooling for the account of Buyer or charge Buyer for any tooling except as authorized in an Order.
(b) Payment & Terms
If Buyer has agreed to compensate Seller for Tooling in an Order:
(i) The price for Tooling in the Order will be adjusted to credit Buyer in the amount, if any, by which the price exceeds Sellers actual cost as verified by Buyer. If Seller does not provide access and documentation necessary for Buyers verification, Buyer may determine in its reasonable discretion an appropriate adjustment. Seller shall retain all cost records for a period of two years after receiving final payment for Tooling. Seller shall provide to Buyer, as requested, access to Sellers premises and all documentation relating to the Tooling prior and subsequent to payment, to inspect work performed, and to verify charges submitted by Seller against the Order.
(ii) Seller shall be entitled to receive payment only after it is completed unless otherwise provided in the Order. Tooling is not complete until Seller, at its own expense, has successfully completed all required testing (including completion of the PPAP process) and has submitted all necessary documentation required by the Order.
(iii) Payment terms for Tooling shall be specified in the Order.
(c) Warranty
If Seller is responsible for fabricating or acquiring Tooling, Seller warrants that such Tooling shall: (i) comply with any specifications provided by Buyer; and (ii) be capable of producing Supplies that satisfy the Order, including meeting any volume requirements or estimates provided to Seller during the life of the product as well as satisfying the requirements for Service Parts. Time is of the essence for Sellers acquisition or fabrication of Tooling. Seller shall provide Tooling progress reports on Buyers request
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and shall promptly notify Buyer in writing if it believes that the Tooling might not be completed by the completion date specified on the Order.
(d) Third Party Tool Makers
If all or part of the fabrication, modification, repair or refurbishment of Tooling will be subcontracted to a third-party toolmaker, Seller will: (i) give Buyer advance written notice of the identity of the toolmaker and the location of the Tooling;(ii) inform the toolmaker in writing that it is a bailee-at-will, through Seller, of Tooling owned by Buyer; and (iii) be solely responsible for payments to the toolmaker. Buyer has no obligation to Seller or subcontractor other than payment to Seller of the Order price. If a subcontractor brings an action against Seller for payment of the Tooling, Seller will not join Buyer in the action.
(e) Bailment to Subcontractors
If Seller intends to subcontract all or part of the manufacture of the Supplies to a third- party subcontractor and to deliver Tooling to the subcontractors premises, Seller shall: (i) provide Buyer with prior written notice of the identity of the subcontractor and the location of the Tooling; (ii) obtain the written permission of Buyer in advance of Sellers delivery; (iii) inform the subcontractor in writing that it is a bailee-at-will, through Seller, of Tooling owned by Buyer; and (iv) be solely responsible for payments to the subcontractor.
18. Intellectual Property
(a) Warranty of Non-Infringement
Seller warrants that the Supplies and the sale and/or use thereof (before or after incorporation into products during manufacture) do not and will not infringe, misappropriate or violate any Intellectual Property Rights. Intellectual Property Right means all rights arising under U.S. or foreign law relating to patent, trademark, copyright, moral rights, industrial design right, Proprietary Information (as defined in Section 19) and trade secrets or other intellectual property rights.
(b) Restriction on Use of Buyers Intellectual Property
Seller shall not manufacture or provide, or offer to manufacture or provide, any goods or services that are based in whole or in part upon inventions, confidential or Proprietary Information (as defined in Section 19) of Buyer or Intellectual Property Rights of Buyer, whether for its own purposes (other than to satisfy its obligations under Order), or any other third parties, without Buyers prior written consent.
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(c) License to Buyer
Seller grants to Buyer, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and their respective successors and assigns, and Buyer hereby accepts, a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid up worldwide license, including the right to sublicense to others under: (i) any Intellectual Property Rights owned or controlled by Seller or its affiliates, and relating to the Supplies, to make, have made, repair, reconstruct, rebuild, relocate, use, sell and import the Supplies; and (ii) any works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression (including drawings, prints, manuals and specifications) furnished by Seller in the course of Sellers activity under Order, to reproduce, distribute and display such works and to prepare derivative works based thereon, subject to the other provisions of Order (all items in clauses (i) and (ii) above, collectively, Sellers Intellectual Property, and such license in respect thereof, the License). Seller acknowledges and understands that the License shall be effective from the first date of delivery of the Supplies under Order and extend for so long as Buyer has contractual obligations to any customer. The license is subject to 11 USC §365(n) and other Law, as an executory agreement under which Buyer has license rights to Sellers Intellectual Property, and is supplementary to any other rights of Buyer under the Order and any other agreement with Seller.
(d) Ownership
Any developments or work product that are created by or on behalf of Seller in the performance of an Order, whether or not they may be protected by patent, copyright or otherwise, shall be work for hire and be the exclusive property of Buyer, and to the extent any such developments or work product do not qualify as work for hire, Seller assigns all rights in such developments or work product to Buyer and shall execute such further documents as may be necessary to record or otherwise enforce Buyers rights therein including patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property rights, and all related expenses shall be paid by Buyer. Seller hereby appoints Buyer as its attorney-in-fact to execute assignments of, and register all rights to, such developments and work product. Seller acknowledges that Buyer has a substantial interest in ensuring that the developments and work product are assigned to Buyer and that revocation of the appointment of attorney-in-fact would be inequitable.
(e) Subcontractor Obligations
Seller shall ensure that the terms of its contracts with its subcontractors and employees are consistent with the terms of this Section.
19. Proprietary Information
(a) Buyers Information
Any information or knowledge clearly marked to be confidential which Buyer may have disclosed or may hereafter disclose to Seller in connection with the Order (including but not limited to the terms of the Order) and any and all services to be rendered and/or work
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to be performed pursuant to the Order is and shall be deemed confidential and proprietary information (collectively, Proprietary Information) of Buyer. Seller shall not, without authorization in writing from Buyer, use (except as necessary to the performance of the Order), communicate or disclose the confidential and proprietary information of Buyer or use such information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under the Order. Seller shall safeguard the confidential and proprietary information of Buyer by using reasonable efforts, and in any event no less effort than Seller uses in the protection of its own proprietary information of a similar nature, to prevent its disclosure to third parties. Seller shall cause its employees, contractors, officers, directors, agents and representatives to be bound by and comply with the foregoing restrictions regarding the use or disclosure of such confidential and proprietary information. Seller shall not assert any claims with respect to any technical information which Seller shall have disclosed or may hereafter disclose to Buyer in connection with the Supplies.
(b) Limitations on Buyers Information
The restrictions and obligations of Section 19(a) do not apply to information that: (i) is already publicly known at the time of its disclosure by Buyer; (ii) after disclosure by Buyer becomes publicly known through no fault of Seller; or (iii) Seller can establish by written documentation was properly in its possession prior to disclosure by Buyer or was independently developed by Seller without use of or reference to Buyers information. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Terms, any confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement between the parties that predates the Order will remain in effect except as expressly modified by the Order, and to the extent of a conflict between the express terms of such an agreement and this Section, the terms of that agreement will control.
(c) Ownership
All documents containing proprietary information relating to the Supplies produced or acquired by Seller under an Order shall belong to Buyer and Seller shall execute documents confirming ownership to Buyer. All drawings, know-how, and confidential information supplied to Seller by Buyer and all rights therein will remain the property of Buyer and shall be kept confidential by Seller.
(d) Return
Seller shall, within five business days of Buyers request or the expiration or termination of Order, return all confidential and proprietary information (including all copies, notes and/or extracts thereof).
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20. Insurance; Waiver of Liens
(a) Insurance
Seller shall furnish an insurance carriers certificate showing that Seller has adequate insurance coverage in the following minimum amounts: workmens compensation statutory limits for jurisdictions in which work is to be performed; employers liability - $1,000,000; general liability including premises, operations, independent contractors, and contractual liability $10,000,000 single limit; owned and non-owned automotive liability bodily injury $5,000,000 per person and $10,000,000 per occurrence; professional liability if professional services are included in Suppliers - $5,000,000; and broad form property damage on premises and in transit - $5,000,000; and products and completed operations - $10,000,000. Seller waives subrogation against Buyer. All policies must provide primary non-contributory coverage. Deductibles and co-insurance obligations of Seller shall be limited to 1% of the amount of the coverages and shall be paid by Seller. All policies shall be issued by an insurer with an AM Best rating of A- or better licensed to do business in the state, province, and country where Buyer shall use and sell the Supplies. Liability coverage shall include products, completed operations and (if available) recall. Buyer, each Credit Provider and the Secured Party shall be named as an additional insured under the policies and the acts of Seller contrary to policy provisions shall not be attributable to Buyer, any Credit Provider or the Secured Party. Seller shall furnish to Buyer a Certificate of Insurance completed by its insurance carrier(s) certifying that the required insurance coverages are in effect and will not be voided, canceled or materially changes until 30 days after prior written notice has been delivered to Buyer and the Secured Party. The certificate must set forth the amount of each coverage, number of policy, date of expiration and buyers as an additional insured. If Seller is a self-insurer of works compensation liability, Seller shall furnish Buyer a certificate of the Department of Labor, or similarly government authority of the jurisdiction in which any labor is to be performed approving the self-insurance. The purchase of such insurance coverage or the furnishing of a certificate shall not be a satisfaction of Sellers liability hereunder, or in any way modify Sellers obligation to indemnify Buyer.
(b) Waiver of Lien
Seller hereby waives all mechanics liens and claims and agrees that non shall be filed or maintained against Buyers premises or Supplies on account of any Supplies and shall cause all its subcontractors, material men and suppliers (and subcontractors of such parties) to provide similar waivers and agreements in form satisfactory to Buyer.
21. Excusable Delay
(a) Excused Performance
Any delay or failure of either party to perform its obligations will be excused for up to 30 days if and to the extent that the party is unable to perform due to an event or occurrence beyond its reasonable control and without its fault or negligence, such as: acts of God; restrictions, prohibitions, priorities or allocations imposed or actions taken by a governmental authority; embargoes; fires; explosions; natural disasters; riots; wars;
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sabotage; or court injunction or order (collectively Excusable Delay). However, in no event will Sellers performance be excused by: (i) the change in cost or availability of materials, components or services based on market conditions, supplier actions, labor disruptions or contract disputes; (ii) Sellers financial distress; or (iii) any labor strike or other labor disruption applicable to Seller or to any of its subcontractors or suppliers. At the end of the 30 days, Buyer may terminate the Order as a termination for convenience.
(b) Notice
Seller shall immediately give written notice to Buyer of any event or occurrence that threatens to delay or actually delays Sellers performance under the Order. Such notice shall include all relevant information with respect to such threat, including the possible duration and impact of a delay. In addition, Seller shall notify Buyer in writing: (i) at least 60 days prior to the expiration of any labor contract or collective agreement; and (ii) as soon as Seller becomes aware of any actual or threatened labor strike or other labor disruption; in each case as may be applicable to Seller or to any of its subcontractors or suppliers that are engaged in manufacturing or providing goods or services to Seller in connection with Sellers obligations under the Order.
(c) Mitigation
Seller, at its expense, shall use its best efforts to mitigate any adverse effects or costs to Buyer due to any actual or potential delay, including: (i) the implementation of a production contingency plan; and (ii) upon Buyers express written authorization, increasing Sellers inventory of Supplies to a level sufficient to sustain deliveries during such delay. Seller shall notify Buyer immediately of any actual or potential labor dispute that delaying or threatening to delay timely performance of the Order, and will include all relevant information to Buyer. Seller shall notify Buyer in writing six months in advance of the expiration of any labor contract. Prior to the expiration of any labor contract of Seller, Seller shall establish, at its expense, a 40-working day inventory of Supplies in a neutral warehouse site at least 50 miles from Sellers manufacturing locations. Such supply of Supplies shall be in place at least ten working days prior to the expiration of any labor contract.
(d) Buyers Rights
During any delay or failure to perform by Seller, Buyer may at its option and at Sellers expense: (i) purchase Supplies from other sources and reduce its schedules to Seller by such quantities, without liability to Seller; (ii) require Seller to deliver to Buyer at Buyers expense all finished goods, work in process and parts and materials produced or acquired for work under the Order; or (iii) have Seller provide Supplies from other sources in quantities and at a time requested by Buyer and at the price set forth in the Order. In addition, Seller at its expense shall take all necessary actions to ensure the
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supply of Supplies to Buyer for a period of at least 40 days during any anticipated labor disruption or resulting from the expiration of Sellers labor contracts.
22. Buyers Liability
(a) Limitation of Liability
Buyers sole liability and Sellers exclusive remedies under the Order (including its termination, expiration or cancellation) is to pay for the Supplies in accordance with Section 4(c) and to pay the specific termination related amounts described in Sections 14(e) and 14(h).
(b) Excluded Liabilities
In no event shall either party be liable for anticipated profits, interest, penalties or incidental, consequential, punitive, multiple, or exemplary damages or liabilities in connection with Order, whether for breach of contract, late payment, property damage, personal injury, illness, or death or otherwise.
23. Limitation on Assignment and Subcontracting
(a) Limited Assignment
The Order is issued to Seller, in reliance upon its personal performance of the obligations. Without prior written consent of Buyer which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Seller may not: (i) assign the Order or delegate the performance of its duties hereunder; or (ii) assign any accounts receivable from Buyer to third parties.
(b) Liability for Sellers Subcontractors
Seller shall ensure that the terms of its contracts with its sub-suppliers and subcontractors provide Buyer with all of the rights specified in the Order.
(c) Retention of Sellers Liability
Any subcontracting, assignment or delegation does not relieve Seller of any responsibility under the Order.
24. Compliance with Laws
Seller shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances or other requirements of any national, state, provincial, local, multi-national or international body (collectively Laws) relating to the manufacture, sale, delivery and use of the Supplies. Upon request, Seller will submit to Buyer evidence of such compliance.
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25. Foreign Purchases
The following applies to all transactions involving Supplies to be imported into the country in which Sellers place of final delivery is located:
(a) Buyers Importation Rights
Buyer shall not be a party to the importation of the Supplies, the transaction(s) represented by an Order will be consummated subsequent to importation, and Seller will neither cause nor permit Buyers name to be shown as Importer of Record on any customs declaration.
(b) Customs Forms
Upon request and where applicable, Seller shall provide Buyer and/or its designee all properly executed customs forms required by law for export and import of the Supplies. Upon request, Seller shall furnish promptly all documents required for customs drawback purposes, properly completed in accordance with government regulations applicable thereto. Unless otherwise stated in the Order, all customs drawback will be credited to Buyer.
(c) Other Certificates
Upon request, Seller shall furnish promptly to Buyer certificates of local value added and certificates of origin in accordance with applicable government regulations.
(d) Duties and Drawback Rights
The price for goods includes, and Buyer shall own, all related export and import customs duties and import drawback rights, if any, including rights developed by substitution and rights that may be acquired from Sellers supplier(s) that Seller can transfer to Buyer. Buyer shall include such provisions in all its subcontracts.
26. Buyer Financing
(a) Security Interest
Buyer intends to assign as collateral, and grant a security interest in, all of Buyers rights under the Order and all Buyers Property to (i) the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Financing Bank (FFB), acting pursuant to the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVM) administered by DOE, or (ii) a collateral agent or common security representative (who has been so designated by DOE with notice of such designation having been provided to Seller by, or on behalf of, DOE) acting for DOE, FFB, and certain other credit providers (DOE or, if a designation has occurred pursuant to clause (ii) above, such collateral agent
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or common security representative, the Secured Party) to secure certain loans and other credit extensions to be made from time to time by DOE, FFB or certain other lenders (DOE, FFB and such other lenders, collectively, the Credit Providers) to Buyer. This collateral assignment shall not in any way affect Buyers duty to Seller to perform Buyers obligations under the Order. Seller acknowledges and consents to this collateral assignment and agrees to execute such additional consents and waivers as the Secured Party (or its representative) may reasonably request in order to evidence and perfect the Secured Partys lien. Seller also agrees to notify the Secured Party prior to exercising any right it might have to suspend or terminate this Order because of acts of Buyer and provide the Secured Party a reasonable period to cure [(such period to be in any event a period of not less than 60 days after the Secured Party receives notice of Sellers intended suspension or termination)] the non-performance permitting the Seller to suspend or terminate the Order. Seller agrees to accept performance or cure by a Credit Provider, the Secured Party (or their representatives) as performance or cure by Buyer and satisfaction by Buyer of its obligations under the Order. Notwithstanding any such cure, neither the Credit Providers, the Secured Party or their representatives will be deemed to have assumed any of Buyers obligations under the Order unless such person expressly agrees in writing with the Seller to do so. Seller acknowledges that the Secured Party is a third party beneficiary of Sellers obligations under the Order and shall permit DOE or the Secured Party (or their representatives) to exercise the same inspection rights and access to Buyers Property as are available to Buyer under Section 15(b) as well as to exercise all of the other rights of Buyer under the Order. DOE and the Secured Party (or their representatives) and Buyer shall each be entitled to exercise all rights of Buyer under the Order unless the Secured Party notifies Seller that such rights may only be exercised by DOE, the Secured Party and their representatives. Should the Secured Party (or its representative) exercise its right to foreclose upon its security interest in the Order, it may transfer all of Buyers rights and obligations under the Order and any of Buyers Property to any third party.
(b) Notices to Secured Party
Seller shall deliver any notices required to be given to the Secured Party pursuant to Section 26(a) and Section 28 to: Advance Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, United States Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, Attention: Director ATVM Program, or such other address as the Secured Party may advise Seller from time to time.
27. Miscellaneous
(a) Jurisdiction and Applicable Law
The Order shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California and of the United States of America, exclusive of the choice of law rules thereof. The state courts of California in Orange County, California or the federal courts
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in the district including Orange County shall have exclusive jurisdiction and venue over any lawsuit arising out of or related to the Goods or Order. The United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods shall not apply.
(b) Waiver
Either partys failure to insist on the performance by the other party of any term or failure to exercise any right or remedy reserved in the Order, or either partys waiver of any breach or default hereunder by the other party shall not, thereafter, waive any other terms, conditions, rights, remedies, breaches or defaults, whether of the same or a similar type or not.
(c) Severability
If any provision of the Order, or portion of any provision, is declared or found to be unenforceable, the balance of the Order or such provision shall be interpreted and enforced to the greatest extent possible as if the unenforceable provision or portion had never been a part hereof. In particular, if any interest rate provided for herein is higher than that permitted by applicable law it shall automatically be amended to the highest legal rate.
(d) Survival
The obligations of Seller to Buyer survive termination of the Order, except as otherwise provided in the Order.
(e) Interpretation
No provision may be construed against Buyer as the drafting party. Section headings are for convenience or reference only, and do not affect the meaning of the Order.
(f) No Publicity
Seller shall not advertise, publish or disclose to any third party (other than to Sellers professional advisors on a confidential and need-to-know basis) in any manner the fact that Seller has contracted to furnish Buyer the Supplies covered by the Order or any terms of the Order (including prices), or use any trademarks or trade names of Buyer in any press release, advertising or promotional materials, without first obtaining Buyers written consent.
(g) Relationship of Parties
Seller and Buyer are independent contracting parties and nothing in the Order shall make either party the employee, agent or legal representative of the other for any purpose. The Order does not grant either party any authority to assume or to create any obligation on
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behalf of or in the name of the other. Seller shall be solely responsible for all employment and income taxes, insurance premiums, charges and other expenses it incurs in connection with its performance of the Order, except as expressly provided in a written agreement signed by Buyer. All employees and agents of Seller or its respective contractors are employees or agents solely of Seller or such contractors, and not of Buyer, and are not entitled to employee benefits or other rights accorded to Buyers employees. Buyer is not responsible for any obligation with respect to employees or agents of Seller or its subcontractors.
(h) Conflict of Interest
Seller represents and warrants that its performance of the Order will not in any way conflict with any continuing interests or obligations of Seller or its employees or contractors. Seller further warrants that while the Order is in effect, Seller and those of its employees and contractors participating in the performance of the Order will refrain from any activities which could reasonably be expected to present a conflict of interest with respect to Sellers relationship with Buyer or its performance of the Order.
28. Dispute Resolution
(a) Negotiation Process
(i) Before the filing of any claim in any court, a party will serve on the other party to the Terms (a) written notice of the claim, specifying the exact amount claimed and the provision of the Terms or other authority for the claim; and (b) a copy of all supporting documents.
(ii) Within 10 business days after service, the responding party will serve on the serving party (a) a written response, setting out its position and specifying the Terms or other provisions relied on; and (b) a copy of all supporting documents.
(iii) Within 5 business days after service of the response, the parties will meet to discuss resolution of the claim. Each party may bring up to three people to this negotiation, at least one of whom is a corporate officer who is not involved in the performance of this Agreement. The written claim notice and response and the documents produced, but not the subsequent discussion, are admissible in any subsequent proceeding.
(iv) Copies of all notices and other documentation to be delivered to any party shall also be provided to the Secured Party in the manner provided in
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Section 26(b) and the Secured Party shall be allowed to have a representative participate in any discussions or negotiations related to the claim.
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