Document:

Exhibit 4.9

 

Amended
and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

 

This
Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (this “Agreement”) has been executed by and among the following
parties on August 19, 2019 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”):

 

	Party A:	 	Beijing Bitauto
    Internet Information Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Pledgee”), a wholly foreign owned enterprise, organized and existing
    under the laws of the PRC, with its address at Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr,
    No. 3 Office Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China;
	 	 	 
	Party B:	 	Li Bin (hereinafter “Pledgor”),
    a Chinese citizen with Chinese Identification No.:                            ; and
	 	 	 
	Party C:	 	Beijing Bitauto Information
    Technology Co., Ltd., a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address at
    Room 657 of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 6 Flr, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing,
    P. R. China.

 

In this Agreement,
each of Pledgee, Pledgor and Party C shall be referred to as a “Party” respectively, and they shall be collectively
referred to as the “Parties”.

 

Whereas:

 

		1.	Pledgor is a citizen of China who as of the date hereof
holds 99% of equity interests of Party C, representing RMB198,000,000 the registered capital of Party C. Party C is a limited
liability company registered in Beijing, China, engaging in e-commerce and internet content provision business. Party C acknowledges
the respective rights and obligations of Pledgor and Pledgee under this Agreement, and intends to provide any necessary assistance
in registering the Pledge;

 

		2.	Pledgee is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered
in China. Pledgee and Party C which is owned by Pledgor have executed an Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement (as defined
below) in Beijing; Party C, Pledgee and Pledgor have executed an Exclusive Option Agreement (as defined below);Pledgor has executed
a Power of Attorney (as defined below) in favor of Pledgee; and Pledgee and Pledgor have executed the Loan Agreements (as defined
below);

 

		3.	To ensure that Party C and Pledgor fully perform their
obligations under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Loan Agreements and the Power
of Attorney, Pledgor hereby pledges to the Pledgee all of the equity interest that Pledgor holds in Party C as security for Party
C’s and Pledgor’s obligations under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, the Exclusive Option Agreement,
the Loan Agreements and the Power of Attorney.

 

    	 	1	 

     

    

 

		4.	Pledgee, Pledgor and Party C executed an Equity Interest
Pledge Agreement (the “Original Equity Interest Pledge Agreement”) on March 31, 2009; The Parties agree to amend and
restate the Original Equity Interest Pledge Agreement by executing this Agreement, which shall supersede and replace the Original
Equity Interest Pledge Agreement upon the effective date of this Agreement.

 

To perform the provisions of the
Transaction Documents (as defined below), the Parties have mutually agreed to execute this Agreement upon the following terms.

 

		1.	Definitions

 

Unless otherwise
provided herein, the terms below shall have the following meanings:

 

		1.1	Pledge: shall refer to the security interest granted
by Pledgor to Pledgee pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, i.e., the right of Pledgee to be paid in priority with the Equity
Interest based on the monetary valuation that such Equity Interest is converted into or from the proceeds from auction or sale
of the Equity Interest.

 

		1.2	Equity Interest: shall refer to all of the equity interest lawfully now held and hereafter acquired
by Pledgor in Party C.

 

		1.3	Term of Pledge: shall refer to the term set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement.

 

		1.4	Transaction Documents: shall refer to the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement executed by
and between Party C and Pledgee on March 9, 2006 (the “Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement”), the Amended and
Restated Exclusive Option Agreement executed by and among Party C, Pledgee and Pledgor on August 19, 2019 (the “Exclusive
Option Agreement”), the Loan Agreements executed by and between Pledgee and Pledgor on March 9, 2006, March 31, 2009 and
August 19, 2019, respectively, (the “Loan Agreements”), Power of Attorney executed on August 19, 2019 by Pledgor (the
 “Power of Attorney”) and any modification, amendment and restatement to the aforementioned documents.

 

		1.5	Contract Obligations: shall refer to all the obligations of Pledgor under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Power of Attorney,
the Loan Agreements and this Agreement; all the obligations of Party C under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, the
Exclusive Option Agreement and this Agreement.

 

		1.6	Secured Indebtedness: shall refer to all the direct, indirect and derivative losses and losses of anticipated profits, suffered
by Pledgee, incurred as a result of any Event of Default under the Transaction Documents. The amount of such loss shall be calculated
in accordance with the reasonable business plan and profit forecast of Pledgee, the consulting and service fees payable to Pledgee
under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, damages and relevant fees, all expenses occurred in connection with enforcement
by Pledgee of Pledgor’s and/or Party C’s Contract Obligations and etc.

 

    	 	2	 

     

    

 

		1.7	Event of Default: shall refer to any of the circumstances set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

		1.8	Notice of Default: shall refer to the notice issued by Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement
declaring an Event of Default.

 

		2.	Pledge

 

		2.1	Pledgor agrees to pledge all the Equity Interest as security for performance of the Contract Obligations
and payment of the Secured Indebtedness under this Agreement. Party C hereby assents that Pledgor pledges the Equity Interest to
the Pledgee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

		2.2	During the term of the Pledge, Pledgee is entitled to receive dividends distributed on the Equity
Interest. Pledgor may receive dividends distributed on the Equity Interest only with prior written consent of Pledgee. Dividends
received by Pledgor on Equity Interest after deduction of individual income tax paid by Pledgor shall be, as required by Pledgee,
(1) deposited into an account designated and supervised by Pledgee and used to secure the Contract Obligations and pay the Secured
Indebtedness prior and in preference to make any other payment; or (2) unconditionally donated to Pledgee or any other person designated
by Pledgee to the extent permitted under applicable PRC laws.

 

		2.3	Pledgor may subscribe for capital increase in Party C only with prior written consent of Pledgee.
Any equity interest obtained by Pledgor as a result of Pledgor’s subscription of the increased registered capital of the
Company shall also be deemed as Equity Interest.

 

		2.4	In the event that Party C is required by PRC law to be liquidated or dissolved, any interest distributed
to Pledgor upon Party C’s dissolution or liquidation shall, upon the request of the Pledgee, be (1) deposited into an account
designate and supervised by Pledgee and used to secure the Contract Obligations and pay the Secured Indebtedness prior and in preference
to make any other payment; or (2) unconditionally donated to Pledgee or any other person designated by Pledgee to the extent permitted
under applicable PRC laws.

 

    	 	3	 

     

    

 

		3.	Term of Pledge

 

		3.1	The Pledge shall become effective on such date when the pledge of the Equity Interest contemplated
herein is registered with relevant administration for industry and commerce (the “AIC”). The Pledge shall remain effective
until all Contract Obligations have been fully performed and all Secured Indebtedness have been fully paid. Pledgor and Party C
shall (1) register the Pledge in the shareholders’ register of Party C within 3 business days following the execution of
this Agreement, and (2) submit an application to the AIC for the registration of the Pledge of the Equity Interest contemplated
herein within 10 business days following the execution of this Agreement. The parties covenant that for the purpose of registration
of the Pledge, the parties hereto and all other shareholders of Party C shall submit to the AIC this Agreement or an equity interest
pledge contract in the form required by the AIC at the location of Party C which shall truly reflect the information of the Pledge
hereunder (the “AIC Pledge Contract”). For matters not specified in the AIC Pledge Contract, the parties shall be bound
by the provisions of this Agreement. Pledgor and Party C shall submit all necessary documents and complete all necessary procedures,
as required by the PRC laws and regulations and the relevant AIC, to ensure that the Pledge of the Equity Interest shall be registered
with the AIC as soon as possible after submission for filing.

 

		3.2	During the Term of Pledge, in the event Pledgor and/or Party C fails to perform the Contract Obligations
or pay Secured Indebtedness, Pledgee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to exercise the Pledge in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.

 

		4.	Custody of Records for Equity Interest subject to
Pledge

 

		4.1	During the Term of Pledge set forth in this Agreement,
Pledgor shall deliver to Pledgee’s custody the capital contribution certificate for the Equity Interest and the shareholders’
register containing the Pledge within one week from the execution of this Agreement. Pledgee shall have custody of such documents
during the entire Term of Pledge set forth in this Agreement.

 

		5.	Representations and Warranties of Pledgor and Party
C

 

As of the execution date of
this Agreement, Pledgor and Party C hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Pledgee that:

 

		5.1	Pledgor is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Equity Interest.

 

		5.2	Pledgee shall have the right to dispose of and transfer the Equity Interest in accordance with
the provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

		5.3	Except for the Pledge, Pledgor has not placed any security interest or other encumbrance on the
Equity Interest.

 

		5.4	Pledgor and Party C have obtained any and all approvals and consents from applicable government
authorities and third parties (if required) for execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.

 

		5.5	The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not: (i) violate any relevant PRC
laws; (ii) conflict with Party C’s articles of association or other constitutional documents; (iii) result in any breach
of or constitute any default under any contract or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is otherwise bound; (iv) result
in any violation of any condition for the grant and/or maintenance of any permit or approval granted to any Party; or (v) cause
any permit or approval granted to any Party to be suspended, cancelled or attached with additional conditions.

 

    	 	4	 

     

    

 

		6.	Covenants of Pledgor and Party C

 

		6.1	During the term of this Agreement, Pledgor and Party C hereby jointly and severally covenant to
the Pledgee:

 

		6.1.1	Pledgor shall not transfer the Equity Interest, place or permit the existence of any security interest
or other encumbrance on the Equity Interest or any portion thereof, without the prior written consent of Pledgee, except for the
performance of the Transaction Documents;

 

		6.1.2	Pledgor and Party C shall comply with the provisions of all laws and regulations applicable to
the pledge of rights, and within five (5) days of receipt of any notice, order or recommendation issued or prepared by relevant
competent authorities regarding the Pledge, shall present the aforementioned notice, order or recommendation to Pledgee, and shall
comply with the aforementioned notice, order or recommendation or submit objections and representations with respect to the aforementioned
matters upon Pledgee’s reasonable request or upon consent of Pledgee;

 

		6.1.3	Pledgor and Party C shall promptly notify Pledgee of any event or notice received by Pledgor that
may have an impact on the Equity Interest or any portion thereof, as well as any event or notice received by Pledgor that may have
an impact on any guarantees and other obligations of Pledgor arising out of this Agreement.

 

		6.1.4	Party C shall complete the registration procedures for extension of the term of operation within
three (3) months prior to the expiration of such term to maintain the validity of this Agreement.

 

		6.2	Pledgor agrees that the rights acquired by Pledgee
in accordance with this Agreement with respect to the Pledge shall not be interrupted or harmed by Pledgor or any heirs or representatives
of Pledgor or any other persons through any legal proceedings.

 

		6.3	To protect or perfect the security interest granted
by this Agreement for the Contract Obligations and Secured Indebtedness, Pledgor hereby undertakes to execute in good faith and
to cause other parties who have an interest in the Pledge to execute all certificates, agreements, deeds and/or covenants required
by Pledgee. Pledgor also undertakes to perform and to cause other parties who have an interest in the Pledge to perform actions
required by Pledgee, to facilitate the exercise by Pledgee of its rights and authority granted thereto by this Agreement, and
to enter into all relevant documents regarding ownership of Equity Interest with Pledgee or designee(s) of Pledgee (natural persons/legal
persons). Pledgor undertakes to provide Pledgee within a reasonable time with all notices, orders and decisions regarding the
Pledge that are required by Pledgee.

 

    	 	5	 

     

    

 

		6.4	Pledgor hereby undertakes to comply with and perform
all guarantees, promises, agreements, representations and conditions under this Agreement.

 

		7.	Event of Breach

 

		7.1	The following circumstances shall be deemed Event
of Default:

 

		7.1.1	Pledgor’s any breach to any obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement.

 

		7.1.2	Party C’s any breach to any obligations under the Transaction Documents and/or this Agreement.

 

		7.2	Upon notice or discovery of the occurrence of any
circumstances or event that may lead to the aforementioned circumstances described in Section 7.1, Pledgor and Party C shall immediately
notify Pledgee in writing accordingly.

 

		7.3	Unless an Event of Default set forth in this Section
7.1 has been successfully resolved to Pledgee’s satisfaction within twenty (20) days after the Pledgee and /or Party C delivers
a notice to the Pledgor requesting ratification of such Event of Default, Pledgee may issue a Notice of Default to Pledgor in
writing at any time thereafter, demanding the Pledgor to immediately exercise the Pledge in accordance with the provisions of
Section 8 of this Agreement.

 

		8.	Exercise of Pledge

 

		8.1	Pledgee shall issue a written Notice of Default to
Pledgor when it exercises the Pledge.

 

		8.2	Subject to the provisions of Section 7.3, Pledgee
may exercise the right to enforce the Pledge at any time after the issuance of the Notice of Default in accordance with Section
8.1. Once Pledgee elects to enforce the Pledge, Pledgor shall cease to be entitled to any rights or interests associated with
the Equity Interest.

 

		8.3	After Pledgee issues a Notice of Default to Pledgor
in accordance with Section 8.1, Pledgee may exercise any remedy measure under applicable PRC laws, the Transaction Documents and
this Agreement, including but not limited to being paid in priority with the Equity Interest based on the monetary valuation that
such Equity Interest is converted into or from the proceeds from auction or sale of the Equity Interest. The Pledgee shall not
be liable for any loss incurred by its duly exercise of such rights and powers.

 

    	 	6	 

     

    

 

		8.4	The proceeds from exercise of the Pledge by Pledgee
shall be used to pay for tax and expenses incurred as result of disposing the Equity Interest and to perform Contract Obligations
and pay the Secured Indebtedness to the Pledgee prior and in preference to any other payment. After the payment of the aforementioned
amounts, the remaining balance shall be returned to Pledgor or any other person who have rights to such balance under applicable
laws or be deposited to the local notary public office where Pledgor resides, with all expense incurred being borne by Pledgor.
To the extent permitted under applicable PRC laws, Pledgor shall unconditionally donate the aforementioned proceeds to Pledgee
or any other person designated by Pledgee.

 

		8.5	Pledgee may exercise any remedy measure available
simultaneously or in any order. Pledgee may exercise the right to being paid in priority with the Equity Interest based on the
monetary valuation that such Equity Interest is converted into or from the proceeds from auction or sale of the Equity Interest
under this Agreement, without exercising any other remedy measure first.

 

		8.6	Pledgee is entitled to designate an attorney or other
representatives to exercise the Pledge on its behalf, and Pledgor or Party C shall not raise any objection to such exercise.

 

		8.7	When Pledgee disposes of the Pledge in accordance
with this Agreement, Pledgor and Party C shall provide necessary assistance to enable Pledgee to enforce the Pledge in accordance
with this Agreement.

 

		9.	Breach of Agreement

 

		9.1	If Pledgor or Party C conducts any material breach
of any term of this Agreement, Pledgee shall have right to terminate this Agreement and/or require Pledgor or Party C to indemnify
all damages; this Section 9 shall not prejudice any other rights of Pledgee herein;

 

		9.2	Pledgor or Party C shall not have any right to terminate
this Agreement in any event unless otherwise required by applicable laws.

 

		10.	Assignment

 

		10.1	Without Pledgee’s prior written consent, Pledgor
and Party C shall not have the right to assign or delegate their rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

		10.2	This Agreement shall be binding on Pledgor and his/her
successors and permitted assigns, and shall be valid with respect to Pledgee and each of his/her successors and assigns.

 

		10.3	At any time, Pledgee may assign any and all of its
rights and obligations under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement to its designee(s), in which case the assigns shall
have the rights and obligations of Pledgee under the Transaction Documents and this Agreement, as if it were the original party
to the Transaction Documents and this Agreement.

 

    	 	7	 

     

    

 

		10.4	In the event of change of Pledgee due to assignment,
Pledgor and/or Party C shall, at the request of Pledgee, execute a new pledge agreement with the new pledgee on the same terms
and conditions as this Agreement, and register the same with the relevant AIC.

 

		10.5	Pledgor and Party C shall strictly abide by the provisions
of this Agreement and other contracts jointly or separately executed by the Parties hereto or any of them, including the Transaction
Documents, perform the obligations hereunder and thereunder, and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness
and enforceability thereof. Any remaining rights of Pledgor with respect to the Equity Interest pledged hereunder shall not be
exercised by Pledgor except in accordance with the written instructions of Pledgee.

 

		11.	Termination

 

		11.1	Upon the fulfillment of all Contract Obligations and the full payment of all Secured Indebtedness
by Pledgor and Party C, Pledgee shall release the Pledge under this Agreement upon Pledgor’s request as soon as reasonably
practicable and shall assist Pledgor to de-register the Pledge from the shareholders’ register of Party C and with relevant
PRC local administration for industry and commerce.

 

		11.2	The provisions under Sections 9, 13, 14 and 11.2 herein of this Agreement shall survive the expiration
or termination of this Agreement.

 

		12.	Handling Fees and Other Expenses

 

All fees and out of pocket expenses
relating to this Agreement, including but not limited to legal costs, costs of production, stamp tax and any other taxes and fees,
shall be borne by Party C.

 

		13.	Confidentiality

 

The Parties acknowledge that the
existence and the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with
the preparation and performance this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain confidentiality
of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of the other Party, it shall not disclose any relevant
confidential information to any third parties, except for the information that: (a) is or will be in the public domain (other than
through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable
laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to
be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction
contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound
by the confidentiality obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the
shareholders, director, employees of or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information
by such Party and such Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

    	 	8	 

     

    

 

		14.	Governing Law and Resolution of Disputes

 

		14.1	The execution, effectiveness, construction, performance,
amendment and termination of this Agreement and the resolution of disputes hereunder shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

		14.2	In the event of any dispute with respect to the construction
and performance of this Agreement, the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event the
Parties fail to reach an agreement on the dispute within 30 days after either Party's request to the other Parties for resolution
of the dispute through negotiations, either Party may submit the relevant dispute to the China International Economic and Trade
Arbitration Commission for arbitration, in accordance with its Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Beijing.
The arbitration award shall be final and binding on all Parties.

 

		14.3	Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the
construction and performance of this Agreement or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under
dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their
respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

		15.	Notices

 

		15.1	All notices and other communications required or permitted
to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial
courier service or by facsimile transmission to the address of such party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice
shall also be sent by E-mail. The dates on which notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as
follows:

 

		15.2	Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service
or by registered mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed effectively given on the date of delivery or refusal at the address specified
for notices.

 

		15.3	Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed
effectively given on the date of successful transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

		15.4	For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties
are as follows:

 

    	 	9	 

     

    

 

		Party A:	Beijing Bitauto Internet Information Co., Ltd.

		Address:	Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium
Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China 100044.

		Attn:	Li Bin

		Phone:	+8610 6849 2345

 

		Party B:	Li Bin

		Address:	Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office Building,
No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China 100044.

		Phone:	

 

		Party C:	Beijing Bitauto Information Technology Co., Ltd.

		Address:	Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel
Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China
100044.

		Attn:	Li Bin

		Phone:	+8610 6849 2345

 

		15.5	Any Party may at any time change its address for notices
by a notice delivered to the other Parties in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

		16.	Entire Agreement

 

Except for the amendments, supplements
or changes in writing executed after the execution of this agreement, this agreement, together with all the exhibits hereto and
thereto, shall constitute and contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, understandings, duties or obligations between
the parties respecting the subject matter hereof. This agreement supersedes, in its entirety, the Original Equity Interest Pledge
Agreement, which shall be terminated as of the effective date of this agreement.

 

		17.	Severability

 

In the event that one or several
of the provisions of this Contract are found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws
or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Contract shall not be affected or
compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions
with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by law and the intentions of the Parties, and the economic
effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provisions.

 

    	 	10	 

     

    

 

		18.	Attachments

 

The attachments set forth herein
shall be an integral part of this Agreement.

 

		19.	Effectiveness

 

		18.1	This Agreement shall become effective upon execution
by the Parties.

 

		18.2	Any amendments, changes and supplements to this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall become effective upon completion of the governmental filing procedures (if applicable) after the
affixation of the signatures or seals of the Parties.

 

		20.	Language and Counterparts

 

This Agreement is written in Chinese
and English in four copies. Pledgor, Pledgee and Party C shall hold one copy respectively and the other copy shall be used for
registration. In case there is any conflict between the Chinese version and the English version, the Chinese version shall prevail.

 

The Remainder
of this page is intentionally left blank

 

    	 	11	 

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Parties have caused their authorized representatives to execute this Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement
as of the date first above written.

 

 

		Party A:	Beijing Bitauto Internet Information Co., Ltd. (Seal)

 

 

		By:	/s/ Li Bin     

		Name:	Li Bin

		Title:	Legal Representative

 

 

 

		Party B:	Li Bin

 

 

		By:	/s/ Li Bin     

 

 

 

		Party C:	Beijing Bitauto Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Seal)

 

 

		By:	/s/ Li Bin     

		Name:	Li Bin

		Title:	Legal Representative

 

 

    Signature Page to Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement

     

    

 

Attachments:

 

		1.	Shareholders’ Register of Party C;

 

		2.	The Capital Contribution Certificate for Party C.

 

 

    
Attachment to Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge AgreementExhibit 4.10

 

Loan Agreement

 

This
Loan Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between the Parties below as of August 19, 2019
in Beijing, China:

 

		(1)	Beijing
                                         Bitauto Internet Information Co., Ltd. (“Lender”), a wholly foreign owned
                                         enterprise, organized and existing under the laws of the PRC, with its address
                                         at Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office
                                         Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R.
                                         China;

 

		(2)	Li Bin (“Borrower”), a citizen
of China with Chinese Identification No.: 

 

Each of the Lender
and the Borrower shall be hereinafter referred to as a “Party” respectively, and as the “Parties” collectively.

 

Whereas:

 

		1.	As of the date hereof, Borrower holds 99% of equity
interests in Beijing Bitauto Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Borrower Company”). All of the equity interest now
held and hereafter acquired by Borrower in Borrower Company shall be referred to as Borrower Equity Interest;

 

		2.	Lender confirms that it agrees to provide Borrower
with a loan which equals to RMB190,000,000 to be used for the purposes set forth under this Agreement.

 

After friendly consultation,
the Parties agree as follows:

 

		1	Loan

 

		1.1	In accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Lender shall provide Borrower with
a loan in the amount of 190,000,000 (the “Loan”). The term of the Loan shall be long-term. During the term of the Loan,
Borrower shall immediately repay the full amount of the Loan in the event any one or more of the following circumstances occur:

 

		1.1.1	30 days elapse after Borrower receives a written notice from Lender requesting repayment of the
Loan;

 

		1.1.2	Borrower’s death, lack or limitation of civil capacity;

 

		1.1.3	Borrower ceases (for any reason) to be an employee of Lender, Borrower Company or their affiliates;

 

		1.1.4	Borrower engages in criminal act or is involved in criminal activities; or

 

    	 	1	 

     

    

 

		1.1.5	According to the applicable laws of China, foreign investors are permitted to invest in the principle
business that is currently conducted by Borrower Company in China with a controlling stake and/or in the form of wholly-foreign-owned
enterprises, the relevant competent authorities of China begin to approve such investments, and Lender exercises the exclusive
option under the Exclusive Option Agreement (the “Exclusive
Option Agreement”) described in this Agreement.

 

		1.2	Lender agrees to remit the total amount of the Loan to the account designated by Borrower within
20 days after receiving a written notification from the Borrower regarding the same. Borrower shall provide Lender with a written
receipt for the Loan upon receiving the Loan. The Loan provided by Lender under this Agreement shall inure to Borrower's benefit
only and not to Borrower's successors or assigns.

 

		1.3	Borrower agrees to accept the aforementioned Loan provided by Lender, and hereby agrees and warrants
using the Loan to pay the registered capital of Borrower Company. Without Lender’s prior written consent, Borrower shall
not use the Loan for any purpose other than as set forth herein.

 

		1.4	Lender and Borrower hereby agree and acknowledge that Borrower’s method of repayment shall
be at the discretion of Lender, and shall at Lender’s option take the form of Borrower’s transferring the Borrower
Equity Interest in whole to Lender or Lender’s designated persons (legal or natural persons) pursuant to the Lender’s
exercise of its right to acquire the Borrower Equity Interest under the Exclusive Option Agreement, and any proceeds from the transfer
of the Borrower Equity Interest (to the extent permissible) shall be used by the Borrower to repay the Loan to Lender, in accordance
with this Agreement and in the manner designated by Lender.

 

		1.5	Lender and Borrower hereby agree and acknowledge that to the extent permitted by applicable laws,
Lender shall have the right but not the obligation to purchase or designate other persons (legal or natural persons) to purchase
Borrower Equity Interest in part or in whole at any time, at the price stipulated in the Exclusive Option Agreement.

 

		1.6	Borrower also undertakes to execute an irrevocable Power of Attorney (the “Power of Attorney”),
which authorizes Lender or a legal or natural person designated by Lender to exercise all of Borrower’s rights as a shareholder
of Borrower Company.

 

		1.7	When Borrower transfers Borrower Equity Interest to Lender or Lender’s designated person(s),
in the event that the transfer price of such equity interest equals or is lower than the principal of the Loan under this Agreement,
the Loan under this Agreement shall be deemed an interest-free loan. In the event that the transfer price of such equity interest
exceeds the principal of the Loan under this Agreement, the excess over the principal shall be deemed the interest of the Loan
under this Agreement payable by Borrower to Lender.

 

    	 	2	 

     

    

 

		2	Representations and Warranties

 

		2.1	Between the date of this Agreement and the date of termination of this Agreement, Lender hereby
makes the following representations and warranties to Borrower:

 

		2.1.1	Lender is a corporation duly organized and legally existing in accordance with the laws of China;

 

		2.1.2	Lender has the legal capacity to execute and perform this Agreement. The execution and performance
by Lender of this Agreement is consistent with Lender’s scope of business and the provisions of Lender’s corporate
bylaws and other organizational documents, and Lender has obtained all necessary and proper approvals and authorizations for the
execution and performance of this Agreement; and

 

		2.1.3	This Agreement constitutes Lender’s legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in accordance
with its terms.

 

		2.2	Between the date of this Agreement and the date of termination of this Agreement, Borrower hereby
makes the following representations and warranties:

 

		2.2.1	Borrower has the legal capacity to execute and perform this Agreement. Borrower has obtained all
necessary and proper approvals and authorizations for the execution and performance of this Agreement;

 

		2.2.2	This Agreement constitutes Borrower’s legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable in
accordance with its terms; and

 

		2.2.3	There are no disputes, litigations, arbitrations, administrative proceedings or any other legal
proceedings relating to Borrower, nor are there any potential disputes, litigations, arbitrations, administrative proceedings or
any other legal proceedings relating to Borrower.

 

		3	Borrower’s Covenants

 

		3.1	As and when he becomes, and for so long as he remains a shareholder of Borrower Company, Borrower
covenants irrevocably that during the term of this Agreement, Borrower shall cause Borrower Company:

 

		3.1.1	to strictly abide by the provisions of the Exclusive Option Agreement and the Exclusive Business
Cooperation Agreement (“Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement”) to which the Borrower Company is a party, and to
refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability of the Exclusive Option Agreement and Exclusive
Business Cooperation Agreement.

 

    	 	3	 

     

    

 

		3.1.2	at the request of Lender (or a party designated by Lender), to execute contracts/agreements on
business cooperation with Lender (or a party designated by Lender), and to strictly abide by such contracts/agreements;

 

		3.1.3	to provide Lender with all of the information on Borrower Company’s business operations and
financial condition at Lender’s request;

 

		3.1.4	to immediately notify Lender of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration
or administrative proceedings relating to Borrower Company's assets, business or income;

 

		3.1.5	at the request of Lender, to appoint any persons designated by Lender as directors of Borrower
Company;

 

		3.2	Borrower covenants that during the term of this Agreement,
he shall:

 

		3.2.1	endeavor to keep Borrower Company to engage in e-commerce
and internet content provision business;

 

		3.2.2	abide by the provisions of this Agreement, the Power of Attorney, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement
(“Equity Interest Pledge Agreement”) and the Exclusive Option Agreement to which the Borrower is a party, perform his
obligations under this Agreement, the Power of Attorney, the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement,
and refrain from any action/omission that may affect the effectiveness and enforceability of this Agreement, the Power of Attorney,
the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Option Agreement;

 

		3.2.3	not sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of in any other manner the legal or beneficial interest
in Borrower Equity Interest, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any security interest or the encumbrance, except in accordance
with the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement;

 

		3.2.4	cause any shareholders’ meeting and/or the board of directors of Borrower Company not to
approve the sale, transfer, mortgage or disposition in any other manner of any legal or beneficial interest in Borrower Equity
Interest, or allow the encumbrance thereon of any security interest, except to Lender or Lender’s designated person;

 

    	 	4	 

     

    

 

		3.2.5	cause any shareholders’ meeting and/or the board of directors of the Borrower Company not
to approve the merger or consolidation of Borrower Company with any person, or its acquisition of or investment in any person,
without the prior written consent of Lender;

 

		3.2.6	immediately notify Lender of the occurrence or possible occurrence of any litigation, arbitration
or administrative proceedings relating to Borrower Equity Interest;

 

		3.2.7	to the extent necessary to maintain his ownership of the Borrower Equity Interest, execute all
necessary or appropriate documents, take all necessary or appropriate actions and file all necessary or appropriate complaints
or raise necessary and appropriate defense against all claims;

 

		3.2.8	without the prior written consent of Lender, refrain from any action /omission that may have a
material impact on the assets, business and liabilities of Borrower Company;

 

		3.2.9	appoint any designee of Lender as director of Borrower Company, at the request of Lender;

 

		3.2.10	to the extent permitted by the laws of China, at the request of Lender at any time, promptly and
unconditionally transfer all of Borrower Equity Interest to Lender or Lender’s designated representative(s) at any time,
and cause the other shareholders of Borrower Company to waive their right of first refusal with respect to the share transfer described
in this Section;

 

		3.2.11	to the extent permitted by the laws of China, at the request of Lender at any time, cause the other
shareholders of Borrower Company to promptly and unconditionally transfer all of their equity interests to Lender or Lender’s
designated representative(s) at any time, and Borrower hereby waives his right of first refusal (if any) with respect to the share
transfer described in this Section;

 

		3.2.12	in the event that Lender purchases Borrower Equity Interest from Borrower in accordance with the
provisions of the Exclusive Option Agreement, use such purchase price obtained thereby to repay the Loan to Lender; and

 

		3.2.13	without the prior written consent of Lender, not to cause Borrower Company to supplement, change,
or amend its articles of association in any manner, increase or decreases its registered capital or change its share capital structure
in any manner.

 

    	 	5	 

     

    

 

		4	Liability for Default

 

		4.1	If Borrower conducts any material breach of any term of this Agreement, Lender shall have right
to terminate this Agreement and require the Borrower to compensate all damages; this Section 4.1 shall not prejudice any other
rights of Lender herein.

 

		4.2	Borrower shall not terminate this Agreement in any event unless otherwise required by applicable
laws.

 

		4.3	In the event that Borrower fails to perform the repayment obligations set forth in this Agreement,
Borrower shall pay overdue interest of 0.01% per day for the outstanding payment, until the day Borrower repays the full principal
of the Loan, overdue interests and other payable amounts.

 

		5	Notices

 

		5.1	All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement
shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, by a commercial courier service or by facsimile transmission
to the address of such Party set forth below. A confirmation copy of each notice shall also be sent by email. The dates on which
notices shall be deemed to have been effectively given shall be determined as follows:

 

		5.1.1	Notices given by personal delivery, by courier service or by registered mail, postage prepaid,
shall be deemed effectively given on the date of delivery.

 

		5.1.2	Notices given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed effectively given on the date of successful
transmission (as evidenced by an automatically generated confirmation of transmission).

 

		5.2	For the purpose of notices, the addresses of the Parties are as follows:

 

	Lender:	Beijing Bitauto Internet Information Co., Ltd.
	Address:	Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China 100044. 
	Attn:	Bin LI
	Phone:	+8610 6849 2345
	 	 
	Borrower:	Li Bin
	Address:	Unit D, E, F, G, H, J of Beijing New Century Hotel Office Building 10 Flr, No. 3 Office Building, No. 6 Beijing Capital Stadium Road South, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China 100044.
	Phone:	

 

		5.3	Any Party may at any time change its address for notices by a notice delivered to the other Party
in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

    	 	6	 

     

    

 

		6	Confidentiality

 

The Parties acknowledge that
the existence and the terms of this Agreement and any oral or written information exchanged between the Parties in connection with
the preparation and performance this Agreement are regarded as confidential information. Each Party shall maintain confidentiality
of all such confidential information, and without obtaining the written consent of the other Party, it shall not disclose any relevant
confidential information to any third parties, except for the information that: (a) is or will be in the public domain (other than
through the receiving Party’s unauthorized disclosure); (b) is under the obligation to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable
laws or regulations, rules of any stock exchange, or orders of the court or other government authorities; or (c) is required to
be disclosed by any Party to its shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors regarding the transaction
contemplated hereunder, provided that such shareholders, directors, employees, legal counsels or financial advisors shall be bound
by the confidentiality obligations similar to those set forth in this Section. Disclosure of any confidential information by the
shareholders, director, employees of or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed disclosure of such confidential information
by such Party and such Party shall be held liable for breach of this Agreement.

 

		7	Governing Law and Resolution of Disputes

 

		7.1	The execution, effectiveness, construction, performance, amendment and termination of this Agreement
and the resolution of disputes shall be governed by the laws of China.

 

		7.2	In the event of any dispute with respect to the construction and performance of this Agreement,
the Parties shall first resolve the dispute through friendly negotiations. In the event the Parties fail to reach an agreement
on the dispute within 30 days after either Party’s request to the other Party for resolution of the dispute through negotiations,
either Party may submit the relevant dispute to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration,
in accordance with its then effective arbitration rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in Beijing. The arbitration award shall
be final and binding on all Parties.

 

		7.3	Upon the occurrence of any disputes arising from the construction and performance of this Agreement
or during the pending arbitration of any dispute, except for the matters under dispute, the Parties to this Agreement shall continue
to exercise their respective rights under this Agreement and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

		8	Miscellaneous

 

		8.1	This Agreement should become effective upon execution by the Parties, and shall expire upon the
date of full performance by the Parties of their respective obligations under this Agreement.

 

    	 	7	 

     

    

 

		8.2	This Agreement shall be written in both Chinese and English language in two copies, each Party
having one copy. In case there is any conflict between the Chinese version and the English version, the Chinese version shall prevail.

 

		8.3	This Agreement may be amended or supplemented through written agreement by and between Lender and
Borrower. Such written amendment agreement and/or supplementary agreement executed by and between Lender and Borrower are an integral
part of this Agreement, and shall have the same legal validity as this Agreement.

 

		8.4	In the event that one or several of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any aspect in accordance with any laws or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining
provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or compromised in any respect. The Parties shall strive in good faith to replace
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with effective provisions that accomplish to the greatest extent permitted by
law the intentions of the Parties, and the economic effect of such effective provisions shall be as close as possible to the economic
effect of those invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

		8.5	The attachments (if any) to this Agreement shall be an integral part of this Agreement and shall
have the same legal validity as this Agreement.

 

		8.6	Any obligations that occur or that are due as a result of this Agreement upon the expiration or
early termination of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or early termination thereof. The provisions of Sections 4, 6,
7 and this Section 8.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

    	 	8	 

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Parties have caused their authorized representatives to execute this Loan Agreement as of the date firs above written.

 

 

 

		Lender:	Beijing Bitauto Internet Information Co., Ltd. (Seal)

 

 

		By:	/s/ Bin Li     

		Name:	Bin LI

		Title:	Legal Representative

 

 

 

		Borrower:	Li Bin

 

 

		By:	/s/ Li Bin     

 

    
Signature Page to Loan Agreement

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