Document:

Exhibit 10.24

 

[*] Indicates that certain information in this exhibit has been excluded because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

 

	
 
    

 

NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

9 April, 2020

 

between

 

Nikola Iveco Europe B.V.

 

and

 

NIKOLA CORPORATION

 

and

 

solely with respect to Section 2, 4.2, 4.8, and 6.2.2, Iveco S.p.A.

 

	
 
    

 

 

THIS NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of X April, 2020, by and between Nikola Corporation, a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (“Nikola”) and Nikola Iveco Europe B.V., a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Netherlands, having its principal place of business at Wanraaij 9, 6673DM Andelst, Netherlands  (“Producer”) and solely with respect to Section 2, 4.2, 4.8 and 6.2.2, Iveco S.p.A.

 

WHEREAS, the Producer is a company established by Nikola Corporation and Iveco S.p.A. based on the Master Industrial Agreement dated as of September 3, 2019 (the “Master Agreement”) and European Alliance Agreement date as of September 30, 2019 (the “EAA”) for the purposes of designing, development, engineering and manufacturing of pure electric (“BEVs”) and hydrogen (“FCEVs”) heavy trucks in the Territory;

 

WHEREAS, Nikola and Producer wish this Agreement to record and confirm their intention to stipulate terms and conditions of the exclusive supply of BEVs and FCEVS by the Producer to Nikola for a further distribution to customers in the Territory;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.                                      DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.1                               Definitions

 

Defined terms in this Agreement shall have the meaning given to them in the Master Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein.  The words in this Agreement have the meanings usually and customarily ascribed to them in commercial contracts, except that words that are defined below or in the Master Agreement have the respective meaning given to them below or in the Master Agreement, as applicable:

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by or is under Common Control with such specified Person, and any other Person specifically identified and mutually agreed upon by the Parties, provided that for the purposes of this Agreement EXOR N.V., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and Ferrari N.V. and their subsidiaries will not be considered to be Affiliates of Iveco;

 

“BEVs” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals;

 

“Brand” means the brand name under which the Products shall be commercialized in the Territory;

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day that is a partial or full bank holiday in Germany;

 

“Change of Control” means, with respect to any Person, any of the following, occurring in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions:  (a) the acquisition by another Person of all or substantially all of the assets of the first Person and its subsidiaries, taken

 

 

as a whole, (b) the acquisition by another Person of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the first Person then outstanding, (c) the merger, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving the first Person whereby more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving entity is owned or Controlled by another Person, and (d) the occurrence of the events under section 9.6 of the Fourth Amended and Restated Stockholder Agreement attached to the Master Agreement;

 

“Control” (including the terms “Controlled by” and “under Common Control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise;

 

“Escalation Levels” means a request of technical support raised from Nikola market service organization to higher expertise in order to support complex repairs or diagnosis consequent to vehicle malfunction;

 

“FCEVs” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals;

 

“Field Campaign” shall mean a consumer notice, recall, or similar action following which an end customer of an affected vehicle may be notified and/or asked to return the vehicle to an authorized service centre for inspection and/or repair, or vehicle dealers may be asked to inspect and/or repair a vehicle prior to sale of such vehicle to an end customer, or at the next service interval, or repair visit or similar procedure.

 

“Nikola Dealer(s)” any independent or owned dealer or distributor authorized by Nikola or its Affiliates to market and sell the Products in any Territory;

 

“Nikola Group” means Nikola and its Affiliates;

 

“North America” means the following countries: United States of America, Canada and Mexico;

 

“LCIA” means the London Court of International Arbitration;

 

“Parts” all component parts, spare parts, repair parts, and replacement parts for use with BEVs and FCEVs;

 

“Party” means, either, Nikola or Producer;

 

“Parties” means collectively Nikola and Producer;

 

“Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, person, trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government;

 

“Products” BEVs and FCEVs provided as Complete Built-Up (CBU) and/or Semi-Knocked-Down

 

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(SKD) form as per Annex 1;

 

“Sub-suppliers” has the meaning given to it in the Master Agreement

 

“Territory” means North America;

 

“Warranty claims”: any claims arising from defects of vehicle and components that can occur on vehicle inside warranty period.

 

1.2                               Additional Definitions

 

Each of the following terms is defined in the Section mentioned opposite the term:

 

	
Term
    	
 
    	
Section
    
	
“Improvements”
    	
 
    	
3.7
    
	
“Sales Target”
    	
 
    	
4.1
    
	
“Confidential Information”
    	
 
    	
7.1
    
	
“Top Management”
    	
 
    	
9.1
    
	
“Rules”
    	
 
    	
9.2
    
	
“Force majeure Event”
    	
 
    	
10.3
    
	
“Agreement”
    	
 
    	
Preamble
    
	
“Master Agreement
    	
 
    	
Recitals
    
	
“EAA”
    	
 
    	
Recitals
    

 

1.3                               Interpretation and Rules of Construction

 

In this Agreement, including its Exhibits and Annexes, except to the extent otherwise provided or that the context otherwise requires: (a) when a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, Exhibit or Annex, such reference is to a Section of, or an Exhibit or Annex to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated; (b) the headings for this Agreement or an Exhibit or Annex to this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement, its Exhibits and Annexes; (c) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, its Exhibits and Annexes, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (d) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, its Exhibits and Annexes refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, its Exhibits and Annexes; (e) the definitions contained in this Agreement, its Exhibits and Annexes are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (f) references to a Person are also to the Person’s successors and permitted assignees; and (g) reference to agreements and Laws are also the same as amended, restated or otherwise modified from

 

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time to time.

 

2.                                      HOMOLOGATION

 

2.1          JVC shall manufacture the Products under the unique brand NIKOLA.

 

2.2                               [*]

 

2.3                               [*]

 

2.4                               Homologation, production, sale and distribution flows will be set up and, if needed, adjusted to (i) allow both Nikola and Iveco to comply with North American emission policies in force in 2025 and beyond and (ii) secure Iveco’s rights and interests pursuant to section 2.2 above.

 

3.                                      SUPPLY OF PRODUCTS

 

3.1                               Sale

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and for the term of this Agreement:

 

a) Producer agrees to sell (or cause its respective Affiliates to sell) the Products to Nikola (or its respective Affiliates) for exclusive sale, distribution and service in the Territory, under the Brand;

 

b)  Nikola agrees to purchase (or cause its respective Affiliates to purchase) from the Producer (or its respective Affiliates) the Products under the Brand for further distribution in the Territory.

 

3.2                               Basic Specifications and Variations

 

The basic specifications for the Products as well as initial variations thereof shall be set forth by the Parties in a form of the Annex 1 to this Agreement without undue delay after the homologation of the Products for the any of the Territories. Such basic specifications and variations may be modified from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Parties.

 

3.3                               Exclusivity

 

The Parties agree as follows:

 

a) Producer (and its Affiliates) shall be the sole and exclusive supplier of the Products to Nikola (and its Affiliates) in the Territory.

 

b) Nikola (and its Affiliates) shall not sell the Products supplied by the Producer (or its Affiliates) in any Territory under any brand name than the Brand.

 

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c) Nikola (and its Affiliates) shall purchase the Products exclusively from the Producer (and/or its Affiliates) for the resale in the Territory.

 

d) Nikola shall use (and shall cause its Affiliates to use) its reasonable best efforts to promote, distribute and otherwise maximize the sale in each Territory (and in any future Territories) of the Products to be manufactured and supplied by the Producer (or its Affiliates).

 

e) Nikola (and its Affiliates) shall be the exclusive reseller of the Products in the Territory and neither the Producer nor any of its Affiliates shall supply the Products to any Person other than to Nikola and its Affiliates.

 

3.4                               Nikola Dealers

 

Nikola (and its Affiliates) is expressly authorized to carry out its distribution functions hereunder, both directly and through the Nikola Dealers in each Territory. All terms and conditions of supply or sale by Nikola (and its Affiliates) to the Nikola Dealers shall be negotiated solely between Iveco (or such Affiliates) and the Nikola Dealers; provided, however, that neither Nikola nor any of its Affiliates shall make any commitments to any such Nikola Dealers, which commitments shall exceed the scope or conflict with the rights of Nikola (or such Affiliates of Nikola) or the Producer (or its Affiliates) arising under this Agreement.

 

3.5                               Independent Purchaser Status

 

Subject to terms and conditions of this Agreement, Nikola (and its respective Affiliate) is authorized to sell and distribute the Products in each Territory in such manner, at such prices and upon such other terms as Nikola (and its respective Affiliate) shall determine from time to time. Nikola (and such Affiliate of Nikola) is an independent purchaser and reseller of the Products. Neither Party shall be considered an agent nor legal representative of the other Party for any purpose. Neither Party is granted or shall exercise the right or authority to assume or create any obligation on behalf of the other Party or otherwise contractually bind the other Party.

 

3.6                               Discontinuation of the Products

 

In the event that the Producer elects to discontinue the manufacture or supply of any of the Products it shall provide Nikola with not less than twelve (12) months written notice prior to the effective date of such discontinuance.

 

3.7                               Improvements

 

The Parties acknowledge that during the term of this Agreement, the Producer or any of its Affiliates, as the case may be, may introduce modifications to, additions to or improvements to the Products (collectively, the “Improvements”). The price of any such Improvements shall be reflected on the new price of the Products incorporating such 

 

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Improvements. Subject to the Parties’ agreement on the new price of the Products incorporating such Improvements shall be offered to Nikola (and its Affiliates) and shall become part of the Products hereunder. Any price modifications due to Improvements shall be determined in accordance with the pricing principles set forth in clause 4.3 of this Agreement.

 

4.                                      TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

 

4.1                               Sales Target

 

On or before November 1 of each calendar year during the term hereof, the Parties shall agree to non-binding annual sales targets for the Products in each Territory (the “Sales Target”) to be used by the Parties to estimate volumes and as factor in determining the pricing of the Products. Each Party shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts in order to achieve the Sales Target.

 

4.2                               Purchase Orders & Order Process

 

Nikola shall submit (or shall cause its respective Affiliate to submit, as the case may be) to the Producer the purchase orders for the Products in accordance with the manner and procedures as set forth in Annex 2 hereto. Each conforming purchase order will be deemed to have been accepted by the Producer (or such Affiliate of the Producer), if not rejected in writing within [ten (10) days] of receipt or terms included in Annex 2. The Producer shall not reject any purchase order provided that each such order conforms to and is in accordance with the terms hereof and Producer has the capacity for such order. In the event of a capacity constraint, the Parties shall discuss and agree in a good faith a capacity allocation.

 

4.3                               Prices and Taxes

 

Initial prices of each of the Products, at which the Producer (or its respective Affiliate) shall sell to Nikola (or its respective Affiliates) for sale and distribution in each Territory, shall be set forth in the Annex3 hereto.

 

The prices will be reviewed and renegotiated by the Parties on a yearly basis in order to reflect the relevant Sales Target for the corresponding year and all other relevant considerations, including without limitation, market prices of similar products, competitor’s situations, currency exchange rate fluctuations, volume of purchase and productivity gains.

 

The prices will be exclusive of all taxes, duties, charges and / or assessments of any nature which may be imposed upon the sale to or purchase by Nikola of the Products. Each Party shall be liable for any taxes, duties, levies and charges that may be levied in their original country.

 

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4.4                               Payment Terms

 

a) All Products sold by the Producer (or its respective Affiliate) to Nikola (or its respective Affiliate) hereunder shall be invoiced to Nikola (or such Affiliate of Nikola). All payments shall be made in EURO currency and in accordance by wire transfer on the bank account indicated on the invoice within [*]days following the end of the month of the invoice date, with exception of any invoice amount determined to be Incorrect, as defined below.

 

b) An Incorrect invoice exists when (i) the Producer or its Affiliate has issued or calculated any invoice in error or an invoice does not conform to the purchase order in specification, price or quantity and (ii) Nikola or its Affiliate, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of such initial invoice, provides written notice to the Producer or its Affiliate disputing the invoice and containing reasonable information to support the proper calculation of such invoice; provided, however, that, in such event, the Parties shall use their best efforts to promptly resolve the dispute to facilitate prompt payment of the invoice by its due date, subject to any agreed adjustments.

 

4.5                              Delivery

 

All prices are stated and all Products purchased hereunder shall be shipped on FCA (Free Carrier) Producer plant basis governed by INCOTERMS 2010, as published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), by delivering them to the forwarding agent designated by Nikola.

 

The packing of the Products shall be preventive from dampness, rust, moisture, erosion and shock, and shall be suitable for multiple transportation. Producer shall be liable for any damage and loss of the Products which is proved to be solely attributable to the inadequate or improper packing.

 

Products not rejected within ten (10) days of delivery are deemed accepted; provided, however, that accepted Products remain subject to the warranty set forth herein.

 

4.6                              Cancellation of Orders

 

Nikola (or its respective Affiliate) shall have a right to cancel, with prior written notice, that portion of a purchase order placed hereunder upon occurrence of any of the following events:

 

a) the failure by the Producer to make a conforming delivery within sixty (60) days following the shipping date as specified in the purchase order; or

 

b) the continuing delay in Producer’s (or such Affiliate’s) performance for a period of more than six (6) months from the shipping date specified in the purchase order whose performance is delayed.

 

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4.7                               Product Compliance

 

Each Party shall make commercially reasonable efforts to comply, at its own expense, with all legal requirements that apply to such Party’s obligations under this Agreement. In connection therewith the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with the other Party in the provision of information required to comply with each other party’s respective legal requirements.

 

In the event there are any changes of the legal requirements or new legal requirements after the date hereof, each Party will use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with such changes or new legal requirements, as applicable to each such Party.

 

4.8                               Warranties and liabilities

 

Upon completion of the final Product validation the Producer shall warrant that all Products sold to Nikola (or its respective Affiliate) under this Agreement will be free from defects in design, material, and workmanship.

 

Warranty claim costs shall be borne by Nikola. Both Parties will discuss in a good faith and set forth in a separate agreement the warranty terms and conditions as well as an appropriate allocation of responsibility and associated costs of Warranty Claims.  Nikola shall be entitled to directly recover from Sub-Suppliers the warranty costs caused by defects of the components supplied by them and the Producer and Iveco S.p.A. shall support Nikola in the Sub-Suppliers’ recovery process whenever it is needed.

 

In case of a Field Campaign, the Producer shall immediately identify and validate solution and correct the problem. Nikola will have sole discretion to initiate any Field Campaign. Nikola and Iveco may also request the Producer to conduct any Field Campaign and the Producer may not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent. The Parties shall promptly provide each other with information and reasonable cooperation in relation to any safety, compliance, epidemic defects that may possibly lead to a Field Campaign.

 

In order to determine the appropriate allocation of responsibility and associated cost of Field Campaigns, the Parties will discuss in good faith and establish the rules in a dedicated procedure to be agreed in a separate agreement. Producer shall retain the right to claim for a recovery of Field Campaign and Warranty Claim costs related to the defects in design to the Company which has licensed the technology.

 

The Parties shall jointly secure the availability of insurance coverage for Field Campaign Costs. To the extent such insurance coverage is available on commercially reasonable terms, the Parties will determine a reasonable method to obtain any available insurance coverage (i.e. joint or separate coverage). The cost of the insurance coverage shall be borne by the Producer.

 

Should an accident occur during the utilisation of any of the Products, causing damage to persons or property, provided that the said accident is caused by defects attributable to production operations carried out by Producer or by any kind of defects of the Products, Producer shall keep Nikola harmless from any action and/or claim made by third parties 

 

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and from any expense or charge that Nikola may sustain in connection with or in consequence of such action and/or claim.

 

In any case Producer shall keep Nikola harmless from and against any liability, loss, cost, damage or expense whatsoever resulting from or arising out of (i) a breach of any of the representations and warranties as per this article; and/or (ii) a recall campaign due to serial defects/recurrent faults of the Products; and/or (iii) Producer’s product liability as manufacturer of the Products.

 

The Parties shall make best commercial efforts to get a commitment from the Suppliers of components to (i) grant a warranty of supplied components to JVC from the start of production of the first vehicle and (ii) put in place third party liability and product liability insurances.

 

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING REMEDIES PROVIDED BY PRODUCER ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY, AND THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PROVIDED HEREIN STANDS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  ANY SAMPLES, PROTOTYPES OR PRE-RELEASE PRODUCTS THAT MAY BE FURNISHED ARE FURNISHED “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND.

 

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AND OTHER THAN WITH RESPECT TO AN INFRINGEMENT OF THE OTHER PARTY’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OR A BREACH OF ARTICLE 7 (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION), IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS AND LOSS OF USE, HOWEVER CAUSED, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

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5.                                      SUPPLY OF SPARE PARTS

 

5.1                               The Producer shall supply Parts manufactured by the Producer exclusively for the benefit of Nikola in the Territory in accordance with the terms and conditions of the North American Spare Parts Supply to be agreed upon no later than December 31, 2020.

 

5.2                               The Producer shall continue to supply Parts in order to meet each of the Nikola requirements for Parts for 10 years after Nikola ceases to purchase the Products.  Following a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 81 d) hereof, the Producer will use best efforts to supply parts, as requested by Nikola from time to time, on the same pricing principles as set out in this Agreement prior to its termination.

 

5.3                               Nikola Group may purchase Parts directly from third parties, provided that they shall do so with the assistance of the Producer and in accordance with the quality requirements developed by the Producer.

 

5.4                               Nikola may sell Parts directly to their dealers and final customers only, provided that in no event the Producer may sell or otherwise transfer the Parts to third parties other than the Nikola Group.

 

5.5                               Prices of Parts will be reviewed and renegotiated by the Parties on a yearly basis to maximize the ability of Nikola Group to compete in the Territory.

 

6.                                      SALES, SERVICE AND AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS

 

6.1                               Sales and Service Function

 

For the mutual benefit of the Parties, Nikola (and its respective Affiliates) shall use reasonable commercial efforts to promote the sale of the Products to all potential users within each of the Territories. Nikola shall (or shall cause its respective Affiliates and the Nikola Dealers to) maintain appropriate personnel and facilities to service the Products sold by it within each of the Territories. Advertising and promotional expenses in the Territory will be on cost of Nikola.

 

6.2                               Technical Support and Assistance

 

6.2.1                    Producer will supply the Nikola Group with technical support and assistance to address and provide assistance on issues related to the Products. The technical support and assistance will be delivered promptly, depending upon the situation, urgency, and nature of the technical concern. Nikola may request the Producer to dispatch Product related technical support engineers or other specialists.

 

6.2.2                    Producer, Nikola and Iveco S.p.A. will discuss in a good faith and set forth in a separate agreement a procedure to establish rules and accountabilities for Escalation Levels from Nikola market service organization.

 

6.2.3                    Nikola will have exclusive right and responsibility to provide after-sale services to the Products in the Territory.

 

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6.3                               Sales, Marketing, Training, Service and Other Related Information

 

6.3.1                     Technical Publications. Producer or its Affiliates will supply Nikola all necessary (i) Operators, Parts, Service and Installation Instructions and Standard Repair Times in electronic format (or in an agreed upon format), and (ii) Electrical Schematics (in an agreed upon format), intended to enable Iveco to deliver on-time, accurate and complete technical information to the respective Nikola Dealers. All such technical information shall be delivered in English. All costs to develop these technical publications shall be borne by the Producer, including publications to support the launch of Improvement and new Products. In the case of Improvements, the technical publications shall be structured in a way that Nikola can readily identify the differences from the previous version. Producer shall consult with Nikola to develop a launch program and timeline for Improvements and new Products to be supplied to Nikola based upon the Nikola launch plan.

 

6.3.2            Sales and Service Training. Producer shall provide ongoing sales and/or technical (service) training to Nikola, on mutually agreeable basis, to enable Nikola to provide training to the respective Nikola Dealers to sell and service the Products. Producer shall provide training material, technical support and documentation of spare parts, including sub-assembly or sub-components list for service purpose. Producer shall provide  electronic copies of the materials free of charge.

 

7.                                      CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

 

7.1                               Confidential Information

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” includes (i) sales and service information or documents disclosed by a Party to the other Party and (ii) all business, financial, technical, specification, product or other information, including without limitation, the terms of this Agreement, any technical or business information concerning the Products, product development or any new and/or unreleased Products, which is reduced to writing and clearly identified on the face thereof as confidential or which, if disclosed orally or visually, is identified as confidential at the time of disclosure and is confirmed in writing within thirty (30) days of such disclosure to the receiving party; provided, however, that all technical and specification information concerning the Products, all market share, sales and pricing data, and all product development information shall be deemed to constitute the Confidential Information whether or not identified or confirmed in writing as being confidential.

 

7.2                               Non-Use and Non-Disclosure

 

Each Party agrees to hold in strict confidence any Confidential Information supplied to such Party by the other Party and not to divulge the same to any other Person without the prior written permission of such other Party, or to use the same, except as reasonably required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. The Parties and their directors, agents, officers, employees, successors and assigns shall use their best efforts to maintain such Confidential Information secret and confidential and shall exercise the same degree

 

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of care for such purposes as would normally be exercised with respect to proprietary information which they desire to keep secret and confidential. Each Party shall limit access to Confidential Information received from the other Party to those of its employees and representatives, have actual need to know the same. The obligation of the Parties under this section 7.2 shall survive for a period of five (5) years after termination of this Agreement for any reason with respect to Confidential Information in the form of technical or product development information disclosed under this Agreement, including without limitation any drawings, blueprints, specifications or bills of material, and for a period of three (3) years after termination of this Agreement for any reason with respect to all other Confidential Information. Upon request by the other Party, the recipient of Confidential Information shall return all originals thereof and certify that all copies thereof have been destroyed; provided, however, that Iveco shall be entitled to retain copies of and use Confidential Information to the extent necessary to perform warranty, maintenance and other service on the Products purchase prior to the effective date of the termination of this Agreement.

 

7.3                               Exceptions

 

The obligations of each Party under section 7.2 hereof shall not apply to such Confidential Information which: (i) at the time of disclosure, is readily available to the trade or the public; (ii) after disclosure, becomes readily available to the trade or the public, other than through a breach of this Agreement; (iii) is subsequently lawfully and in good faith obtained by such Party from an independent third Person without breach of this Agreement; (iv) was in possession of such Party prior to the date of disclosure; (v) is disclosed to others in accordance with the terms of a prior written authorization between the Parties to this Agreement; or or (vi) are independently developed by the Parties without reference to any other Party’s Confidential Information. Furthermore, disclosure of information pursuant to governmental or judicial process, or required by legal requirements, shall not constitute a breach of this article 6, provided that notice of such process or legal requirements is both legally permissible and promptly provided to the disclosing Party in order that it may have the opportunity to intercede in such process, seek a protective order and/or contest any requirement for such disclosure and that receiving Party shall cooperate with disclosing Party in such process to limit such disclosure.

 

8.                                      TERM AND TERMINATION

 

8.1                               Term and Renewal

 

Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the following subsections (a) or (b) or (c) or (d) below, this Agreement shall be effective as of the last signature hereof and continue in full force and effect until December 31, 2024:

 

a)                                     the termination of this Agreement by any Party pursuant to Sections 8.2 or 10.3 hereof; or

 

b)            the termination of this Agreement by mutual written consent of the Parties; or

 

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c)             the termination of the EAA; or

 

d)                                     the termination no later than two (2) years after the date that Nikola begins manufacturing BEVs and FCEVs in North America.

 

8.2                              Termination

 

By written notice to the other Party, this Agreement may be terminated as follows:

 

a)                                      by either Party, if a material breach of this Agreement has been committed by other Party (or any of its Affiliates) and such breach has not been cured within ninety (90) days following the receipt of written notice of any such breach by non-breaching Party; or

 

b)                                  by either Party, if (i) a receiver is appointed for the other Party or its property; (ii) the other Party becomes insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they mature or ceases to pay its debts as they mature in the ordinary course of business; (iii) any proceedings are commenced by or against the other Party under any bankruptcy, insolvency or debtor’s relief law; or (iv) the other Party ceases to carry on business or commences to dissolve under applicable corporate law statutes; or

 

c)                                       by either Party, if there occurs a Change of Control of the other Party; section 13.5 of the EAA shall apply in such case; or

 

d)                                     For the avoidance of doubt, (i) Nikola’s planned merger with VectoIQ Acquisition Corp. under the terms agreed with Iveco and (ii) planned spin-off of Off-Highway and On-Highway segments of CNH Industrial, are not and will not be construed as a Change of Control event.

 

8.3                               Consequences of Termination

 

8.3.1                     Upon termination of this Agreement, all sums due and owing by one Party to the other Party, as the case may be, shall become immediately due and payable and shall be paid within forty-five (45) days thereof.

 

8.3.2                     Upon termination of this Agreement by Producer due to breach or any other action or omission by Nikola for which such termination is permitted by this Agreement, Producer shall have the right (i) to terminate or to enforce continued performance by Nikola of all part of the purchase orders for the Products which have been accepted by Producer, but for which delivery has not yet been made, and (ii) to repurchase any inventory of the Products then held by Nikola. Such right shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights which the Parties may have as a result of termination or nonrenewal.

 

8.3.3                     Upon termination of this Agreement by Nikola due to breach or any other action or omission by Producer for which such termination is permitted by this Agreement, (i) Nikola shall have the right to terminate or enforce continued performance by Producer of all part of purchase orders for Products which have been accepted but for which delivery has not yet been made and (ii) the Parties shall negotiate appropriate remedies for

 

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liquidating any inventory of the Products held by Nikola, its Affiliates, and/or the Nikola Dealers, including discounts or buy-back of any inventory.

 

8.3.4                     Upon termination of this Agreement by mutual consent of the Parties and/or in the absence of breach or any other action or omission by one Party for which termination by the other Party is permitted hereunder, the Parties shall mutually determine the disposition of pending purchase orders. Such rights shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights which the Parties may have as a result of termination or nonrenewal.

 

8.4                               Cross Termination

 

It is the intention of the Parties to have this Agreement automatically terminated immediately upon the termination of the EAA.

 

9.                                      CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION

 

9.1                               Conciliation

 

All material disputes arising between the Parties concerning validity, construction or effect of this Agreement or the rights and obligations created hereunder shall be promptly brought to the attention of the account managers first. The account managers shall then discuss the disputes and attempt to reach resolution thereof. If the account managers shall have reached a resolution upon any such dispute, then they shall submit their instructions to the Parties for implementation thereof.

 

If the account managers are unable to reach any resolution within two (2) weeks, or such additional time as they may determine, then the matter shall be referred to:

 

As to a dispute between Nikola and Producer only, each of the respective top management officers of Producer and Nikola, consisting of CEO of Producer and the CEO of Nikola  who then shall discuss the matter and attempt to reach a resolution upon such matter.

 

As to a dispute between Nikola and Producer only, each of the respective top management officers of Producer and Nikola, consisting of CEO of Producer and the CEO of Nikola who then shall discuss the matter and attempt to reach a resolution upon such matter.

 

If the executives mentioned above, as applicable, reach a resolution, then they shall submit their instructions to the Parties for implementation. If, however, the executives mentioned above, as applicable, are unable to reach any resolution within two (2) weeks, or such additional time as they may determine, the matter shall be resolved in accordance with Section 9.2.

 

14

 

9.2.                            Arbitration

 

If a Dispute is not resolved pursuant to Section 9.1 within the period provided therein, any party or Party may demand arbitration administered by the LCIA under its rules presently in force (the “Rules”).

 

The decision of the arbitration panel shall be final and binding on the Parties, and it will not be subject to any appeal or proceedings to vacate.  The arbitration award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

The situs of the arbitration and any evidentiary proceedings shall be London and all proceedings and submissions shall be in the English language.  The panel may conduct proceedings in other locations if necessary for the taking of evidence or as otherwise agreed by the Parties involved in such arbitration.

 

The arbitration panel shall consist of three members, one to be appointed by Producer, one to be appointed by Nikola, and the third arbitrator, who shall preside over the arbitration panel, to be chosen by the two Party-appointed arbitrators.  If either Producer or Nikola fails to appoint an arbitrator or the two Party-appointed arbitrators fail to appoint the third within the time periods prescribed below, then the appointments shall be made by the Secretariat of the LCIA pursuant to the Rules.

 

Arbitration may be commenced by any Party by giving written notice setting out the nature of the dispute to each other Party and to the LCIA pursuant to the Rules.  Within 5 calendar days of such notice, the party demanding arbitration shall appoint its arbitrator.  Within 15 calendar days of that appointment, the other party shall appoint its arbitrator.  Within 30 calendar days after the appointment of both Party-appointed arbitrators, those two Party-appointed arbitrators shall appoint the third arbitrator.

 

Except as required by applicable Law, none of Producer, Nikola or the arbitration panel may disclose the existence, content or results of the arbitration unless and to the extent that disclosure is required by applicable Law or is necessary for permitted court proceedings.

 

The arbitration panel shall be authorized to award monetary damages and to grant injunctive relief, including interim relief pending the final award.  Any interim or provisional measure in the form of conservatory or injunctive relief ordered by the arbitration panel shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, be deemed a final arbitration award for purposes of enforceability.  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section should be interpreted to preclude any party from seeking interim relief from a court of competent jurisdiction prior to the formation of the arbitration panel.  Any monetary award may include interest and shall be stated and payable in U.S. currency.  The arbitration panel is not authorized to award punitive or exemplary damages.

 

15

 

10.                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

10.1                        Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement, including the Annexes attached hereto, represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof. No modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Parties.

 

10.2                        Performance by Affiliates

 

Each Party shall, to the extent it is legally able to do so, cause each member of its Group to perform all obligations under this Agreement or under any agreement entered into by any other member of its Group pursuant to this Agreement.

 

10.3                        Force Majeure

 

Each Party will be excused from its obligations under this Agreement if and to the extent prevented from performing its obligations directly or indirectly by circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to war, fire, explosions, flood, natural disaster, strikes, organized labour actions, transportation interruptions, equipment failure, riots, destruction of records, acts of governmental authority (other than revenue authorities), acts of God or other contingencies beyond the reasonable control of the Party which make impossible or commercially impracticable the performance of its obligations under this Agreement (a “Force Majeure Event”). As soon as there is a clear indication that a Force Majeure Event might occur, the Party intending to assert Force Majeure Event shall advise the other Party without delay of the possible Force Majeure Event. Upon the actual occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, the Party delaying performance of, or failing to perform, its obligations shall promptly give written notice thereof to the other Party describing the nature of the contingency preventing performance, its effects and its anticipated duration, and shall make all reasonable efforts to remove such disability as soon as possible. Upon receipt of such notice, the Party receiving such notice shall be excused from the performance of its obligations under this Agreement during the period if such Force Majeure Event. The Parties agree to cooperate in order to minimize the costs, damages and inconveniences arising from such Force Majeure Event. Upon the notice by a Party to the other Party of a Force Majeure Event, and at any time after the Force Majeure Event has continued for a period of six (6) consecutive months, either Party may terminate this Agreement upon five (5) Business Days’ written notice to the other Party.

 

10.4                        Assignment

 

No party shall assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, other than an assignment to an Affiliate, provided, however, that any assignor shall remain bound and liable hereunder.

 

16

 

10.5                        Waiver

 

Failure of any party hereto to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any right with respect thereto, or failure to exercise any election provided for herein shall not be considered a waiver of such provision, right or election, or in any way affect the validity of this Agreement.

 

The failure of any party to enforce any of such provisions, rights or elections shall not preclude or prejudice such party from later enforcing or exercising the same or other provisions, rights or elections which they may have under this Agreement.

 

10.6                        Remedies

 

All rights and remedies of the parties, hereunder shall be in addition to all other legal rights and remedies belonging to them and the same shall be deemed to be cumulative and not alternative to such legal rights and remedies and no party to this Agreement may terminate this Agreement, except in accordance with the express provisions of this Agreement.

 

10.7                        Rights of Third Parties

 

(a)                                 Subject to paragraph (b) below, a person who is not a party to this Agreement shall not be entitled to enforce any of its terms under the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

 

(b)                                 The Parties agree that certain provisions of this Agreement confer a benefit on the Company and that such provisions are intended to benefit and be enforceable by the Company in its own right under the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances shall any consent be required from the Company for the termination, rescission, amendment or variation of this Agreement, whether or not such termination, rescission, amendment or variation affects or extinguishes any such benefit or right.

 

10.8                        Severability

 

In case any provision in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.  The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision in this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

10.9                        Counterparts

 

This Agreement shall be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

17

 

10.10                 Notices

 

All notices, requests, consents, approvals, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if in writing, in English, and if served by personal delivery upon the party for whom they are intended, if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by a national courier service, or if sent by email or facsimile, provided that the email or facsimile is promptly confirmed by telephone confirmation thereof, to the person at the address set forth below, or such other address as may be designated in writing hereafter, in the same manner, by such person and shall be effective upon receipt:

 

(a)                                 if to Nikola:

 

XXXXXXXX

 

Attention:

 

Email:

 

(b)                                 if to Producer:

 

XXXX

 

Attention:

 

Email:

 

c)                                      if to Iveco:

 

XXXX

 

Attention:

 

Email:

 

10.11                 Applicable Law

 

The validity, interpretation and implementation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, U.S.A.

 

18

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
NIKOLA CORPORATION, a corporation duly organised and validly   existing under the laws of Delaware
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Gerrit Marx
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Gerrit Marx
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
President, Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, CNH Industrial N.V.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Nikola Iveco Europe B.V., a corporation duly organised and validly   existing under the laws of Netherlands
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Damiano Cretarola
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Damiano Cretarola
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Director A
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Mark Russell
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Mark Russell
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Director B
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
IVECO S.p.A., a corporation duly organised and validly existing under the laws of   the Republic of Italy
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Trevor Milton
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Trevor Milton
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
CEOExhibit 10.25

 

[*] Indicates that certain information in this exhibit has been excluded because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

 

DATED THIS 9th DAY OF APRIL 2020

 

BETWEEN

 

(1) NIKOLA CORPORATION

 

AND

 

(2) IVECO S.P.A.

 

 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT

 

 

 

THIS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into on the 9th day of April 2020

 

BY AND BETWEEN:

 

(1)         NIKOLA CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Nikola”); and

 

(2)         Iveco S.p.A., a Società per Azioni organized and existing under the laws of Italy (“Iveco”).

 

WHEREAS: 

 

(A)                              Nikola, Iveco and CNHI entered into the Master Industrial Agreement dated as of September 3, 2019 (the “Master Agreement”);

 

(B)                               Pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Master Agreement the Parties agreed that Iveco and Nikola will enter into a Technical Assistance Service Agreement in a form substantially consistent with the Term Sheet attached as Exhibit B to the Master Agreement;

 

(C)                               The Parties entered into various Amendments to the Master Agreement extending, inter alia, the term for entering into a Technical Assistance Service Agreement no later than April 10, 2020;

 

(D)                               Iveco and Nikola wish this Agreement to record and confirm their intention to stipulate terms and conditions of the above stated agreement;

 

NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

 

1.                                      DEFINITIONS

 

1.1                               Definitions

 

In this Agreement the following expressions shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:

 

1.1.1                     “Agreement” means this Technical Assistance Services Agreement;

 

1.1.2                     “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with such specified Person, and any other Person specifically identified and mutually agreed upon by the Parties;

 

 

1.1.3                     “Contributions in Kind” shall have the meaning given to it in the Master Agreement;

 

1.1.4                     “Control” means, with respect to the Person, the direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the stock or other equity interests having voting or other rights to direct the management of such entity;

 

1.1.5                     “CNHI” means CNH Industrial N.V. a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands;

 

1.1.6                     “Parties” means Nikola and Iveco, while “Party” shall mean either Nikola or Iveco.

 

1.1.7                     “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, person, trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government;

 

1.1.8                     “Intellectual Property” or “IP” means (i) inventions, discoveries and ideas, and all patents, registrations and applications therefor, including without limitation divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part and renewal applications, and applications claiming priority thereto (including US provisional applications and US utility applications that claim priority to US provisional applications), and including without limitations renewals, extensions, re-examinations and reissues; (ii) confidential and proprietary information, trade secrets and know-how, including without limitation processes, schematics, databases, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models and designs; and (iii) published and unpublished works of authorship including without limitation computer software (source code and object code to the extent owned by Iveco or Nikola, as the case may be), copyrights therein and thereto, and registrations and applications therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations and reversions thereof;

 

1.1.9                     “IVECO Personnel” means all managers, employees, service providers and suppliers of Iveco or its Affiliates engaged in the fulfilment of this Agreement, both at the Iveco premises, or at the Nikola plants;

 

1.1.10              “Iveco World Class Manufacturing Methodology” means the methodologies, know-how, processes and practices adopted by CNHI/Iveco in its manufacturing operations;

 

1.1.11              “Losses” mean all liabilities, losses, damages including settlement and judgment amounts, and claims (including taxes), and all related costs and expenses, (including reasonable and documented legal fees and disbursements, and costs

 

 

and expenses of investigation, litigation, settlement and judgment), interest and penalties provided that Losses shall not include punitive or exemplary damages, any consequential, indirect or special damages, loss of profits, savings or revenues, regardless of whether the claim giving rise to such damages is based upon breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, tort, or other theory of liability.

 

1.1.12              “S-Way Platform and Product Sharing Contract” means an agreement executed by the Parties under the Section 2.2 of the Master Agreement.

 

1.2                               Interpretation

 

In this Agreement, including its Exhibits and Annexes, except to the extent otherwise provided or that the context otherwise requires: (a) when a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, Exhibit or Annex, such reference is to a Section of, or an Exhibit or Annex to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated; (b) the headings for this Agreement or an Exhibit or Annex to this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement, its Exhibits, and Annexes; (c) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, its Exhibits, and Annexes, they are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (d) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, its Exhibits, and Annexes refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, its Exhibits, and Annexes; (e) the definitions contained in this Agreement, its Exhibits, and Annexes are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (f) references to a Person are also to the Person’s successors and permitted assignees; and (g) reference to agreements and Laws are also the  same as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

2.                                      SUBJECT MATTER

 

2.1                               Under this Agreement Iveco and/or any Affiliate of Iveco will provide advisory services to Nikola (in accordance with an agreed RASIC allocation of roles) in connection with the manufacturing of hydrogen fuel-cell heavy-duty trucks (“FCEV”) and battery electric heavy-duty trucks (“BEV”) (the “Technical Assistance Services”).  Such Technical Assistance Services shall include, inter alia, project coordination, drawings and documentation support, engineering support, vehicle integration and product validation support, purchasing and the implementation of the Iveco World Class Manufacturing Methodology in Nikola’s plants. For avoidance of doubt, Iveco will have the ability to cause FPT Industrial S.p.A. and any other current Affiliate that may provide services in the

 

 

context of the scope of this Agreement to provide to Nikola, subject to terms substantially similar to the terms hereof, such Technical Assistance Services in lieu of, or concurrently with, Iveco, provided that Iveco will retain its liability for the provision of such services.

 

2.2                               Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing after the date hereof, the Technical Assistance Services will include only the following areas, as set forth in Annex A hereto:

 

a)                                     R&D

 

b)                                     Operations

 

c)                                      Purchasing

 

d)                                     Quality, inclusive of Iveco World Class Manufacturing Methodology

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Technical Assistance Services only includes technical and engineering services directly associated with the development of vehicles and/or manufacturing facilities and does not include any administrative, general, selling, or other overhead expenses.

 

2.3                               IVECO shall, on a monthly basis, record the activities, hours, costs, and expenditures associated with the Technical Assistance Services as per Annex C and in any other format agreed to by the Parties and immediately provide, or otherwise grant, Nikola access to such records.

 

3.                                      THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PARTIES

 

3.1                               For the purpose of provision of the Technical Assistance Services Iveco:

 

a)                                     shall assign IVECO Personnel to provide the necessary support as contemplated by this Agreement in order to assist Nikola in achieving the necessary actions and overall targets;

 

b)                                     shall be responsible for the management of all such IVECO Personnel assigned at all times; and

 

c)                                      shall coordinate with Nikola to ensure that the scope of the services are consistent with Nikola’s needs and the terms of this Agreement.

 

3.2                               Nikola shall, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

 

a)                                     devote the appropriate Nikola management staff and employees to interface and cooperate with IVECO Personnel;

 

 

b)                                     make available its facilities and resources for any activity to be performed under this Agreement;

 

c)                                      support Iveco and/or IVECO Personnel to obtain necessary work or other permits in the USA for the purpose of provision of the Technical Assistance Services.

 

3.3                               The provision of the Technical Assistance Services under this Agreement is for the sole benefit of Nikola in connection with the Master Agreement, and Nikola is to be the sole beneficiary thereof, except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties.

 

3.4                               The Parties acknowledge and agree that Iveco is not licensed, certified and/or registered in any jurisdiction as professional services provider and the Technical Assistance Services will be deemed to exclude functions that by Law or custom are provided by, or reserved to, licensed, certified and/or registered professionals; provided, however, Iveco and/or its Affiliates shall render the services as set forth in Section 7.2, hereof.

 

4.                                      INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

4.1                               The IP rights provided under the S-Way Platform and Product Sharing Contract shall apply in relation to services delivered by IVECO Personnel in the course of this Agreement, unless differently agreed in writing between the Parties. Terms regarding ownership and licensing of intellectual property are subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Agreement.

 

4.2                               Iveco shall be deemed not responsible for any infringement of patents during the services provided pursuant to this Agreement and final verification on IP shall be done by Nikola provided, however, that Iveco shall be liable for infringement caused or associated with the S-Way Platform and Product Sharing Contract, the Iveco World Class Manufacturing Methodology, or both.

 

5.                                      PRICE

 

5.1                               The Parties have agreed that the value of the Technical Assistance Services provided under this Agreement will be at $[*] per hour for experts and technical assistants, $[*] per hour for senior experts and project managers, and $[*] per hour for expert operators, as further detailed in Annex A. The Parties have also agreed that the Technical Assistance Services provided by CNHI/Iveco under this Agreement up to the amount of $[*] (the “Threshold”) shall constitute a Contribution in Kind made by Iveco pursuant to the Master Agreement.

 

 

5.2                               Nikola irrevocably agrees that it will use its best efforts to purchase Technical Assistance Services so as to reach (or exceed) the Threshold by December 31, 2022. Pursuant to this irrevocable commitment, Nikola shall issue and deliver to CNHI/Iveco: (a) prior to December 31, 2019, [*] Preferred Shares at a deemed purchase price of [*]; (b) within three (3) Business Days following the end of the first calendar quarter of 2020, [*] Preferred Shares at a deemed purchase Price of [*] per share; and (c) within three (3) business days following CNHI/Iveco’s receipt of the Merger Closing Notice (as defined in the Investment Agreement) [*] Preferred Shares at a deemed purchase price of [*] per share, in each case irrespective of the actual value of the Technical Assistance Services rendered by CNHI/Iveco during the period from the date hereof until December 31, 2019 and  until the date such shares are issued.

 

In the event that the Merger Closing Notice (as defined in the Investment Agreement) is not received by CNHI/Iveco within the end of the second, third or fourth calendar quarter of 2020, Nikola shall issue and deliver to CNHI/Iveco within three (3) Business Days following the end of every calendar quarter in which the Merger Closing Notice was not received by CNHI/Iveco (other than first quarter of 2020) [*] Preferred Shares at a deemed purchase price of [*] per share, in each case irrespective of the actual value of the Technical Assistance Services rendered by CNHI/Iveco during the period from the date hereof until December 31, 2019 and each quarter of 2020. In such case the total number of shares issued by Nikola upon Merger Closing Notice pursuant to letter c) above shall be reduced by a number of shares issued at the end of each quarter (other than first quarter of 2020) in which the Merger Closing Notice was not received by CNHI/Iveco.

 

5.3                               Until the Threshold is reached (or exceeded) the Technical Assistance Services will be invoiced in U.S. Dollars. In order to validate and confirm the Contributions in Kind, CNHI/Iveco shall permit Nikola to access the relevant facilities, work product, time logs, and any other documentation as Nikola deems necessary, in the form of Annex C.

 

5.4                               Subject to the above, it is understood that: (i) CNHI/Iveco shall inform Nikola within 30 days of exceeding the Threshold; (ii) any Technical Assistance Services in excess over the Threshold must be approved by Nikola; (iii) such Technical Assistance Services shall be invoiced in U.S. Dollars by CNHI/Iveco and paid in cash (in U.S. Dollars) by Nikola to CNHI/Iveco in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement; (iv) no such payment will be due by Nikola until the Threshold have been reached (or exceeded) either in 2020 or subsequently.

 

 

5.5                               It is understood that all payments due for any Technical Assistance Services in excess of the Threshold will be invoiced by CNHI/Iveco to Nikola on a monthly basis and paid by Nikola in cash within 60 days after the date of invoice.

 

5.6                               Actual expenditures incurred by IVECO Personnel in the provision of the Technical Assistance Services will be reimbursed by Nikola in U.S. Dollars on a monthly basis. Expenditures will be invoiced by Iveco at the forfaiting consideration of [*]% of the technical assistance provided in the related monthly period.

 

5.7                               For the avoidance of doubt, the Technical Assistance Services (and the FTE measure) provided under this Agreement will not include the costs of any new tool, codesign development to third party, raw material or component necessary or appropriate to provide such Technical Assistance Services. New costs of such tools, codesign development to third party, raw materials or components will be either borne directly by Nikola or, after Nikola’s written authorization, incurred by Iveco and then reimbursed by Nikola at Iveco’s cost [*]. In case provision of Technical Assistance Services requires specific software licenses, Nikola will make available licenses to allow the completion of the service or any cost incurred by Iveco minus any rebate or other incentive offer to Iveco will be reimbursed by Nikola as costs incurred in the performance of the Technical Assistance Services.

 

In case it is required that Technical Assistance Services are sustained at Nikola’s facilities or require access to Nikola’s information and communication technology systems, premises and the appropriate workstations, and/or software licenses, such access will be provided free of charge by Nikola.

 

5.8                               Starting from January 1, 2021 the value of the FTE will be increased in an annual basis to take into account any increase in Euro area Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) as reported by the European Central Bank. For the sake of clarity, the increase on January 1, 2021 will be calculated applying the HICP index versus the initial closing date.

 

5.9                               Each Party shall pay all taxes, levies and stamp duties in connection with this Agreement pursuant to any applicable laws and the double taxation avoidance Treaty between the United States of America and the Italian Republic. Any invoices for Technical Assistance Services shall be issued by Iveco with the proper Italian VAT treatment and for the sake of clarity, the prices defined in the article 5 are excluding any VAT liability. Any withholding taxes applicable based on the double taxation avoidance Treaty between the United States of America and the Italian Republic will reduce the payment of the invoices. Nikola

 

 

is committing to provide assistance to compute and fulfill collect any IRS certificate enabling Iveco to benefit from a foreign tax credit in Italy. Each Party understands that as of today Technical Assistance Services are treated as exportation of services not triggering any Italian VAT and that Technical Assistance Services are not part of the scope of the article 12 of the double taxation avoidance Treaty between the United States of America and the Italian Republic.

 

6.                                      PROJECT LEADERS AND PROJECT TEAMS

 

6.1                               Promptly after signing this Agreement, each Party shall respectively appoint a Project Leader(s).

 

6.2                               The Project Leaders will be responsible for oversight and management of the activities required with respect to this Agreement, and shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

 

a)                                     directing the activity of the IVECO and Nikola personnel assigned to work on the relevant tasks;

 

b)                                     coordinating the activity of the Project Teams appointed under Article 6.3 below;

 

c)                                      taking action and making decisions which are appropriate or advisable with respect to any of the projects.

 

6.3                               To support the Project Leaders, each Party shall appoint a Project Team skilled in the different professional fields.

 

6.4                               The Project Leaders and members of the Project Teams shall be appointed by each Party as soon as they are required and may be replaced at any time by such Party, by written notice to the other Party. Parties shall make the best effort to promptly assign resources to Project Leaders.

 

6.5                               Nikola hereby acknowledges that the participation of the IVECO Personnel is not intended to attribute to Iveco any liability (i) for reaching any project timeline or targets of Nikola or (ii) for Nikola’s inability to exploit the Technical Assistance Services and achieve overall project targets; provided, however, such acknowledgement in contingent upon the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of IVECO Personnel.

 

 

6.6                               Nikola acknowledges and agrees that IVECO Personnel will remain integrated into the organization of Iveco and shall perform the Services solely in accordance with the instructions provided by, and under the supervision of, Iveco.

 

7.                                      INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

 

7.1                               Each Party shall indemnify the other for Losses arising out of third party claims caused by the indemnifying party’s  breaches of this Agreement, gross negligence and willful misconduct up to an aggregate amount equal to $[*].

 

7.2                               Iveco and its Affiliates shall perform its work under this quotation in a professionally diligent manner and in accordance with the agreed specifications. Work under this agreement is not warranted as free of defect or error. Iveco shall fix any defects or errors related to its work up to the maximum aggregate amount of USD [*].

 

7.3                               Claims on defects or errors shall become time-limited after a period of 12 months from the time the completion of the relevant Technical Assistance Services provided to Nikola.

 

7.4                               In the event of any product liability claims related to the work performed under this Agreement, clause 7.1 hereof shall apply. If requested by Iveco, Nikola shall permit Iveco to assume and direct the defense and/or negotiate with the affected third party.

 

7.5                               Nikola must notify Iveco in writing within thirty days (30) days after the applicable period of any defects ascertained. The notice from Nikola concerning alleged defects must contain a full and complete description of the defects.

 

8.                                      TERM AND TERMINATION

 

8.1                               This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of its signature. After the Threshold has been satisfied, the Technical Assistance Services may continue until December 31, 2024, pursuant to written agreement by the Parties.

 

8.2                               Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon a material breach by the other Party, subject to the expiration of any applicable and reasonable cure periods, provided, however, that  (i) only with respect to Iveco (or Iveco’s Affiliates) breach originated by Iveco (or Iveco’s Affiliates) irrevocably declared as material breach pursuant section 10.1 of this Agreement, if Nikola is entitled to a credit for any prepayment of the Services not actually provided by way of issuance of shares, then  Iveco and its Affiliates shall return the shares (valued

 

 

USD [*] per share) for an amount equivalent to the Services not provided and (ii) only with respect to Nikola (or Nikola’s Affiliates) breach originated by Nikola (or Nikola’s Affiliates) irrevocably declared as material breach pursuant section 10.1 of this Agreement, then Iveco and its Affiliates will retain all shares irrespective of the value of Technical Assistance Services actually provided by Iveco to Nikola.

 

8.3                               This Agreement may be terminated upon mutual written consent of the Parties.

 

9.                                      CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA

 

9.1                               Article VIII of the Master Agreement shall apply also in respect of any confidential information and data exchanged or used by the Parties in connection with this Agreement.

 

10.                               MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.1                        Disputes

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.7 of the Master Agreement, any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Agreement may be brought against each Party in the state or federal courts located in the State of Delaware, and each Party consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waive any objection to venue in those courts. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STATUTE, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

10.2                        Governing Law

 

This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Law of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles thereof relating to the conflicts of Laws.

 

10.3                        Severability

 

If any provision of this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or the application of any such provision (or portion thereof) to any person, entity or circumstance is held to be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable in any respect by a final

 

 

judgment, order of a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed to be void and unenforceable. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the remaining provisions of this Agreement, if capable of substantial performance, shall remain in full force and effect.

 

10.4                        Survival

 

Any provision of this Agreement which contemplates performance or observance subsequent to any termination or expiration of this Agreement shall survive any termination or expiration of this Contract and continue in full force and effect. Specifically, Articles 8 and 9 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

10.5                        No Waiver

 

A delay or omission by either Party hereto to exercise any right or power under this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver thereof. A waiver by either of the Parties hereto of any of the covenants to be performed by the other or any breach thereof shall not be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach thereof or any other covenant herein contained. All waivers must be in writing and signed by the Party waiving its rights.

 

10.6                        Disclaimer of Agency

 

Neither Party shall act on behalf of the other Party, which can only become bound by the signature of its own authorized representatives. In all circumstances, Nikola shall act in its own name and shall not be considered as the agent of Iveco and vice versa.

 

10.7                        Entire agreement; Amendment

 

This Agreement, any annexes and attachments referred to herein or attached hereto, each of which is incorporated herein for all purposes, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, modification, change, waiver, or discharge hereof shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the other Party against which such amendment, modification, change, waiver or discharge is sought to be enforced.

 

10.8                        Notice

 

In any case, where any notice or other communication is required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, such notice or communication shall be in

 

 

writing to the following address or/and shall be (i) personally delivered or (ii) sent by email, postage prepaid registered airmail or internationally recognized courier service

 

If to the NIKOLA:                ;

 

If to IVECO:                 ;

 

provided however, that if either Party shall have designated a different address by notice to the other, the notice shall be delivered to the last address so designated.

 

All such notices or other communications shall be deemed to have been given or received (i) upon receipt if personally delivered, (ii) on the fifteenth (15) business day following the date on the receipt held by the sending Party if by postage prepaid registered airmail or of fifteen (15) business days after delivery to internationally recognized courier service. All the notices shall be in English language.

 

10.9                        Headings

 

The titles and headings herein are used for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement for purpose of interpretation.

 

10.10                 Binding Effect; Assignment

 

This Agreement binds and inures to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement and the rights, obligations and remedies hereunder (including any amounts to be paid or received hereunder) shall not be assignable or transferable by either Party (including by operation of Law) without the prior written consent of the other Party (to be given in its sole discretion), except that either Party may assign, delegate or transfer this Agreement to any Affiliate of such Party, or in connection with a merger, acquisition, change of control or sale of substantially all of the assets of such Party related to this Agreement; provided, however, that the transferor shall remain liable for any assignee’s, transferee’s, or delegate’s  obligations hereunder.

 

10.11                 No Third Party Beneficiaries

 

Except for applicable Affiliates of the Parties, this Agreement is entered into solely between, and may be enforced only by, Nikola, on the one hand, and Iveco, on the other hand, and shall not be deemed to create any rights or causes of action in or on behalf of any third parties, including employees, suppliers and customers of a Party, or to create any obligations of a Party to any such third parties, unless expressly agreed in writing by the Parties.

 

 

10.12                 Further Assurances

 

Each Party covenants and agrees that, subsequent to execution and delivery of this Agreement and without any additional consideration, each Party shall execute and deliver any further legal instruments and perform any acts that are or may become reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.

 

10.13                 Annexes

 

The annexes of this Agreement shall be the following:

Annex A Hourly fee per resource category

Annex B Services

Annex C Template for reporting technical assistance

 

10.14                 Force Majeure

 

Force Majeure Events shall include war, acts of god or any causes beyond the reasonable control of the Parties, including but not limited to strikes, lock-outs,  viral contagion or related epidemic / pandemic supplier stoppages and shortages or other industrial action, to the extent actually adversely affecting the applicable Party’s performance, provided that the affected Party has taken all reasonable and customary measures to avoid the occurrence of such Force Majeure Event. Upon occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, the Party that is unable to perform shall promptly notify the other Party that a Force Majeure Event has occurred and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts on a continuous basis to cure, correct or minimize the impact of the Force Majeure Event that is reasonably capable of being cured within a reasonable period of time. If the Force Majeure Event has not ended within forty-eight (48) hours after its occurrence, the Parties will promptly confer in an effort to remedy the cause and mitigate the effect of such Force Majeure Event. For the avoidance of doubt, both Parties stipulate that the COVID-19 pandemic and its possible development is not a Force Majeure event.

 

10.15                 Non-Solicitation

 

The Parties agree not to directly or indirectly, solicit, attempt to solicit, hire or attempt to hire any individual then employed or engaged by the other Party at any time during the term of this Agreement and for a period of 180 days after the expiration or termination of this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 9.15 will not apply to individuals hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit individuals

 

 

employed by the other Party) or as a result of the use of a general solicitation (such as newspaper advertisement or on radio, television or internet job site) not specifically directed to such individuals.

 

 

IN WITNESS, this Agreement is signed in two (2) English originals by the duly authorized representatives of the Parties.

 

	
Iveco S.p.A:
    	
 
    	
Nikola Corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/ Gerrit Marx
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Trevor Milton
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Position: President,   Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, CNH Industrial N.V.
    	
 
    	
Position: CEO

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