0001193125-21-117837.txt : 20210415 0001193125-21-117837.hdr.sgml : 20210415 20210415164012 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-21-117837 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20210413 0001383094 0001540151 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20210415 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20210415 ABS ASSET CLASS: Auto loans FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001383094 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES [6189] IRS NUMBER: 204382941 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-139609 FILM NUMBER: 21828965 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1601 ELM STREET STREET 2: SUITE 800 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 BUSINESS PHONE: 214-634-1110 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1601 ELM STREET STREET 2: SUITE 800 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20061208 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001854012 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES [6189] STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-228364-14 FILM NUMBER: 21828966 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1601 ELM STREET STREET 2: SUITE 800 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 BUSINESS PHONE: 214-634-1110 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1601 ELM STREET STREET 2: SUITE 800 CITY: DALLAS STATE: TX ZIP: 75201 8-K 1 d161327d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report Pursuant

to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported) April 13, 2021

 

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

(Exact Name of Issuing Entity as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Commission File Number of Issuing Entity: 333-228364-14

Central Index Key Number of Issuing Entity: 0001854012

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC

(Exact Name of Depositor as Specified in its Charter)

Commission File Number of Depositor: 333-228364

Central Index Key Number of Depositor: 0001383094

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.

(Exact Name of Sponsor as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Central Index Key Number of Sponsor: 0001540151

Delaware

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation of Registrant)

86-6449214

(Issuing Entity’s I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC

1601 Elm Street, Suite 800

Dallas, Texas

  75201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices of Registrant)   (Zip Code)

(214) 292-1930

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

N/A   N/A   N/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On April 13, 2021, Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC (“Santander Drive”) and Santander Consumer USA Inc. (“SC”) entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of itself and as representative of the several underwriters (collectively, the “Underwriters”), for the sale of the following notes to be issued by Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 (the “Issuer”): the Class A-1 0.12351% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes, the Class A-2 0.36% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes, the Class A-3 0.44% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes, the Class B 0.65% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes, the Class C 1.02% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes and the Class D 1.45% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (collectively, the “Notes”). The Notes have been registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under a Registration Statement on Form SF-3 (Commission File No. 333-228364). It is anticipated that the Notes will be issued on April 21, 2021 (the “Closing Date”).

Attached as Exhibit 1.1 is the Underwriting Agreement.

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On the Closing Date, SC and Santander Drive will enter into a Purchase Agreement, to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which SC will transfer to Santander Drive certain motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and installment loans relating to certain new and used automobiles, light-duty trucks, SUVs and vans (the “Receivables”) and related property. The Issuer, a Delaware statutory trust, was established by a Trust Agreement dated as of January 8, 2021, which will be amended and restated by an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Amended and Restated Trust Agreement”) by and between Santander Drive and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., as owner trustee. On the Closing Date, the Issuer will enter into a Sale and Servicing Agreement, to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”), with Santander Drive, as seller, SC, as servicer, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), pursuant to which the Receivables and related property will be transferred to the Issuer. On the Closing Date, the Issuer, SC, as sponsor and servicer, and Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC, as asset representations reviewer, will enter into an Asset Representations Review Agreement, to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Asset Representations Review Agreement”), relating to the review of certain representations relating to the Receivables after satisfaction of certain conditions. Also, on the


Closing Date, the Issuer will enter into an Indenture, to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Indenture”), by and between the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee. Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuer will cause the issuance of the Notes and will grant a security interest in the Receivables and other related property to secure the Notes. Also on the Closing Date, the Issuer, SC, as administrator, and the Indenture Trustee will enter into an Administration Agreement, to be dated as of the Closing Date (the “Administration Agreement”), relating to the provision by SC of certain administration services on behalf of the Issuer relating to the Notes.

Attached as Exhibit 4.1 is the form of Indenture, as Exhibit 10.1 is the form of Purchase Agreement, as Exhibit 10.2 is the form of Sale and Servicing Agreement, as Exhibit 10.3 is the form of Administration Agreement, as Exhibit 10.4 is the form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement and as Exhibit 10.5 is the form of Asset Representations Review Agreement.

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the chief executive officer of the registrant has made the certifications required by Paragraph I.B.1(a) of Form SF-3 attached as Exhibit 36.1. The certification is being filed on this Current Report on Form 8-K to satisfy the requirements of Item 601(b)(36) of Regulation S-K.

Substantially final versions of the transaction documents, the forms of which were filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, are being filed on this Current Report to satisfy the requirements of Item 1100(f) of Regulation AB.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a)

Not applicable.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

(c)

Not applicable.

 

(d)

Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Document Description

1.1    Underwriting Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2021, among Santander Drive, SC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the several underwriters.
4.1    Indenture, to be dated as of April 21, 2021, between the Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”).
10.1    Purchase Agreement, to be dated as of April 21, 2021, between SC and Santander Drive.
10.2    Sale and Servicing Agreement, to be dated as April 21, 2021, among the Issuer, Santander Drive, SC and the Indenture Trustee.
10.3    Administration Agreement, to be dated as of April 21, 2021, among the Issuer, SC, as administrator, and the Indenture Trustee.
10.4    Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, to be dated as of April  21, 2021, between Santander Drive and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for the Issuer.
10.5    Asset Representations Review Agreement, to be dated as of April 21, 2021, among the Issuer, SC, as sponsor and servicer, and Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC, as asset representations reviewer.
36.1    Depositor Certification for shelf offerings of asset-backed securities.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

April 15, 2021     SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC
    By:  

/s/ Corey Henry

    Name:   Corey Henry
    Title:   President
EX-1.1 2 d161327dex11.htm EX-1.1 EX-1.1

Exhibit 1.1

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC

Depositor

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.

Sponsor and Servicer

$170,000,000 0.12351% Class A-1 Asset Backed Notes

$512,000,000 0.36% Class A-2 Asset Backed Notes

$218,670,000 0.44% Class A-3 Asset Backed Notes

$199,290,000 0.65% Class B Asset Backed Notes

$279,590,000 1.02% Class C Asset Backed Notes

$219,600,000 1.45% Class D Asset Backed Notes

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

April 13, 2021

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC,

as Representative of the Several Underwriters named on Exhibit A hereto

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Section 1. Introductory.

Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Seller” or “Depositor”), and Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation (“SC”), confirm their agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Representative”), as representative of the several underwriters (the “Underwriters” and each, an “Underwriter”) listed in Section 2 of the Terms Exhibit attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Terms Exhibit”) as follows:

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), will issue the notes specified in Section 1 of the Terms Exhibit (the “Issued Notes”) pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date (as defined below) (the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”). The Seller proposes to sell to the Underwriters the Issued Notes specified in Section 3 of the Terms Exhibit (the “Notes”).

The assets of the Issuer (the “Trust Estate”) consist of all money, accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles, goods, instruments, investment property and other property of the Issuer, including without limitation (i) the Receivables acquired by the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date (the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”), by and among the Seller, the Issuer, SC, as servicer, and the Indenture Trustee, the Related Security relating thereto and Collections thereon after the Cut-Off Date, (ii) all Receivable Files, (iii) the rights of the Issuer to the funds on deposit from time to time in the Trust Accounts and any other


account or accounts (other than the Certificate Distribution Account) established pursuant to the Indenture or Sale and Servicing Agreement and all cash, investment property and other property from time to time credited thereto and all proceeds thereof (including investment earnings, net of losses and investment expenses, on amounts on deposit therein, other than as provided in Section 3.7 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement), (iv) the rights of the Seller, as buyer, under the Purchase Agreement, (v) the rights of the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Administration Agreement and (vi) all proceeds of the foregoing. The Issued Notes will be collateralized by the Trust Estate.

The Receivables and related property will be conveyed to the Seller by SC pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date (the “Purchase Agreement”), between the Seller and SC, and will be conveyed to the Issuer by the Seller pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

The terms of the Notes are set forth in the Registration Statement (as defined below) and the related Prospectus (as defined below).

Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein or in the Terms Exhibit shall have the meanings given such terms in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

The Seller has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Act”), a shelf registration statement on Form SF-3 (having the registration number 333-228364), including a form of prospectus, as amended by pre-effective amendments no. 1 and no. 2 thereto, relating to the offering of asset-backed notes. The registration statement as amended has been declared effective by the Commission not more than three years prior to the date hereof, or the Seller has prepared and filed (before the expiration of such three year period) with the Commission in accordance with the Act, a new shelf registration statement on Form SF-3 and such new registration statement includes unsold securities covered by the earlier registration statement, which such unsold securities may continue to be offered and sold until the earlier of the effective date of the new registration statement or 180 days after the third anniversary of the initial effective date of the prior registration statement, as permitted pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of Rule 415 of the Act. If any post-effective amendment has been filed with respect thereto, prior to the execution and delivery of this Underwriting Agreement, the most recent such amendment shall have been declared effective by the Commission. Such registration statement, as amended at the time of effectiveness, including all material incorporated by reference therein and including all information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430D under the Act, is referred to in this Underwriting Agreement as the “Registration Statement.” The Company proposes to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act (“Rule 424(b)”) a final prospectus (such prospectus, as amended and supplemented, the “Prospectus”) relating to the Notes and the method of distribution thereof.

Prior to the date and time of the first Contract of Sale (as defined in Section 4(j) hereof) for the Notes (the “Time of Sale”), the Seller had prepared (i) Issuer Free Writing Prospectus(es) (as defined in Section 16(a)(iii) hereof) issued at or prior to the Time of Sale and (ii) the Preliminary Prospectus, dated April 7, 2021 (subject to completion). As used herein, “Preliminary Prospectus” means, with respect to any date or time referred to herein, the most

 

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recent preliminary prospectus (as such preliminary prospectus may be amended or supplemented), which has been prepared and delivered by the Seller to the Underwriters in accordance with the provisions hereof. As used herein, “Time of Sale Information” means, collectively, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the most recent Preliminary Prospectus.

Pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement and the Terms Exhibit, which is incorporated by reference herein (this Underwriting Agreement including such Terms Exhibit if the context so requires, the “Underwriting Agreement”), and subject to the terms hereof, the Seller agrees to sell the Notes to the Underwriters named in such Terms Exhibit.

Section 2. Representations and Warranties of the Seller and SC.

(a) Each of the Seller and SC severally represents and warrants (as to itself) to the Underwriters, as of the date hereof (unless specified otherwise) and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

(i) The Seller has prepared and filed the Registration Statement with the Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Act, including a form of prospectus, relating to the Notes. The Registration Statement as amended has been declared effective by the Commission and is effective. The conditions to the use of a registration statement on Form SF-3 under the Act and the conditions of Rule 415 under the Act, including the Registrant Requirements set forth in General Instruction I.A. of Form SF-3, have been satisfied as of the date of this Underwriting Agreement and will be satisfied as of the Closing Date. The conditions to the use of a registration statement on Form SF-3 under the Act, as stated in the Transaction Requirements set forth in General Instruction I.B. of Form SF-3, will be satisfied as of the Closing Date. As of the date that is ninety days after December 31, 2020, the requirements of General Instruction I.A. of Form SF-3 have been met. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or threatened by the Commission.

(ii) As of the Closing Date, the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, except with respect to any modification to which the Representative has agreed in writing, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to the Representative or its counsel before such date or, to the extent not completed on such date, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus that has previously been furnished to the Representative) as the Seller or SC has advised the Representative, before such time, will be included or made therein.

(iii) On the most recent effective date of the Registration Statement, the Registration Statement conformed in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and, on the Closing Date, the Registration Statement and, on the date hereof and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus will conform in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the

 

3


Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and (A) on the Closing Date, the Registration Statement will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (B) as of its date and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the foregoing does not apply to (1) that part of the Registration Statement which constitutes the Statements of Eligibility of Qualification (Form T-1) of the Indenture Trustee or other indenture trustees under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”) or (2) the Underwriters’ Information (as defined in Section 8(b) hereof).

(iv) As of its date and at the Time of Sale, the Road Show Information (as defined in Section 16(a)(iii) hereof) did not, and at the Closing Date will not, contain an untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(v) The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus (other than documents filed by Persons other than the Seller), when they became or become effective under the Act or were or are filed with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as the case may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

(vi) The Time of Sale Information at its date and at the Time of Sale did not, and at the Closing Date will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that no representation or warranty is made with respect to the omission of pricing and price-dependent information, which information shall appear in the Prospectus but not in the Preliminary Prospectus); provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information contained in or omitted from either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus based upon the Underwriters’ Information (as defined in Section 8(b) hereof).

(vii) Other than the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus, the Issuer (including its agents and representatives other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not made, used, prepared, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication,” including any other “free writing prospectus” (each as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of any offer to buy the Notes.

(b) The Seller or SC, as applicable, has been duly organized and is validly existing as a Delaware limited liability company or an Illinois corporation, respectively, in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization. The Seller or SC, as applicable, has, in all

 

4


material respects, full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Underwriting Agreement and each Transaction Document to which it is a party, own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing (or is exempt from such requirements), and has obtained all necessary material licenses and approvals (except with respect to the securities laws of any foreign jurisdiction or the state securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions), in each jurisdiction in which failure to so qualify or obtain such licenses and approvals would have a material adverse effect on the interests of holders of the Notes. The Seller has full power and authority to cause the Issuer to issue the Issued Notes.

(c) The execution, delivery and performance by the Seller or SC, as applicable, of this Underwriting Agreement and each Transaction Document to which it is a party, the issuance of the Issued Notes and sale of the Notes, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company or corporate action on the part of the Seller or SC, respectively. Neither the execution and delivery by the Seller or SC, as applicable, of such instruments, nor the performance by the Seller or SC, respectively, of the transactions herein or therein contemplated, nor the compliance by the Seller or SC, as applicable, with the provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) conflict with the organizational documents of such entity, (ii) result in a material conflict with any of the provisions of any judgment, decree or order binding on the Seller or SC, as applicable, or its properties, (iii) conflict with any indenture or agreement or instrument to which the Seller or SC is a party or by which such entity’s properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, indentures or agreements which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or the Seller’s or SC’s ability to perform their respective obligations under, the Transaction Documents), (iv) conflict with any applicable law, rule or regulation or (v) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the Seller’s or SC’s, as applicable, property pursuant to the terms of any such indenture, mortgage, contract or other instrument.

(d) The Seller or SC, as applicable, has duly executed and delivered this Underwriting Agreement and, as of the Closing Date, has duly executed and delivered each Transaction Document to which it is a party.

(e) (i) SC has authorized the conveyance of the Receivables and other related property to the Seller; and (ii) the Seller has authorized the conveyance of the Receivables and other related property to the Issuer.

(f) Except as set forth in or contemplated in the Prospectus or as has been publicly disclosed by the Seller or SC, there has been no material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of SC or the Seller since December 31, 2020, which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on either (i) the ability of SC or the Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, or to perform its respective obligations hereunder, or under any of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (ii) the Receivables.

 

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(g) Any taxes, fees and other governmental charges in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Seller or SC of this Underwriting Agreement and each Transaction Document to which it is a party shall have been paid or will be paid by the Seller or SC, as applicable, at or before the Closing Date to the extent then due.

(h) The Issued Notes, when validly issued pursuant to the Indenture, and the Notes, when sold to the Underwriters pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement, will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and will be validly issued and entitled to the benefits and security afforded by the Indenture. When executed and delivered by the parties thereto, each of the Indenture and each Transaction Document to which the Seller or SC is a party will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller or SC, as applicable, enforceable against such entity in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights in general and to general principles of equity. All approvals, authorizations, consents, filings, orders or other actions of any person, corporation or other organization, or of any court, governmental agency or body or official (except with respect to the securities laws of any foreign jurisdiction or the state securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions), required in connection with the valid and proper authorization and issuance of the Issued Notes pursuant to the Indenture and sale of the Notes pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement have been or will be taken or obtained on or before the Closing Date. As of the Closing Date, the Issuer’s pledge of the Trust Estate to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture will vest in the Indenture Trustee, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a first priority perfected security interest therein, subject to no prior lien, mortgage security interest, pledge, adverse claim, charge or other encumbrance, except as may be permitted by the terms of the Transaction Documents.

(i) Neither the Seller nor the Issuer is now, and following the issuance of the Issued Notes neither the Seller nor the Issuer will be, an “investment company” that is registered or required to be registered under, or is otherwise subject to the restrictions of, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and, although there may be additional exclusions or exemptions available to the Issuer, the Issuer will rely on the exclusion or exemption from the definition of “investment company” under the Investment Company Act contained in Section 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act. The Issuer is structured so as not to constitute a “covered fund” as defined in the final regulations issued December 10, 2013, implementing the “Volcker Rule” (Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act).

(j) Except for the Underwriters, none of the Seller, the Issuer or SC has employed or retained a broker, finder, commission agent or other person in connection with the sale of the Notes, and none of the Seller, the Issuer or SC is under any obligation to pay any broker’s fee or commission in connection with such sale.

(k) As of the Closing Date, the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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(l) Based on information currently available to, and in the reasonable belief of, the management of the Seller or SC, as applicable, such entity is not engaged (whether as defendant or otherwise) in, nor has such entity knowledge of the existence of, or any threat of, any legal, arbitration, administrative or other proceedings, the result of which could reasonably have a material adverse effect on the Noteholders.

(m) As of the Closing Date, the representations and warranties (other than the representations and warranties concerning the characteristics of the Receivables which representations and warranties will be true and correct in all material respects as of the date set forth in the applicable Transaction Document) of the Seller, the Issuer or SC (both in its individual capacity and as Servicer), as applicable, in each Transaction Document to which it is a party will be true and correct in all material respects.

(n) As of the Closing Date, there are no contracts or documents that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that have not been so filed.

(o) No Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event, or an event which after any applicable grace period or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event, has occurred.

(p) The Seller was not, on the date on which the first bona fide offer of the Notes sold pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement was made, an “ineligible issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Act.

(q) SC has provided a written representation (the “17g-5 Representation”) to each nationally recognized statistical rating organization hired by SC to rate the Issued Notes (collectively, the “Hired NRSROs”), which satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(3)(iii)(A) through (E) of Rule 17g-5 of the Exchange Act (“Rule 17g-5”) and a copy of which has been delivered to each Underwriter. SC has complied, and has caused the Seller to comply, in all material respects with the 17g-5 Representation, other than any breach of the 17g-5 Representation arising from a breach by any of the Underwriters of the representation, warranty and covenant set forth in Section 4(k) or Section 4(l) hereof.

(r) The Seller has complied with Rule 193 of the Act in connection with the offering of the Notes. Neither the Depositor nor SC has engaged any person to provide third-party “due diligence services” (as defined in Rule 17g-10 under the Exchange Act) relating to the Notes, other than a nationally recognized independent accounting firm acceptable to the Representative (the “Accounting Firm”). The Depositor obtained a “third-party due diligence report” (as defined in Rule 15Ga-2 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 15Ga-2”)), prepared by the Accounting Firm entitled “Independent Accountants’ Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures”, dated April 1, 2021 (the “Accountant’s Due Diligence Report”), and neither the Depositor nor SC has received any “third-party due diligence report” (as defined in Rule 15Ga-2) other than the Accountant’s Due Diligence Report.

 

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(s) The Depositor has (i) furnished to the Commission a Form ABS-15G (the “Form ABS-15G”) containing the findings and conclusions of the Accountant’s Due Diligence Report and meeting all other requirements of Rule 15Ga-2, including by furnishing such Form ABS-15G to the Commission on EDGAR within the time period required by Rule 15Ga-2, and (ii) provided a draft of the Form ABS-15G, not materially different from the Form ABS-15G furnished to the Commission, to counsel for the Underwriters and to the Representative in a reasonable period of time prior to the furnishing of such Form ABS-15G to the Commission as set forth in clause (i).

(t) SC has complied, and is the appropriate entity to comply, with all requirements imposed on the “sponsor of a securitization transaction” in accordance with the final rules contained in Regulation RR, 17 C.F.R. §246.1, et seq. (the “Credit Risk Retention Rules”), in each case directly or (to the extent permitted by the Credit Risk Retention Rules) through a “majority-owned affiliate” (as defined in the Credit Risk Retention Rules, a “Majority-Owned Affiliate”). On the Closing Date, SC or a Majority-Owned Affiliate of SC will retain an “eligible horizontal residual interest” (as defined in the Credit Risk Retention Rules) equal to at least 5% of the fair value (determined using a fair value measurement framework under United States generally accepted accounting principles) of all the “ABS interests” (as defined in the Credit Risk Retention Rules) in the Issuer issued as part of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (such interest, the “Retained Interest”), determined as of the Closing Date. SC is solely responsible for the calculation of the fair value of the Retained Interest. The Preliminary Prospectus contains all of the required disclosures under 17 C.F.R. §246.4(c)(1).

Section 3. Purchase, Sale and Issuance of Notes.

Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the covenants, representations and warranties set forth herein, the Seller agrees to sell to each Underwriter, and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the respective Initial Note Balance of the Notes set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Section 3 of the Terms Exhibit. The Notes will bear interest at the applicable rate set forth therein. The issuance of the Issued Notes and the sale and purchase of the Notes shall take place at a closing (the “Closing”) at the offices of Mayer Brown LLP, 71 South Wacker Drive, 39th Floor, Chicago, Illinois on the closing date specified in the Terms Exhibit (the “Closing Date”). The net purchase price for the Notes, expressed as a percentage of the Initial Note Balance of the applicable class of Notes, shall be as set forth in Section 4 of the Terms Exhibit. On the Closing Date, as consideration for the delivery of the Notes as set forth in this Section, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to pay (or cause to be paid) the net purchase price to an account to be designated by the Seller. The underwriting discount to the Underwriters, the selling concessions that the Underwriters may allow to certain dealers, and the discounts that such dealers may reallow to certain other dealers, each expressed as a percentage of the Initial Note Balance of the applicable class of Notes sold to the Underwriters, shall be as set forth in Section 4 of the Terms Exhibit. The Seller shall deliver (or shall cause the Issuer to deliver) the Notes to the Underwriters for their respective accounts through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). The Notes shall be global notes registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. The interests of beneficial owners of the Notes will be represented by book entries on the records of DTC and participating members thereof. The number and denominations of global notes so delivered shall be as specified by DTC. The Seller and SC agree to have authenticated copies of the Issued Notes available for inspection by the Representative in New York, New York, not later than 12:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date, or such other date and time as the Representative and the Seller may agree. The original global certificated Notes will be held by the Indenture Trustee in Wilmington, Delaware.

 

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Section 4. Offering by Underwriters.

(a) The Seller authorizes each Underwriter to take all such action as it may deem advisable in respect of all matters pertaining to sales of the Notes to dealers and to retail purchasers and to member firms and specialists, including the right to make variations in the selling arrangements with respect to such sales. If the Prospectus specifies an initial public offering price or a method by which the price at which such Notes are to be sold is determined, then after the Notes are released for sale to the public, the Underwriters may vary from time to time the public offering price, selling concessions and reallowances to dealers that are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and other terms of sale hereunder and under such selling arrangements.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Underwriter severally but not jointly agrees that it will not offer or sell any Notes within the United States, its territories or possessions or to persons who are citizens thereof or residents therein, except in transactions that are not prohibited by any applicable securities, bank regulatory or other applicable law.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Underwriter severally but not jointly agrees that it will not offer or sell any Notes in any other country, its territories or possessions or to persons who are citizens thereof or residents therein, except in transactions that are not prohibited by any applicable securities law.

(d) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents and agrees that:

(i) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any Notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Issuer or the Depositor;

(ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to any Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom (the “UK”); and

(iii) after the Closing Date, it will provide the Seller with a list of all foreign jurisdictions related to any written confirmations of sale of Notes it has sent.

(e) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly agrees that (i) if the Prospectus is not delivered with the confirmation in reliance on Rule 172, it will include in every confirmation sent out by such Underwriter the notice required by Rule 173 informing the investor that the sale was made pursuant to the Registration Statement and that the investor may request a copy of the Prospectus from such Underwriter; (ii) if a paper copy of the Prospectus is requested by a person who receives a confirmation, such Underwriter shall deliver a printed or paper copy of such Prospectus; and (iii) if an electronic copy of the Prospectus is delivered by an Underwriter for any purpose, such copy shall be the same electronic file containing the Prospectus in the identical form transmitted electronically to such Underwriter by or on behalf of the Seller specifically for use by such Underwriter pursuant to this Section 4(e); for example, if the Prospectus is delivered

 

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to an Underwriter by or on behalf of the Seller in a single electronic file in .pdf format, then such Underwriter will deliver the electronic copy of the Prospectus in the same single electronic file in .pdf format. Each Underwriter further agrees that if it delivers to an investor the Prospectus in .pdf format, upon such Underwriter’s receipt of a request from the investor within the period for which delivery of the Prospectus is required, such Underwriter will promptly deliver or cause to be delivered to the investor, without charge, a paper copy of the Prospectus.

(f) Prior to the Closing Date, the Representative shall notify SC and the Seller of (i) the date on which the Preliminary Prospectus is first used and (ii) the time of the first Contract of Sale to which such Preliminary Prospectus relates.

(g) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents and agrees (i) that it did not enter into any Contract of Sale for any Notes prior to the Time of Sale and (ii) that it will, at any time that such Underwriter is acting as an “underwriter” (as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Act) with respect to the Notes, deliver to each investor to whom Notes are sold by it during the period prior to the filing of the Prospectus (as notified to the Underwriters by the Seller), prior to the applicable time of any such Contract of Sale with respect to such investor, the Preliminary Prospectus.

(h) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents and agrees with the Seller that it has not offered, sold or otherwise made available and will not offer, sell or otherwise make available any Notes to any UK Retail Investor in the UK. For the purposes of this Section 4(h):

(i) the expression “UK Retail Investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

(A) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended) (the “EUWA”), and as amended; or

(B) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA (such rules and regulations as amended) to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA, and as amended; or

(C) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA, and as amended; and

(ii) the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe to the Notes.

(i) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents and agrees with the Seller that it has not offered, sold or otherwise made available and will not offer, sell or otherwise make available any Notes to any EU Retail Investor in the European Economic Area. For the purposes of this Section 4(i):

 

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(i) the expression “EU Retail Investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

(A) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or

(B) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended); or

(C) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended); and

(ii) the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe to the Notes.

(j) If the Seller, SC or an Underwriter determines or becomes aware that any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) (including without limitation the Preliminary Prospectus) or oral statement (when considered in conjunction with all information conveyed at the time of the “contract of sale” within the meaning of Rule 159 under the Act and all Commission guidance relating to such rule (the “Contract of Sale”)) made or prepared by the Seller or such Underwriter contains an untrue statement of material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading at the time that a Contract of Sale was entered into, unless otherwise provided in Section 16(e) hereof, either the Seller or such Underwriter may prepare corrective information, with notice to the other parties, and such Underwriter shall deliver such information in a manner reasonably acceptable to both parties, to any person with whom a Contract of Sale was entered into based on such written communication or oral statement, and such information shall provide any such person with the following:

(i) adequate disclosure of the contractual arrangement;

(ii) adequate disclosure of the person’s rights under the existing Contract of Sale at the time termination is sought;

(iii) adequate disclosure of the new information that is necessary to correct the misstatements or omissions in the information given at the time of the original Contract of Sale; and

(iv) a meaningful ability to elect to terminate or not terminate the prior Contract of Sale and to elect to enter into or not enter into a new Contract of Sale.

Any costs or losses incurred in connection with any such termination or reformation shall be subject to Section 8 hereof.

 

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(k) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents and agrees that, (i) it has not delivered, and will not deliver, any Rating Information to a Hired NRSRO or other nationally recognized statistical rating organization and (ii) it has not participated, and will not participate, in any oral communication regarding Rating Information with any Hired NRSRO or other nationally recognized statistical rating organization unless a designated representative from SC participates in such communication; provided, however, that if an Underwriter receives an oral communication from a Hired NRSRO, such Underwriter is authorized to inform such Hired NRSRO that it will respond to the oral communication with a designated representative from SC. For purposes of this paragraph, “Rating Information” means any information provided to a Hired NRSRO for the purpose of (a) determining the initial credit rating for the Issued Notes, including information about the characteristics of the Receivables and the legal structure of the Issued Notes, and (b) undertaking credit rating surveillance on the Issued Notes, including information about the characteristics and performance of the Receivables.

(l) Each Underwriter severally but not jointly represents that it has not engaged and will not engage any person to provide third-party “due diligence services” (as defined in Rule 17g-10 under the Exchange Act) relating to the Issued Notes, it being understood that the Accounting Firm has been engaged by SC and the Depositor for the purpose of providing the Accountant’s Due Diligence Report.

Section 5. Covenants.

The Seller or SC, as the case may be, covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that:

(a) The Seller will prepare a Prospectus setting forth the amount of Notes covered thereby and the terms thereof, the price at which the Notes are to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Seller, the initial public offering price at which the Notes are to be sold, the selling concessions and allowances, if any, and such other information as the Seller deems appropriate in connection with the offering of the Notes, but the Seller will not file any amendments to the Registration Statement as in effect with respect to the Notes, or any amendments or supplements to the Preliminary Prospectus, or the Prospectus, without the Representative’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed); the Seller will immediately advise the Underwriters and their counsel: (i) when notice is received from the Commission that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has become or will become effective, (ii) when any supplement or amendment to the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or the Registration Statement has been filed and (iii) of any order or communication suspending or preventing, or threatening to suspend or prevent, the offer and sale of the Notes, or any prevention or suspension of the use of the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or of any proceedings or examinations that may lead to such an order or communication, whether by or of the Commission or any authority administering any state securities or Blue Sky law, as soon as practicable after the Seller is advised thereof, and will use its reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order or communication and to obtain as soon as possible its lifting, if issued.

 

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(b) Within the time period during which a prospectus relating to the Notes is required to be delivered under the Act, the Seller has complied, or will comply, with all requirements imposed upon it by the Act, the Exchange Act and by the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Notes, as contemplated by the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If, at any time when a Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus relating to the Notes is required to be delivered under the Act (or required to be delivered but for Rule 172 under the Act), any event occurs as a result of which the Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commissioner thereunder, the Seller will promptly notify the Representative and promptly prepare and (subject to review and consent by the Representative as described in Section 5(a) hereof) file with the Commission, an amendment or supplement that will correct such statement or omission or an amendment that will effect such compliance; provided, however, that the Representative’s consent to any amendment shall not constitute a waiver or limitation of any right of any Underwriter hereunder.

(c) The Seller will make (or will cause the Issuer to make) generally available to the Noteholders (the sole Noteholder being the applicable clearing agency in the case of Book-Entry Notes (as defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement)), in each case as soon as practicable, a statement which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 of the Commission with respect to the Notes; provided that this covenant may be satisfied by posting the monthly Servicer’s Certificate for the Issuer on a publicly available website or filing such Servicer’s Certificates with the Commission on a Form 10-D.

(d) Upon request, the Seller will furnish to the Underwriters copies of the Registration Statement (at least one copy to be delivered to the Underwriters will be conformed and will include all documents and exhibits thereto or incorporated by reference therein), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Underwriters may reasonably request.

(e) The Seller will assist the Underwriters in arranging for the qualification of the Notes for sale and the determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Underwriters may designate and will continue to assist the Underwriters in maintaining such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution; provided, however, that neither the Seller nor the Issuer shall be required to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is now not qualified or to take any action which would subject it to general or unlimited service of process in any jurisdiction in which it is now not subject to service of process or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction in which it is now not subject to service of process. The Seller will promptly advise the Underwriters of any notice of suspension of the qualification of the Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose.

(f) If filing of any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or any portion thereof is required under Rule 424(b), Rule 424(h) or Rule 433 of the Commission, the Seller will file such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, properly completed, and any supplement thereto, pursuant to Rule 424(b), Rule 424(h) or Rule 433, as applicable, within the prescribed time period and will provide evidence

 

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satisfactory to the Underwriters of such timely filing. The Seller (i) will file all transaction agreements containing the provisions that are required by General Instructions I.B.1(b), I.B.1(c) and I.B.1(d) of Form SF-3 with the Commission no later than the date the Prospectus is required to be filed under Rule 424 of the Act, (ii) will timely file all certifications required by General Instruction I.B.1(a) of Form SF-3 and (iii) has filed all material required to be filed by General Instruction I.A.2 for the use of a registration statement on Form SF-3 within the time periods required by Form SF-3, the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

(g) So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Seller or SC, as applicable, will make available to the Underwriters, as soon as practicable, all documents required to be distributed to the Noteholders.

(h) The Seller and SC will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes as set forth in the Prospectus.

(i) SC will comply, and will cause the Seller to comply, with the 17g-5 Representation.

(j) SC will comply, and will cause each of its affiliates to comply, with the Credit Risk Retention Rules, as in effect from time to time, in connection with the Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 transaction.

Section 6. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters.

The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Notes will be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties made by the Seller and SC herein as of the date hereof and the Closing Date, to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Issuer contained in each Transaction Document to which it is a party as of the Closing Date, to the accuracy of the statements of the Seller and SC made pursuant to the provisions thereof, to the performance by the Seller and SC in all material respects of their respective obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions precedent:

(a) The Underwriters shall have received, with respect to each of the Seller and SC, a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of an authorized officer of each of the Seller and SC, as applicable, in which such officer, to the best of his or her knowledge after reasonable investigation, shall state that: (i) the representations and warranties of the Seller or SC, as applicable, in this Underwriting Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date, (ii) the Seller or SC, as applicable, has complied in all material respects with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or before the Closing Date, (iii) the Registration Statement has been declared effective, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are threatened by the Commission, (iv) since February 28, 2021, the performance of SC’s outstanding securitized transactions and the credit quality of the receivables underlying such securitized transactions have not materially deteriorated from the delinquency and credit loss data presented in the Preliminary Prospectus, (v) no Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event or event or condition which would, with notice or lapse of time, or both, become an Event of Default or a Servicer Replacement Event has occurred or is continuing

 

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and (vi) since the Time of Sale, each of the Seller and SC continues to be a direct or indirect subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. or its successor in interest and there has been no material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Seller’s or SC’s, as applicable, automobile finance business, except as set forth in or contemplated in the Preliminary Prospectus.

(b) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion of Mayer Brown LLP, special counsel to SC and the Seller, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, with respect to: certain corporate matters, perfection matters, matters related to the creation of a security interest, securities law matters, 1940 Act matters, tax matters and enforceability matters.

Such counsel shall also provide a “negative assurance” letter, dated as of the Closing Date, concerning the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Ratings Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

(c) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion or opinions of Mayer Brown LLP, special counsel for SC and the Seller, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, with respect to certain true sale and nonconsolidation matters.

(d) The Underwriters shall have received from Sidley Austin LLP, a favorable opinion dated the Closing Date, with respect to such matters as the Representative may reasonably require; and the Seller and SC shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass on all such matters.

(e) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion from Beard, Kultgen, Brophy, Bostwick & Dickson LLP, special counsel to SC and the Seller, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, with respect to certain corporate matters relating to SC and the Seller.

(f) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion or opinions from Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., special Delaware counsel to the Seller, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, with respect to: (i) certain matters under Delaware law with respect to the Seller and the authority of the Seller to file a voluntary bankruptcy petition and (ii) certain corporate matters with respect to the Seller.

(g) On or before the Closing Date, (i) a nationally recognized independent accounting firm acceptable to the Representative shall have furnished to the Underwriters letters relating to (A) the Preliminary Prospectus, dated as of the date of the Preliminary Prospectus, and (B) the Prospectus, dated as of the date of the Prospectus, regarding certain specified procedures performed with respect to the Issued Notes and the Receivables, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, and (ii) the Accounting Firm shall have furnished to the Representative the Accountant’s Due Diligence Report.

(h) The Representative shall have received evidence satisfactory to the Representative that, on or before the Closing Date, UCC-1 financing statements have been filed with (or have been sent for filing on the Closing Date or the next Business Day to) the appropriate UCC filing offices in the State of Delaware and the State of Illinois, reflecting the transfer of Receivables and other related property from SC to the Seller, the transfer of Receivables and other related property from the Seller to the Issuer and the pledge of the Receivables and other related property by the Issuer in favor of the Indenture Trustee.

 

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(i) The Representative shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that on or before the Closing Date, all applicable UCC termination statements relating to liens of creditors of the Seller, the Issuer, SC or any other person on the Receivables have been filed with (or have been sent for filing on the Closing Date or the next Business Day to) the appropriate filing offices, and the Representative shall have received on or before the Closing Date contractual releases or releases terminating liens of creditors of the Seller, the Issuer, SC or any other person on the Receivables.

(j) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., counsel to the Indenture Trustee, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative.

(k) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion or opinions of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., counsel to the Issuer and the Owner Trustee, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative.

(l) The Underwriters shall have received an opinion of in-house counsel to the Asset Representations Reviewer, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative.

(m) The Notes shall have received the ratings indicated in the Ratings Free Writing Prospectus (as defined in Section 16(a)(i) hereof) from the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations named therein.

(n) The Underwriters shall have received such information, certificates and documents as the Underwriters may reasonably request.

(o) On the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received a fully executed copy of each of the Transaction Documents.

(p) The Issuer shall have delivered to DTC (or an approved custodian therefor) each of the global Notes described in Section 3 hereof, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee.

(q) The Issuer shall have executed and delivered to DTC a standard “letter of representations” sufficient to cause DTC to qualify each Class of Notes for inclusion in DTC’s book-entry registration and transfer system, and each Class of Notes shall have been approved by DTC for inclusion on its book-entry registration and transfer system.

(r) The Trust Accounts (as defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement) shall have been established in accordance with the terms of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

 

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(s) The Prospectus shall have been filed as required by Section 2(a) hereof, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Seller, SC or any Underwriter, threatened by the Commission or by any authority administering any state securities or blue sky law, and any requests for additional information (to be included in the Prospectus or the Registration Statement or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Underwriters.

(t) The Indenture shall have been qualified pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

(u) All actions required to be taken and all filings required to be made by the Issuer, the Seller and SC under the Act before the Closing Date for the issuance of the Issued Notes, including any Issued Notes retained by the Depositor or an affiliate of the Depositor, shall have been duly taken or made.

If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Underwriting Agreement, or if any of the opinions or certificates mentioned above shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters, this Underwriting Agreement and all its obligations hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time before, the Closing Date by the Underwriters. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Issuer, the Seller and SC in writing or by telephone or facsimile confirmed in writing.

Section 7. Expenses.

(a) Except as expressly set forth in this Underwriting Agreement, SC and the Seller, jointly and severally, will pay all expenses incidental to the performance of their obligations hereunder and will reimburse each Underwriter for any expense reasonably incurred by it in connection with (i) the qualification of the Notes and determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Underwriters may designate (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of their counsel), (ii) the printing of memoranda relating thereto, (iii) any fees charged by credit rating agencies for the rating of the Issued Notes and (iv) expenses incurred in distributing the Prospectus to the Underwriters. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, SC and the Seller, jointly and severally, will pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of Underwriters’ counsel in connection with the purchase, sale and offering of the Notes. Except as specifically provided in this Section 7 and in Section 8 hereof, the Seller or SC will pay all of its own costs and expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel), transfer taxes on resales of Notes by it and any advertising expenses connected with any offers it may make.

(b) If the sale of the Notes provided for herein is not consummated because any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 6 hereof is not satisfied or because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Seller or SC to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof other than by reason of a default by any Underwriter, the Seller and SC, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Underwriters upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the proposed purchase, sale and offering of the Notes. Neither the Seller nor SC shall be liable to the Underwriters for loss of anticipated profits from the transactions covered by this Underwriting Agreement.

 

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Section 8. Indemnification and Contribution.

(a) The Seller and SC, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act and the respective officers, directors, agents and employees of each such person, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject, under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Information (it being understood that such indemnification with respect to the Time of Sale Information does not include the omission of pricing and price-dependent information, which information shall appear in the Prospectus but not in the Time of Sale Information), any Form ABS-15G furnished to the Commission on EDGAR with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement (a “Furnished Form ABS-15G”), the Prospectus or any Issuer Information, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (iii) any investigations or information requests from any regulator or government entity relating in any manner to the transactions contemplated hereby, including the subpoena issued to SC by the Department of Justice under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989; and will reimburse each Underwriter and each such officer, director, employee, agent or controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by each Underwriter and each such officer, director, employee, agent or controlling person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that neither the Seller nor SC shall be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission made in any such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Seller by any Underwriter specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information is the Underwriters’ Information. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Seller or SC may otherwise have.

(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Seller and SC, and each person, if any, who controls the Seller or SC within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act and the respective officers, directors, and employees of each such person, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Seller or SC may become subject, under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriters’ Information (as defined below), and (ii) the failure upon the part of such Underwriter to deliver the Preliminary Prospectus prior to the

 

18


Time of Sale to any investor with whom such Underwriter entered into a Contract of Sale at such Time of Sale and will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Seller or SC, and each such officer, director, employee or controlling person, as the case may be, in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. As used herein, the term “Underwriters’ Information” means the (1) concession and reallowance figures appearing in the second table under the caption “Underwriting” in the Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus and (2) information in the eleventh paragraph following the second table under the caption “Underwriting” in the Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus insofar as it relates to market-making transactions. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

(c) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Seller and SC, and each person, if any, who controls the Seller or SC within the meaning of the Act or the Exchange Act and the respective officers, directors and employees of each such person, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Seller or SC may become subject, under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus (as defined in Section 16(a)(v) hereof), or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) any statement contained in any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus that conflicts with the information then contained in the Registration Statement or any prospectus that is a part thereof, and will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Seller or SC in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) above, no Underwriter will be liable to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any statement in or omission from any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with (A) any written information furnished to the related Underwriter by the Seller or SC expressly for use therein, (B) information accurately extracted from the Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, which information was not corrected by information subsequently provided by the Seller or SC to the related Underwriter prior to the time of use of such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus or (C) Issuer Information (as defined in Section 16(a) hereof) (except for information regarding the status of the subscriptions for the Notes). This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

(d) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under clause (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, but the omission and/or delay so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party other than under clause (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it may elect by written notice, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party be counsel to the indemnifying party), and after

 

19


notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel) subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. If the defendants in any action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party to assert such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such action and (ii) does not include a statement as to an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.

(e) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 8, then such indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in this Section 8, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Seller and SC on the one hand and relevant Underwriter on the other from the offering of the Notes or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Seller and SC on the one hand and the relevant Underwriter on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Seller and SC on the one hand and the relevant Underwriter on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) collectively received by the Seller and SC bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the relevant Underwriter. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Seller, SC or by any Underwriter and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this clause (e) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim (which shall be limited as provided in subsection (d) above if the indemnifying party has assumed the defense of any such action in accordance with the provisions thereof) which is the subject of this clause (e). Notwithstanding the provisions of this clause (e), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the discounts and

 

20


commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the initial sale of the Notes exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or allegedly untrue statements or omissions or alleged omissions. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The obligation of the Underwriters under this Section 8(e) shall be several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

(f) The obligations of the indemnifying party under this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability which the indemnifying party may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls the indemnifying party within the meaning of the Act.

Section 9. Survival of Representations and Obligations.

The respective agreements, representations, warranties and other statements made by the Seller and SC or their officers, including any such agreements, representations, warranties and other statements relating to the Issuer, and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation, or statement as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of the Underwriters, the Seller, SC or any of their respective officers or directors or any controlling person, and will survive delivery of and payment of the Notes. The provisions of Section 7, Section 8, Sections 10-13, Section 17 and Section 18 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Underwriting Agreement.

Section 10. Notices.

All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only on receipt, and if sent to the Underwriters, will be mailed, delivered or faxed and confirmed to the address for the Representative set forth on the first page hereof, Attention: Billy Wong; if sent to the Seller, will be mailed, delivered or faxed and confirmed to: Santander Consumer USA Inc., 1601 Elm Street, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attention: Mark McCastlain; and if sent to SC, will be mailed, delivered or faxed and confirmed to: Santander Consumer USA Inc., 1601 Elm Street, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75201, Attention: Mark McCastlain.

Section 11. Applicable Law, Entire Agreement.

This Underwriting Agreement and all disputes, claims, controversies, disagreements, actions and proceedings arising out of relating to this Underwriting Agreement, including the scope or validity of this provision, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles thereof or of any other jurisdiction (other than Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the New York General Obligations Laws), and the obligations, rights and remedies of the parties under this Underwriting Agreement shall be determined in accordance with such laws. This Underwriting Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Seller and SC, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the preparation of the Prospectus or the Preliminary Prospectus, the conduct of the offering and the purchase and sale of the Notes.

 

21


Section 12. Successors.

This Underwriting Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers, directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof, and their successors and assigns, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.

Section 13. Waivers; Headings.

Neither this Underwriting Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. The headings in this Underwriting Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

Section 14. Termination of the Obligations of the Underwriters.

The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Notes on the Closing Date shall be terminable by the Underwriters by written notice delivered to the Seller and SC if at any time on or before the Closing Date: (a) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or materially limited, or there shall have been any setting of minimum prices for trading on such exchange, (b) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in Illinois or New York shall have been declared by any of Federal, Illinois state or New York state authorities, (c) there shall have occurred an outbreak or escalation of hostilities or a declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or any other major act of terrorism involving the United States, or any other substantial national or international calamity, emergency or crisis, the effect of which on the financial markets of the United States is such as to make it, in the reasonable judgment of the Underwriters, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Notes on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus, or (d) any change or any development involving a prospective change, materially and adversely affecting (i) the Trust Estate taken as a whole or (ii) the business or properties of the Seller or SC occurs, which, in the reasonable judgment of the Underwriters, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), makes it impracticable or inadvisable to market the Notes on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus. Upon such notice being given, the parties to this Underwriting Agreement shall (except for the liability of the Seller and SC under Section 7 and Section 8 hereof and the liability of each Underwriter under Section 16 hereof) be released and discharged from their respective obligations under this Underwriting Agreement.

Section 15. Default by an Underwriter.

If any one or more Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the Notes agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters hereunder and such failure to purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this Underwriting Agreement, the remaining Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of Notes set forth opposite their names in Section 3 of the Terms Exhibit bears to the aggregate amount of Notes set forth opposite the names of all the remaining Underwriters) the Notes which the defaulting Underwriter or

 

22


Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase; provided, however, that if the aggregate amount of Notes which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 25% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes, the remaining Underwriters shall have the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the Notes set forth in Section 3 of the Terms Exhibit opposite each of their respective names, and if such nondefaulting Underwriters do not purchase all the Notes set forth in Section 3 of the Terms Exhibit opposite each of their respective names, this Underwriting Agreement will terminate without liability to any nondefaulting Underwriter, the Seller or SC. In the event of a default by any Underwriter as set forth in this Section 15, the Closing Date shall be postponed for such period as is mutually agreeable to SC, the Seller and the Underwriters (with all parties hereto agreeing that time is of the essence) in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Nothing contained in this Underwriting Agreement shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Seller, SC and any nondefaulting Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

Section 16. Offering Communications.

(a) The following terms have the specified meanings for purposes of this Underwriting Agreement:

(i) “Ratings Free Writing Prospectus” means the free writing prospectus dated April 7, 2021.

(ii) “Derived Information” means such written information (including any Intex CDI file) regarding the Notes as is disseminated by any Underwriter to a potential investor, which information is neither (A) Issuer Information nor (B) contained in (1) the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of them, taking into account information incorporated therein by reference (other than information incorporated by reference from any information regarding the Notes that is disseminated by any Underwriter to a potential investor) or (2) any computer tape in respect of the Notes or the related receivables furnished by the Seller or SC to any Underwriter.

(iii) “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 433 of the Act (“Rule 433”), relating to the Notes that (i) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Depositor, (ii) is a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission (“Road Show Information”) or (iii) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Notes or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Depositor’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g). For the avoidance of doubt, the Ratings Free Writing Prospectus shall constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.

 

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(iv) “Issuer Information” has the meaning given to such term in Rule 433(h)(2) and footnote 271 of the Commission’s Release No. 33-8591 (Securities Offering Reform).

(v) “Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus” means “written communications” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) containing no more than the following: (1) information included in the Time of Sale Information with the consent of the Seller (except as provided in clauses (2) through (5) below), (2) information relating to the class, size, rating, price, CUSIPs, coupon, yield, spread, benchmark, status and/or legal maturity date of the Notes, the weighted average life, expected final payment date, trade date, settlement date and payment window of one or more classes of Notes and the underwriters for one or more classes of the Notes, (3) the eligibility of the Notes to be purchased by ERISA plans, (4) a column or other entry showing the status of the subscriptions for the Notes (both for the issuance as a whole and for each Underwriter’s retention) and/or expected pricing parameters of the Notes and/or (5) any Derived Information.

(b) The Seller will not disseminate to any potential investor any information relating to the Securities that constitutes a “written communication” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act, other than the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, unless the Seller has obtained the prior written consent of the Representative.

(c) Neither the Seller nor any Underwriter shall disseminate or file with the Commission any information relating to the Notes in reliance on Rule 167 or 426 under the Act, nor shall the Seller or any Underwriter disseminate any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus “in a manner reasonably designed to lead to its broad unrestricted dissemination” within the meaning of Rule 433(d) under the Act.

(d) Each Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus shall bear the following legend, or a substantially similar legend that complies with Rule 433 under the Act:

The Seller has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the Seller has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Seller, the issuing trust, and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Seller, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling 1-800-408-1016.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4(j) hereof, in the event the Seller or SC becomes aware that, as of the Time of Sale, any Preliminary Prospectus with respect thereto contains or contained any untrue statement of material fact or omits or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein (when read in conjunction with all Time of Sale Information) in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (a “Defective Prospectus”), the Seller shall promptly notify the Underwriters of such untrue statement or omission no later than one Business Day after discovery and the Seller shall, if requested by the Underwriters, prepare and deliver to the Underwriters an amended Preliminary Prospectus approved by the Depositor and the Underwriters that corrects material misstatements or omissions in a prior preliminary prospectus (a “Corrected Prospectus”).

 

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(f) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, represents, warrants, covenants and agrees with the Seller and SC that:

(i) Other than the Time of Sale Information and the Prospectus, it has not made, used, prepared, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to, in any communications with potential investors, any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, including but not limited to any “ABS informational and computational materials” as defined in Item 1101(a) of Regulation AB under the Act; provided, however, that (A) each Underwriter may prepare and convey one or more Underwriter Free Writing Prospectuses, and may convey the Registration Statement, any Corrected Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Information, including via Bloomberg; (B) unless otherwise consented to by the Seller, no such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus shall be conveyed if, as a result of such conveyance, the Seller or the Trust shall be required to make any registration or other filing solely as a result of such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act other than the filing of the final terms of the Notes pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5) of the Act; and (C) each Underwriter will be permitted to provide confirmations of sale.

(ii) In disseminating information to prospective investors, it has complied and will continue to comply fully with the rules and regulations of the Commission, including but not limited to Rule 164 and Rule 433 under the Act and the requirements thereunder for filing and retention of any “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Act (each a “Free Writing Prospectus”), including retaining any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectuses it has used but which are not required to be filed for the required period.

(iii) Prior to entering into any Contract of Sale, it shall convey the Preliminary Prospectus to the prospective investor. The Underwriter shall maintain sufficient records to document its conveyance of such information to the potential investor prior to the formation of the related Contract of Sale and shall maintain such records as required by the rules and regulations of the Commission.

(iv) If a Defective Prospectus has been corrected with a Corrected Prospectus, it shall (A) deliver the Corrected Prospectus to each investor with whom it entered into a Contract of Sale and that received the Defective Prospectus from it prior to entering into a new Contract of Sale with such investor, (B) notify such investor in a prominent manner that the prior Contract of Sale with the investor, if any, has been terminated and of the investor’s rights as a result of such agreement and (C) provide such investor with an opportunity to elect to enter into or not enter into a new Contract of Sale based on the information set forth in the Corrected Prospectus.

 

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(v) Each Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus prepared by it will not, as of the date such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus was conveyed or delivered to any prospective purchaser of Notes, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that no Underwriter makes such representation, warranty or agreement to the extent such untrue statements or omissions were made in reliance upon and in conformity with information contained in the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or any written information furnished to the related Underwriter by SC or the Seller specifically for use in such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus which information was not corrected by information subsequently provided by SC or the Seller to the related Underwriter prior to the time of use of such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus.

(vi) Immediately following the use of any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus containing any Issuer Information, it has provided the Seller a copy of such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus, unless such Issuer Information consists of the terms of the Notes or such information is not the final information to be included in the Prospectus.

(g) The Seller shall file with the Commission, within the applicable period of time required under the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, any Free Writing Prospectus delivered to investors in accordance with this Section, that the Seller is required to file under the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. The Seller shall file with the Commission the final terms of the Notes pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5) of the Act.

Section 17. No Fiduciary Duty.

The Seller and SC acknowledge that in connection with the offering of the Notes: (a) the Underwriters have acted at arm’s length, are not agents of or advisors to, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Seller or SC or any other person, (b) none of the Underwriters has provided any legal, regulatory, accounting, insurance or tax advice in any jurisdiction, (c) the Underwriters owe the Seller and SC only those duties and obligations set forth in this Underwriting Agreement and (d) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Seller and SC. Each of the Seller and SC waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of advisory or fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Notes.

Section 18. Counterparts.

This Underwriting Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The words “executed,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Underwriting Agreement or in any other certificate, agreement or document related to this transaction shall include, in addition to manually executed signature pages, images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic format (including, without limitation, “pdf”, “tif” or “jpg”) and other electronic signatures (including, without limitation, any electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record).

 

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The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, without limitation, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act and any other applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or the Uniform Commercial Code.

Section 19. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.

(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Underwriting Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Underwriting Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Underwriting Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Underwriting Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Underwriting Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

For purposes of this Section 19, a “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k). “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

[SIGNATURES FOLLOW]

 

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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Representative a counterpart hereof, whereupon this Underwriting Agreement, along with all counterparts, shall become a binding agreement among the Seller, SC and the Underwriters in accordance with its terms.

 

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC, as Seller
By:  

/s/ Mark McCastlain

  Name: Mark McCastlain
  Title: Vice President
SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.
By:  

/s/ Corey Henry

  Name: Corey Henry
  Title: Vice President

Signature Page to DRIVE 2021-1 Underwriting Agreement


This Underwriting Agreement is

hereby confirmed and accepted

as of the date first above written.

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,

acting on its own behalf and as Representative

on behalf of the Underwriters referred to

in the foregoing Underwriting Agreement

 

By:  

/s/ Barrett Allison

  Name: Barrett Allison
  Title: Executive Director

Signature Page to DRIVE 2021-1 Underwriting Agreement


EXHIBIT A

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1 ASSET BACKED NOTES

TERMS EXHIBIT

Dated: April 13, 2021

 

To:

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC

 

Re:

Underwriting Agreement, dated April 13, 2021

 

1.

Terms of the Notes

 

Class    Initial Note Balance      Interest Rate   Final Scheduled Payment
Date

A-1

   $ 170,000,000      0.12351%   April 15, 2022

A-2

   $ 512,000,000      0.36%   December 15, 2023

A-3

   $ 218,670,000      0.44%   November 15, 2024

B

   $ 199,290,000      0.65%   July 15, 2025

C

   $ 279,590,000      1.02%   June 15, 2027

D

   $ 219,600,000      1.45%   January 16, 2029

 

2.

Underwriters

The Underwriters named below are the “Underwriters” for the purpose of this Underwriting Agreement and for the purposes of the above-referenced Underwriting Agreement as such Underwriting Agreement is incorporated herein and made a part hereof.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Barclays Capital Inc.

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

Santander Investment Securities Inc.

 

A-1


3.

Underwriting

 

Underwriting Liability    Class A-1     Class A-2     Class A-3     Class B     Class C     Class D  

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

   $ 51,000,000     $ 153,600,000     $ 65,601,000     $ 66,430,000     $ 93,196,000     $ 73,200,000  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   $ 50,999,000     $ 153,600,000     $ 65,601,000     $ 66,430,000     $ 93,197,000     $ 73,200,000  

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

   $ 51,000,000     $ 153,599,000     $ 65,601,000     $ 66,430,000     $ 93,197,000     $ 73,200,000  

Barclays Capital Inc.

   $ 5,667,000     $ 17,067,000     $ 7,289,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

BNP Paribas Securities Corp.

   $ 5,667,000     $ 17,067,000     $ 7,289,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

Santander Investment Securities Inc.

   $ 5,667,000     $ 17,067,000     $ 7,289,000     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

4.  Purchase Price, Discounts and Concessions

   

         
     Class A-1     Class A-2     Class A-3     Class B     Class C     Class D  

Gross Purchase Price

     100.00000     99.99748     99.99412     99.99078     99.98312     99.97191

Underwriting Discount

     0.100     0.180     0.200     0.250     0.280     0.320

Net Purchase Price

     99.90000     99.81748     99.79412     99.74078     99.70312     99.65191

Maximum Dealer Selling Concessions

     0.060     0.108     0.120     0.150     0.168     0.192

Maximum Dealer Reallowance Discounts

     0.030     0.054     0.060     0.075     0.084     0.096

 

5.

Time of Sale

2:03 p.m. (Eastern Time) (U.S.) on April 13, 2021 (the time the first Contract of Sale was entered into as designated by the Underwriters).

 

6.

Closing Date

Pursuant to Rule 15c6-1(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Underwriters, the Seller and SC hereby agree that the Closing Date shall be April 21, 2021, 10:00 a.m., New York City time.

 

A-2

EX-4.1 3 d161327dex41.htm EX-4.1 EX-4.1

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

Class A-1 0.12351% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

Class A-2 0.36% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

Class A-3 0.44% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

Class B 0.65% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

Class C 1.02% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

Class D 1.45% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of April 21, 2021

 

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Indenture Trustee

 

 

 


CROSS REFERENCE TABLE1

 

TIA Section    Indenture Section

310

   (a) (1)    6.11
   (a) (2)    6.11
   (a) (3)    6.10; 6.11
   (a) (4)    N.A.2
   (a) (5)    6.11
   (b)    6.8; 6.11
   (c)    N.A.

311

   (a)    6.12
   (b)    6.12
   (c)    N.A.

312

   (a)    7.1
   (b)    7.2
   (c)    7.2

313

   (a)    7.3
   (b) (1)    7.3
   (b) (2)    7.3
   (c)    7.3
   (d)    7.3

314

   (a)    3.9
   (b)    3.6; 11.16
   (c) (1)    11.1
   (c) (2)    11.1
   (c) (3)    11.1
   (d)    11.1
   (e)    11.1
   (f)    N.A.

315

   (a)    6.1(b)
   (b)    6.5
   (c)    6.1(a)
   (d)    6.1(c)
   (e)    5.13

316

   (a) (1) (A)    5.11
   (a) (1) (B)    5.12
   (a) (2)    N.A.
   (b)    5.7
   (c)    5.6(b)

317

   (a) (1)    5.3(b)
   (a) (2)    5.3(d)
   (b)    3.3(i)-(ii)

318

   (a)    11.7

 

1 

Note: This Cross Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of this Indenture.

2 

N.A. means Not Applicable.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I     DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     2  

SECTION 1.1

  Definitions      2  

SECTION 1.2

  Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act      2  

SECTION 1.3

  Other Interpretive Provisions      2  

ARTICLE II     THE NOTES

     3  

SECTION 2.1

  Form      3  

SECTION 2.2

  Execution, Authentication and Delivery      3  

SECTION 2.3

  Temporary Notes      4  

SECTION 2.4

  Registration of Transfer and Exchange      4  

SECTION 2.5

  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes      6  

SECTION 2.6

  Persons Deemed Owners      6  

SECTION 2.7

  Payment of Principal and Interest; Defaulted Interest      7  

SECTION 2.8

  Cancellation      7  

SECTION 2.9

  Release of Collateral      8  

SECTION 2.10

  Book-Entry Notes      8  

SECTION 2.11

  Notices to Clearing Agency      9  

SECTION 2.12

  Definitive Notes      9  

SECTION 2.13

  Authenticating Agents      9  

SECTION 2.14

  Tax Treatment      10  

SECTION 2.15

  Certain Transfer Restrictions on all Classes of the Notes      11  

SECTION 2.16

  Certain Transfer Restrictions on the 144A Notes      12  

SECTION 2.17

  Certain Transfer Restrictions on the Restricted Notes      15  

SECTION 2.18

  Transfer Restrictions on Certain Notes Upon a Sale of a Certificate      17  

ARTICLE III     COVENANTS

     18  

SECTION 3.1

  Payment of Principal and Interest      18  

SECTION 3.2

  Maintenance of Office or Agency      18  

SECTION 3.3

  Money for Payments To Be Held in Trust      18  

SECTION 3.4

  Existence      20  

SECTION 3.5

  Protection of Collateral      20  

SECTION 3.6

  Opinions as to Collateral      21  

SECTION 3.7

  Performance of Obligations; Servicing of Receivables      21  

SECTION 3.8

  Negative Covenants      22  

SECTION 3.9

  Annual Compliance Statement      23  

SECTION 3.10

  Restrictions on Certain Other Activities      24  

SECTION 3.11

  Restricted Payments      24  

SECTION 3.12

  Notice of Events of Default; Servicer Replacement Events      24  

SECTION 3.13

  Further Instruments and Acts      24  

SECTION 3.14

  Compliance with Laws      24  

SECTION 3.15

  Removal of Administrator      25  

SECTION 3.16

  Perfection Representations, Warranties and Covenants      25  

SECTION 3.17

  Investment Company Act      25  

SECTION 3.18

  Tax Information      25  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE IV     SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

     25  

SECTION 4.1

  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture      25  

SECTION 4.2

  Application of Trust Money      26  

SECTION 4.3

  Repayment of Monies Held by Paying Agent      26  

ARTICLE V     EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

     26  

SECTION 5.1

  Events of Default      26  

SECTION 5.2

  Acceleration of Maturity      27  

SECTION 5.3

  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by the Indenture Trustee      28  

SECTION 5.4

  Remedies; Priorities      30  

SECTION 5.5

  Optional Preservation of the Collateral      33  

SECTION 5.6

  Limitation of Suits      33  

SECTION 5.7

  Rights of Noteholders To Receive Principal and Interest      34  

SECTION 5.8

  Restoration of Rights and Remedies      34  

SECTION 5.9

  Rights and Remedies Cumulative      35  

SECTION 5.10

  Delay or Omission Not a Waiver      35  

SECTION 5.11

  Control by Noteholders      35  

SECTION 5.12

  Waiver of Past Defaults      36  

SECTION 5.13

  Undertaking for Costs      36  

SECTION 5.14

  Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws      36  

SECTION 5.15

  Action on Notes      36  

SECTION 5.16

  Performance and Enforcement of Certain Obligations      37  

SECTION 5.17

  Sale of Collateral      37  

ARTICLE VI     THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

     38  

SECTION 6.1

  Duties of the Indenture Trustee      38  

SECTION 6.2

  Rights of the Indenture Trustee      39  

SECTION 6.3

  Individual Rights of the Indenture Trustee      41  

SECTION 6.4

  The Indenture Trustee’s Disclaimer      42  

SECTION 6.5

  Notice of Defaults      42  

SECTION 6.6

  Reports by the Indenture Trustee to Noteholders      42  

SECTION 6.7

  Compensation and Indemnity      42  

SECTION 6.8

  Removal, Resignation and Replacement of the Indenture Trustee      43  

SECTION 6.9

  Successor Indenture Trustee by Merger      44  

SECTION 6.10

  Appointment of Co-Indenture Trustee or Separate Indenture Trustee      45  

SECTION 6.11

  Eligibility; Disqualification      46  

SECTION 6.12

  Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer      46  

SECTION 6.13

  Representations and Warranties      46  

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  
    

ARTICLE VII     NOTEHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS

     47  

SECTION 7.1

  The Note Registrar to Furnish the Indenture Trustee Names and Addresses of Noteholders      47  

SECTION 7.2

  Preservation of Information; Communications to Noteholders      47  

SECTION 7.3

  Reports by the Indenture Trustee      47  

SECTION 7.4

  Rule 144A Information      48  

SECTION 7.5

  Noteholder Demand for Repurchase, Dispute Resolution      48  

SECTION 7.6

  Asset Review Voting      49  

ARTICLE VIII     ACCOUNTS, DISBURSEMENTS AND RELEASES

     50  

SECTION 8.1

  Collection of Money      50  

SECTION 8.2

  Trust Accounts      50  

SECTION 8.3

  General Provisions Regarding Accounts      51  

SECTION 8.4

  Release of Collateral      52  

SECTION 8.5

  Opinion of Counsel      53  

ARTICLE IX     SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

     53  

SECTION 9.1

  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders      53  

SECTION 9.2

  Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Noteholders      54  

SECTION 9.3

  Execution of Supplemental Indentures      56  

SECTION 9.4

  Effect of Supplemental Indenture      56  

SECTION 9.5

  Conformity With Trust Indenture Act      56  

SECTION 9.6

  Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures      56  

ARTICLE X     REDEMPTION OF NOTES

     56  

SECTION 10.1

  Redemption      56  

SECTION 10.2

  Form of Redemption Notice      57  

SECTION 10.3

  Notes Payable on Redemption Date      57  

ARTICLE XI     MISCELLANEOUS

     58  

SECTION 11.1

  Compliance Certificates and Opinions, etc.      58  

SECTION 11.2

  Form of Documents Delivered to the Indenture Trustee      59  

SECTION 11.3

  Acts of Noteholders      60  

SECTION 11.4

  Notices      61  

SECTION 11.5

  Notices to Noteholders; Waiver      61  

SECTION 11.6

  Alternate Payment and Notice Provisions      61  

SECTION 11.7

  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act      61  

SECTION 11.8

  Information Requests      62  

SECTION 11.9

  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents      62  

SECTION 11.10

  Successors and Assigns      62  

SECTION 11.11

  Separability; Entire Agreement      62  

SECTION 11.12

  Benefits of Indenture      62  

SECTION 11.13

  Legal Holidays      62  

 

iii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 11.14

  GOVERNING LAW; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      62  

SECTION 11.15

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      63  

SECTION 11.16

  Recording of Indenture      64  

SECTION 11.17

  Trust Obligation      64  

SECTION 11.18

  No Petition      64  

SECTION 11.19

  Intent      64  

SECTION 11.20

  Subordination of Claims      65  

SECTION 11.21

  Limitation of Liability of Owner Trustee      66  

SECTION 11.22

  U.S.A. Patriot Act      66  

SECTION 11.23

  Beneficial Ownership      66  

 

Schedule I    Perfection Representations, Warranties and Covenants
Exhibit A-1    Form of Notes (other than 144A Notes)
Exhibit A-2    Form of 144A Notes

 

 

iv


This INDENTURE, dated as of April 21, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, this “Indenture”), is between DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, solely as trustee and not in its individual capacity (the Indenture Trustee”).

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other party and the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Issuer’s Class A-1 0.12351% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class A-1 Notes”), Class A-2 0.36% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class A-2 Notes”) and Class A-3 0.44% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class A-3 Notes” and, together with the Class A-1 Notes and the Class A-2 Notes, the “Class A Notes”), then for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Issuer’s Class B 0.65% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class B Notes”), then for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Issuer’s Class C 1.02% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class C Notes”) and then for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Issuer’s Class D 1.45% Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes (the “Class D Notes” and, collectively with the Class A Notes, the Class B Notes and the Class C Notes, the “Notes”).

GRANTING CLAUSE

The Issuer, to secure the payment of principal of and interest on, and any other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes, equally and ratably without prejudice, priority or distinction except as set forth herein, and to secure compliance with the provisions of this Indenture, hereby Grants in trust to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date, as trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders, all of the Issuer’s right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in and to (i) the Trust Estate and (ii) all present and future claims, demands, causes and choses in action in respect of any or all of the Trust Estate and all payments on or under and all proceeds of every kind and nature whatsoever in respect of any or all of the Trust Estate, including all proceeds of the conversion, voluntary or involuntary, into cash or other liquid property, all cash proceeds, accounts, accounts receivable, notes, drafts, acceptances, chattel paper, checks, deposit accounts, insurance proceeds, condemnation awards, rights to payment of any and every kind and other forms of obligations and receivables, instruments, securities, financial assets and other property which at any time constitute all or part of or are included in the proceeds of any of the Trust Estate (collectively, the “Collateral”).

The Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Noteholders, acknowledges the foregoing Grant, accepts the trusts under this Indenture and agrees to perform its duties required in this Indenture in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

The foregoing Grant is made in trust to secure (i) the payment of principal of and interest on, and any other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes, equally and ratably without prejudice, priority or distinction except as set forth herein and (ii) compliance with the provisions of this Indenture, each as provided in this Indenture.

Without limiting the foregoing Grant, any Receivable purchased by the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or repurchased by Santander Consumer pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement shall be deemed to be automatically released from the lien of this Indenture without any action being taken by the Indenture Trustee upon payment by the Servicer or Santander Consumer, as applicable, of the related Repurchase Price for such Repurchased Receivable.

Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

SECTION 1.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms are used in this Indenture as defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 21, 2021 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”), among Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, as seller, the Issuer, Santander Consumer USA Inc., as servicer, and the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 1.2 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

indenture securities” means the Notes.

indenture security holder” means a Noteholder.

indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Indenture Trustee.

obligor” on the indenture securities means the Issuer and any other obligor on the indenture securities.

All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule have the meaning assigned to them by such definitions.

SECTION 1.3 Other Interpretive Provisions. All terms defined in this Indenture shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. For purposes of this Indenture and all such certificates and other documents, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Indenture, and accounting terms partly defined in this Indenture to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP (provided, that, to the extent that the definitions in this Indenture and GAAP conflict, the definitions in this Indenture shall control); (b) terms defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect on the relevant jurisdiction and not otherwise defined in this Indenture are used as defined in that Article; (c) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Indenture; (d) references to any Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this

 

   2    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


Indenture and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (e) the term “including” and all variations thereof means “including without limitation”; (f) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, references to any law or regulation refer to that law or regulation as amended from time to time and include any successor law or regulation; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s successors and assigns; and (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.

ARTICLE II

THE NOTES

SECTION 2.1 Form. The Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes, in each case together with the Indenture Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A-1 and Exhibit A-2 hereto, as applicable, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing the Notes, as evidenced by their execution of the Notes. Any portion of the text of any Note may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Note.

Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Notes set forth in Exhibit A hereto are part of the terms of this Indenture.

SECTION 2.2 Execution, Authentication and Delivery. The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by any of its Authorized Officers. The signature of any such Authorized Officer on the Notes may be manual or facsimile.

Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signature of individuals who were at any time Authorized Officers of the Issuer shall bind the Issuer, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of such Notes.

The Indenture Trustee shall, upon Issuer Order, authenticate and deliver Class A-1 Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $170,000,000, Class A-2 Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $512,000,000, Class A-3 Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $218,670,000, Class B Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $199,290,000, Class C Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $279,590,000 and Class D Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $219,600,000. The Note Balance of Class A-1 Notes, Class A-2 Notes, Class A-3 Notes, Class B Notes, Class C Notes and Class D Notes Outstanding at any time may not exceed such amounts except as provided in Section 2.5.

Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Class A Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes shall be issuable as registered Notes in the minimum denomination of $1,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof (except for two Notes of each Class which may be issued in a denomination other than an integral multiple of $1,000).

 

   3    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Indenture Trustee by the manual or facsimile signature of one of its authorized signatories, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.

SECTION 2.3 Temporary Notes. Pending the preparation of Definitive Notes, the Issuer may execute, and upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Notes which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, of the tenor of the Definitive Notes in lieu of which they are issued and with such variations not inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture as the officers executing such Notes may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Notes.

If temporary Notes are issued, the Issuer shall cause Definitive Notes to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of Definitive Notes, the temporary Notes shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes upon surrender of the temporary Notes at the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 3.2, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Notes, the Issuer shall execute and the Indenture Trustee upon Issuer Order shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as Definitive Notes.

SECTION 2.4 Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

(a) The Issuer shall cause to be kept a register (the “Note Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of Notes and the registration of transfers of Notes. The Indenture Trustee shall initially be the registrar (the “Note Registrar”) for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers of Notes as herein provided. Upon any resignation of any Note Registrar, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor or, if it elects not to make such an appointment, assume the duties of Note Registrar.

If a Person other than the Indenture Trustee is appointed by the Issuer as Note Registrar, the Issuer shall give the Indenture Trustee prompt written notice of the appointment of such Note Registrar and of the location, and any change in the location, of the Note Register, and the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to inspect the Note Register at all reasonable times and to obtain copies thereof, and the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to conclusively rely upon a certificate executed on behalf of the Note Registrar by a Responsible Officer thereof as to the names and addresses of the Noteholders and the principal amounts and number of such Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as Wilmington Trust, National Association is acting as the Indenture Trustee hereunder, it shall also act as the Note Registrar.

 

   4    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


(b) Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 3.2, if the requirements of Section 8-401 of the UCC are met, the Issuer shall execute and upon its written request the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and the Noteholder shall obtain from the Indenture Trustee, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes, in any authorized denominations, of the same Class and a like aggregate outstanding principal amount.

At the option of the related Noteholder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes in any authorized denominations, of the same Class and a like Note Balance, upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, if the requirements of Section 8-401 of the UCC are met the Issuer shall execute and, upon Issuer Request, the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and the related Noteholder shall obtain from the Indenture Trustee, the Notes which the Noteholder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

(c) All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(d) Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be (i) duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form and substance satisfactory to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee duly executed by the Noteholder thereof or its attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing, with such signature guaranteed by an “eligible grantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Note Registrar which requirements include membership or participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Note Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Exchange Act and (ii) accompanied by such other documents as the Indenture Trustee may require, including but not limited to the applicable IRS Form W-8 or W-9.

(e) No service charge shall be made to a Noteholder for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.3 or Section 9.6 not involving any transfer.

(f) The Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

The preceding provisions of this Section 2.4 notwithstanding, the Issuer shall not be required to make and the Note Registrar need not register transfers or exchanges of any Notes selected for redemption or of any Note for a period of 15 days preceding the Redemption Date or any Payment Date, as applicable.

 

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SECTION 2.5 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes. If (i) any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Indenture Trustee, or the Indenture Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, and (ii) there is delivered to the Indenture Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by it to hold the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer, the Note Registrar or the Indenture Trustee that such Note has been acquired by a “protected purchaser” (as contemplated by Article 8 of the UCC), and provided that the requirements of Section 8-405 of the UCC are met, the Issuer shall execute and upon its written request the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a replacement Note; provided that if any such destroyed, lost or stolen Note, but not a mutilated Note, shall have become or within seven days shall be due and payable, or shall have been called for redemption, instead of issuing a replacement Note, the Issuer may upon delivery of the security or indemnity herein required pay such destroyed, lost or stolen Note when so due or payable or upon the Redemption Date without surrender thereof. If, after the delivery of such replacement Note or payment of a destroyed, lost or stolen Note pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, a “protected purchaser” (as contemplated by Article 8 of the UCC) of the original Note in lieu of which such replacement Note was issued presents for payment such original Note, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to recover such replacement Note (or such payment) from the Person to whom it was delivered or any Person taking such replacement Note from such Person to whom such replacement Note was delivered or any assignee of such Person, except a “protected purchaser” (as contemplated by Article 8 of the UCC), and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee in connection therewith.

Upon the issuance of any replacement Note under this Section 2.5, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee may require the payment by the Noteholder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other reasonable expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Indenture Trustee or the Note Registrar) connected therewith.

Every replacement Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.5 in replacement of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section 2.5 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.

SECTION 2.6 Persons Deemed Owners. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered (as of the day of determination) as the owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payments of principal of and interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note be overdue, and neither the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

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SECTION 2.7 Payment of Principal and Interest; Defaulted Interest.

(a) Each of the Notes shall accrue interest at its respective Interest Rate, and such interest shall be due and payable on each Payment Date as specified therein, subject to Sections 3.1 and 8.2. Any installment of interest or principal, if any, due and payable on any Note which is punctually paid or duly provided for by the Issuer on the applicable Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered on the Record Date, by check mailed first-class, postage prepaid, to such Person’s address as it appears on the Note Register on such Record Date, except that, unless Definitive Notes have been issued pursuant to Section 2.12, with respect to Notes registered on the Record Date in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency (initially, such nominee to be Cede & Co.), payment will be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account designated by such nominee and except for the final installment of principal payable with respect to such Note on a Payment Date or on the Final Scheduled Payment Date for such Class (and except for the Redemption Price for any Note called for redemption pursuant to Section 10.1) which shall be payable as provided below. The funds represented by any such checks returned undelivered shall be held in accordance with Section 3.3.

(b) The principal of each Note shall be payable in installments on each Payment Date as provided in Section 8.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the entire unpaid Note Balance and all accrued interest thereon shall be due and payable, if not previously paid, on the earlier of (i) the date on which an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, if the Indenture Trustee or the Holders of a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class have declared the Notes to be immediately due and payable in the manner provided in Section 5.2 and (ii) with respect to any Class of Notes, on the Final Scheduled Payment Date for that Class. All principal payments on each Class of Notes shall be made pro rata to the Noteholders of such Class entitled thereto. The Indenture Trustee shall notify the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on the Record Date preceding the Payment Date on which Indenture Trustee expects that the final installment of principal of and interest on such Note will be paid. Such notice shall be transmitted prior to such final Payment Date and shall specify that such final installment will be payable only upon presentation and surrender of such Note and shall specify the place where such Note may be presented and surrendered for payment of such installment. Notices in connection with redemptions of Notes shall be mailed to Noteholders as provided in Section 10.2.

(c) If the Issuer defaults on a payment of interest on any Class of Notes, the Issuer shall pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful at the applicable Interest Rate for such Class of Notes), which shall be due and payable on the Payment Date following such default. The Issuer shall pay such defaulted interest to the Persons who are Noteholders on the Record Date for such following Payment Date.

SECTION 2.8 Cancellation. All Notes surrendered for payment, registration of transfer, exchange or redemption shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Indenture Trustee, be delivered to the Indenture Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by the Indenture Trustee. The Issuer may at any time deliver to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Issuer may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Indenture Trustee. No

 

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Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Notes cancelled as provided in this Section 2.8, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Notes may be held or disposed of by the Indenture Trustee in accordance with its standard retention or disposal policy as in effect at the time unless the Issuer shall direct by an Issuer Order that they be destroyed or returned to it; provided that such Issuer Order is timely and that such Notes have not been previously disposed of by the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 2.9 Release of Collateral. Except as contemplated by Section 11.1(b)(v), the Indenture Trustee shall release property from the lien of this Indenture only upon receipt of an Issuer Request accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel, and, unless the Notes have been redeemed in accordance with Section 10.1, Independent Certificates in accordance with TIA Sections 314(c) and 314(d)(1) or an Opinion of Counsel in lieu of such Independent Certificates to the effect that the TIA does not require any such Independent Certificates. If the Commission shall issue an exemptive order under TIA Section 304(d) modifying the Issuer’s obligations under TIA Sections 314(c) and 314(d)(1), subject to Section 11.1 and the terms of the Transaction Documents, the Indenture Trustee shall release property from the lien of this Indenture in accordance with the conditions and procedures set forth in such exemptive order.

SECTION 2.10 Book-Entry Notes. The Notes, upon original issuance, will be issued in the form of typewritten Notes representing the Book-Entry Notes, to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee, as agent for DTC, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Issuer. One or more fully registered Book-Entry Notes, not in any case to exceed $500 million in principal amount, shall be issued with respect to each Class of Notes. Such Notes shall initially be registered on the Note Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, and no Note Owner shall receive a Definitive Note representing such Note Owner’s interest in such Note, except as provided in Section 2.12. Unless and until definitive, fully registered Notes (the “Definitive Notes”) have been issued to the applicable Note Owners pursuant to Section 2.12:

(a) the provisions of this Section 2.10 shall be in full force and effect;

(b) the Note Registrar and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Indenture (including the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes and the giving of instructions or directions hereunder) as the sole Noteholders, and shall have no obligation to the Note Owners;

(c) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 2.10 conflict with any other provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Section 2.10 shall control;

(d) the rights of Note Owners shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between or among such Note Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants or Persons acting through Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Notes are issued pursuant to Section 2.12, the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments of principal of and interest on the Notes to such Clearing Agency Participants; and

 

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(e) whenever this Indenture requires or permits actions to be taken based upon instructions or directions of Noteholders evidencing a specified percentage of the Note Balance, the Clearing Agency shall be deemed to represent such percentage only to the extent that it has received instructions to such effect from Note Owners and/or Clearing Agency Participants or Persons acting through Clearing Agency Participants owning or representing, respectively, such required percentage of the beneficial interest in the Notes and has delivered such instructions to the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 2.11 Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever a notice or other communication to the Noteholders is required under this Indenture, unless and until Definitive Notes shall have been issued to Note Owners pursuant to Section 2.12, the Indenture Trustee shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to the Noteholders to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligation to the Note Owners.

SECTION 2.12 Definitive Notes. If (a) the Administrator advises the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Notes, and the Administrator or the Indenture Trustee is unable to locate a qualified successor, (b) the Administrator at its option advises the Indenture Trustee in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency or (c) after the occurrence of an Event of Default, Note Owners representing beneficial interests aggregating at least a majority of the Note Balance, voting together as a single Class, advise the Indenture Trustee through the Clearing Agency or its successor in writing that the continuation of a book entry system through the Clearing Agency or its successor is no longer in the best interests of the Note Owners, then the Clearing Agency shall notify all Note Owners and the Indenture Trustee of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of Definitive Notes to Note Owners requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Indenture Trustee of the typewritten Note or Notes representing the Book-Entry Notes by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Issuer shall execute and the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate the Definitive Notes in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. None of the Issuer, Note Registrar or the Indenture Trustee shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Notes, the Indenture Trustee shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive Notes as Noteholders.

The Definitive Notes shall be typewritten, printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods (with or without steel engraved borders), all as determined by the officers executing such Notes, as evidenced by their execution of such Notes.

SECTION 2.13 Authenticating Agents.

(a) Upon the request of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee shall, and if the Indenture Trustee so chooses, the Indenture Trustee may appoint one or more Persons (each, an “Authenticating Agent”) with power to act on its behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication of Notes in connection with issuance, transfers and exchanges under Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 9.6, as fully to all intents and purposes as though each such Authenticating Agent had been expressly authorized by those Sections to authenticate such Notes. For all purposes of this Indenture, the authentication of Notes by an Authenticating Agent pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall be deemed to be the authentication of Notes “by the Indenture Trustee.” The Indenture Trustee shall be the Authenticating Agent in the absence of any appointment thereof.

 

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(b) Any entity into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any entity resulting from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent hereunder, without the execution or filing of any further act on the part of the parties hereto or such Authenticating Agent or such successor entity.

(c) Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer. The Indenture Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and the Issuer. Upon receiving such notice of resignation or upon such termination, the Indenture Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent and shall give written notice of any such appointment to the Issuer.

(d) The provisions of Section 6.4 and, for so long as the Indenture Trustee is the Authenticating Agent, all other rights, benefits and protections afforded to the Indenture Trustee hereunder, shall be applicable to any Authenticating Agent.

SECTION 2.14 Tax Treatment.

(a) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that it is their mutual intent that the Notes constitute and be treated as indebtedness for U.S. federal and all applicable state and local income and franchise tax purposes (other than any Notes that are owned during any period of time either by the Issuer or by a Person that is considered to be the same Person as the Issuer for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Further, each party hereto, and each Noteholder by accepting and holding a Note (other than a Noteholder that is the Issuer or a Person that is considered to be the same Person as the Issuer for U.S. federal income tax purposes), hereby covenants to every other party hereto and to every other Noteholder to treat the Notes as indebtedness for U.S. federal and all applicable state and local income and franchise tax purposes in all tax filings, reports and returns and otherwise, and further covenants that neither it nor any of its Affiliates will take, or participate in the taking of or permit to be taken, any action that is inconsistent with such tax treatment and tax reporting of the Notes, unless required by applicable law. All successors and assignees of the parties hereto shall be bound by the provisions hereof.

(b) The parties hereto agree that it is their mutual intent that, for all applicable purposes the Certificates will not constitute indebtedness.

(c) Prior to the first Payment Date, at any time required by law and/or promptly upon request, each Noteholder shall provide to the Indenture Trustee, Paying Agent and/or the Issuer (or other person responsible for withholding of taxes) with its Tax Information. Each Noteholder is deemed to understand that by acceptance of a Note, such Noteholder agrees to supply the foregoing information. Further, each Noteholder is deemed to understand that the Issuer, Indenture Trustee and Paying Agent have the right to withhold as required on amounts payable

 

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with respect to the Note (without any corresponding gross-up) on any beneficial owner of an interest in a Note that fails to comply with both of the preceding sentences. If the Issuer has actual knowledge that FATCA Withholding applies with respect to one or more payments on a Note, the Issuer will notify the Indenture Trustee thereof.

SECTION 2.15 Certain Transfer Restrictions on all Classes of the Notes.

(a) By acquiring a Note (or any interest therein), each purchaser and transferee (and, if applicable, its fiduciary) (i) shall be deemed to represent and warrant that either (a) it is not acquiring such Note (or any interest therein) on behalf of, or with any assets of, a Benefit Plan or Plan that is subject to Similar Law or (b) the acquisition, holding and disposition of such Note (or any interest therein) will not give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of any Similar Law and (ii) acknowledges and agrees if it is a Benefit Plan or a Plan that is subject to Similar Law, it shall not acquire such Note (or any interest therein) at any time that the ratings on such Note are below investment grade or if such Note has been characterized as other than indebtedness for applicable local law purposes.

(b) If for tax or other reasons it may be necessary to track any Notes (e.g., if the Notes have original issue discount), tracking conditions such as requiring that such Notes be in definitive registered form may be required by the Depositor or the Administrator as a condition to such transfer.

(c) Any purported transfer of a Note not in accordance with this Section 2.15 or not in accordance with Sections 2.16, 2.17 or 2.18 shall be null and void ab initio and shall not be given effect for any purpose hereunder. The Issuer may sell, or direct the Indenture Trustee to sell on its behalf, any Notes acquired in violation of the foregoing at the cost and risk of the purported transferee. If the transferee fails to transfer such Note or such beneficial interests in such Note within thirty (30) days after notice of the voided transfer, then the Issuer shall cause such Noteholder’s interest or Note Owner’s interest in such Note to be transferred in a commercially reasonable sale arranged by the Issuer (conducted by the Issuer or an agent of the Issuer in accordance with Section 9-610(b) of the UCC as applied to securities that are sold on a recognized market or that may decline speedily in value).

(d) The Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture (including, without limitation, under this Section 2.15 or under Sections 2.16, 2.17 or 2.18) or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

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SECTION 2.16 Certain Transfer Restrictions on the 144A Notes.

(a) None of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee nor any other Person may register the 144A Notes under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. No 144A Note or any interest therein may be sold or transferred (including by pledge or hypothecation) to any other Person unless such sale or transfer is to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in accordance with Rule 144A (except for transfers of 144A Notes to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates and by the Depositor or any of its Affiliates as part of the initial distribution or any redistribution of the 144A Notes by the Depositor or any of its Affiliates pursuant to a note purchase agreement or any similar agreement).

(b) Prior to any sale or transfer of any 144A Note (or any interest therein) each prospective transferee of such 144A Note (or any interest therein) (except for transfers of 144A Notes to the Depositor or any of its Affiliates and by the Depositor or any of its Affiliates as part of the initial distribution or any redistribution of the 144A Notes by the Depositor or any of its Affiliates pursuant to a note purchase agreement or any similar agreement) shall be deemed to make the following representations to the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and the Depositor:

(i) The transferee (A) is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, (B) is aware that the sale of the 144A Notes to it is being made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A and (C) is acquiring the 144A Notes for its own account or for one or more accounts, each of which is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, and as to each of which the owner exercises sole investment discretion, and in a principal amount of not less than the minimum denomination of such 144A Note for the purchaser and for each such account.

(ii) The 144A Notes may not at any time be held by or on behalf of any Person (other than the Depositor or an Affiliate of the Depositor) that is not a Qualified Institutional Buyer.

(iii) The transferee understands that the 144A Notes are being offered only in a transaction not involving any public offering in the United States within the meaning of the Securities Act, none of the 144A Notes have been or will be registered under the Securities Act, and, if in the future the transferee decides to offer, resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the 144A Notes, such 144A Notes may only be offered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred in accordance with this Indenture and the applicable legend on such 144A Notes set forth below. The transferee acknowledges that no representation is made by the Issuer as to the availability of any exemption under the Securities Act or any applicable State securities laws for resale of the 144A Notes.

(iv) The transferee understands that an investment in the 144A Notes involves certain risks, including the risk of loss of all or a substantial part of its investment under certain circumstances. The transferee has had access to such financial and other information concerning the Issuer and the 144A Notes as it deemed necessary or appropriate in order to make an informed investment decision with respect to its purchase of the 144A Notes, including an opportunity to ask questions of and request information from the Servicer, the Depositor and the Issuer. The transferee has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the 144A Notes, and the transferee and any accounts for which it is acting are each able to bear the economic risk of the holder’s or of its investment.

 

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(v) In connection with the transfer of the 144A Notes (a) none of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Depositor, any initial purchaser of the 144A Notes, nor the Indenture Trustee is acting as a fiduciary or financial or investment adviser for the transferee, (b) the transferee is not relying (for purposes of making any investment decision or otherwise) upon any advice, counsel or representations (whether written or oral) of any initial purchaser of the 144A Notes, the Issuer, the Servicer, the Depositor, or the Indenture Trustee other than in the most current offering memorandum for such 144A Notes and any representations expressly set forth in a written agreement with such party, (c) none of any initial purchaser of the 144A Notes, the Issuer, the Servicer, the Depositor, or the Indenture Trustee has given to the transferee (directly or indirectly through any other person) any assurance, guarantee, or representation whatsoever as to the expected or projected success, profitability, return, performance, result, effect, consequence, or benefit (including legal, regulatory, tax, financial, accounting, or otherwise) of its purchase or the documentation for the 144A Notes, (d) the transferee has consulted with its own legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial, and accounting advisers to the extent it has deemed necessary, and it has made its own investment decisions (including decisions regarding the suitability of any transaction pursuant to this Indenture) based upon its own judgment and upon any advice from such advisers as it has deemed necessary and not upon any view expressed by any initial purchaser of the 144A Notes, the Issuer, the Servicer, the Depositor, or the Indenture Trustee, (e) the transferee has determined that the rates, prices or amounts and other terms of the purchase and sale of the 144A Notes reflect those in the relevant market for similar transactions, (f) the transferee is purchasing the 144A Notes with a full understanding of all of the terms, conditions and risks thereof (economic and otherwise), and is capable of assuming and willing to assume (financially and otherwise) these risks and (g) the transferee is a sophisticated investor familiar with transactions similar to its investment in the 144A Notes.

(vi) The transferee understands that the 144A Notes will bear the legend(s) substantially similar to those set forth in Section 2.16(c) unless the Issuer determines otherwise in compliance with applicable law.

(vii) The transferee will not, at any time, offer to buy or offer to sell the 144A Notes by any form of general solicitation or advertising, including, but not limited to, any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar medium or broadcast over television or radio or at a seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by general solicitations or advertising.

(viii) The transferee is not acquiring the 144A Notes with a view to the resale, distribution or other disposition thereof in violation of the Securities Act.

(ix) The transferee will provide notice to each Person to whom it proposes to transfer any interest in the 144A Notes of the transfer restrictions and representations set forth in this Indenture.

 

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(x) The transferee acknowledges that any transfer in violation of the foregoing will be of no force and effect, will be void ab initio, and will not operate to transfer any rights to the transferee.

(c) Each 144A Note will bear a legend to the following effect:

“THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE ISSUER HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”). THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WHO IS EITHER PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN $1,000 AND IN GREATER WHOLE NUMBER DENOMINATIONS OF $1,000 IN EXCESS THEREOF (EXCEPT FOR TWO SUCH NOTES WHICH MAY BE ISSUED IN INTEGRAL MULTIPLES IN EXCESS THEREOF OF OTHER THAN $1,000) FOR THE PURCHASER AND FOR EACH SUCH ACCOUNT, IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A SO LONG AS THIS NOTE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, SUBJECT TO THE SATISFACTION OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE, OR (2) TO THE DEPOSITOR OR ANY OF ITS U.S. CORPORATE AFFILIATES (OR DISREGARDED ENTITIES THEREOF) AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. EACH PURCHASER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO, AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE HOLDER OF SUCH NOTE OR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH NOTE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE, THE ISSUER AND THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH NOTE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS NOTE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

 

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BY YOUR ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN, YOU (AND, IF YOU ARE A PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW), YOUR FIDUCIARY) (A) SHALL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER, THE SERVICER, ANY INITIAL PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THAT EITHER (I) YOU ARE NOT ACQUIRING THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) ON BEHALF OF, OR WITH THE ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW) THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH, A “BENEFIT PLAN”) OR ANY PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO A LAW THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAW”) OR (II) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A VIOLATION OF ANY SIMILAR LAW AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE IF YOU ARE A BENEFIT PLAN OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO SIMILAR LAW THAT YOU SHALL NOT ACQUIRE THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) AT ANY TIME THAT THE RATINGS ON THIS NOTE ARE BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE OR IF THIS NOTE HAS BEEN CHARACTERIZED AS OTHER THAN INDEBTEDNESS FOR APPLICABLE LOCAL LAW PURPOSES. FOR PURPOSES OF THE FOREGOING, “PLAN” MEANS AN “EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA WHETHER OR NOT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA, A “PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE, OR AN ENTITY OR ACCOUNT DEEMED TO HOLD THE PLAN ASSETS OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE MUST GENERALLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE TAX TRANSFER DOCUMENTATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS PROVIDED IN THE INDENTURE.”

SECTION 2.17 Certain Transfer Restrictions on the Restricted Notes.

(a) Any Notes (or interests therein) beneficially owned by the Issuer or the single beneficial owner of the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes after the Closing Date may not be transferred for United States federal income tax purposes to another Person (other than the single beneficial owner of the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes) unless the Administrator shall cause an Opinion of Counsel, of nationally recognized tax counsel, to be delivered to the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee to the effect that either (x) such Notes will be treated as debt for United States federal income tax purposes or (y) the sale of such Notes will not cause the Issuer to be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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(b) Prior to any sale or transfer of any Restricted Note (or any interest therein), each prospective transferee of such Restricted Note (or any interest therein) (except for transfers of Notes to the Depositor or any of its U.S. corporate Affiliates (or disregarded entities thereof)) shall be required to provide to the Indenture Trustee and Depositor a certification of non-foreign status, in such form as may be requested by the Depositor or the Indenture Trustee (e.g., IRS Form W-9), signed under penalties of perjury (and such other certification, representations or opinion of counsel as may be requested by the Depositor or the Indenture Trustee), or other information or documentation requested by the Depositor or the Indenture Trustee to determine, in consultation with the Depositor, that payments on such Restricted Notes (or interest therein) will not be subject to withholding under U.S. tax law.

(c) Prior to any sale or transfer of any Restricted Note (or any interest therein) each prospective transferee of such Restricted Note (or any interest therein) (except for transfers of such Notes to the Depositor or any of its U.S. corporate Affiliates (or disregarded entities thereof)) shall be deemed to provide the following acknowledgments, representations and agreements to the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and the Depositor unless the Depositor has received an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel to the effect that the transfer of the Restricted Note without any or all of the acknowledgments, representations and agreements described below will not cause the Issuer to be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the Depositor has consented to such transfer in writing:

(i) The transferee will provide notice to each Person to whom it proposes to transfer any interest in the Restricted Notes of the transfer restrictions and representations set forth in this Indenture.

(ii) The transferee’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Note is not and will not be in an amount that is less than the minimum denomination for such Note set forth in this Indenture, and the transferee does not and will not hold any interest on behalf of any person whose beneficial interest in such a Note is in an amount that is less than the minimum denomination for such Note set forth in this Indenture.

(iii) A transferee that is a partnership, a corporation taxed under Subchapter S of the Code or grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or a disregarded entity the single owner of which is any of the foregoing) is not and will not be used with a principal purpose of the arrangement involving such entity’s beneficial interest in any Restricted Notes or Certificates to permit any partnership to satisfy the 100 partner limitation of Treasury Regulation Section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) necessary for such partnership not to be classified as a publicly traded partnership under the Code.

(iv) No Noteholder of a Restricted Note shall acquire or transfer any Restricted Note (or any interest therein) or cause any Restricted Note (or any interest therein) to be marketed on or through an “established securities market” within the meaning of Section 7704(b)(1) of the Code, including, without limitation, an over-the-counter market or an interdealer quotation system that regularly disseminates firm buy or sell quotations.

 

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(v) If any Restricted Note held by the transferee is required to be treated other than as described under Section 2.14(a), then the transferee, or, if different, the beneficial owner of such Restricted Note, shall agree to the designation made pursuant to the Trust Agreement of the partnership representative (and the tax matters partner for any applicable state or local tax purposes) of any partnership in which such Noteholder or beneficial owner is deemed to be a partner under Section 6223(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and any applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder.

(vi) (A) Each Noteholder of a Restricted Note shall provide to the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer and the Depositor any further information required by the Issuer to comply with Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, including Section 6226(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law), (B) if such Noteholder is not the beneficial owner of such Restricted Note, the beneficial owner of such Restricted Note shall provide to the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer and the Depositor any further information required by the Issuer to comply with Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, including Section 6226(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and, to the extent the Issuer determines such appointment necessary for it to make an election under Section 6226(a) of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law), hereby appoints the Noteholder as its agent for purposes of receiving any notifications or information pursuant to the notice requirements under Section 6226(a)(2) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and (C) to the extent applicable, each Noteholder of a Restricted Note and, if different, each beneficial owner of a Restricted Note, shall hold the Issuer and its affiliates harmless for any expenses or losses (i) resulting from a beneficial owner of a Restricted Note not properly taking into account or paying its allocated adjustment or liability under Section 6226 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law) or (ii) that the Issuer or its affiliates may suffer that are attributable to the management or defense of an audit under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law) or otherwise due to actions it takes with respect to and to comply with the rules under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law).

(vii) [Reserved.]

(viii) The transferee acknowledges that any transfer in violation of the foregoing will be of no force and effect, will be void ab initio, and will not operate to transfer any rights to the transferee.

SECTION 2.18 Transfer Restrictions on Certain Notes Upon a Sale of a Certificate. The restrictions on transfer of Notes retained by the Issuer or a Person that is considered the same Person as the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes provided in Section 2.17(a) shall not continue to apply in the event the Indenture Trustee and the Depositor have received the Initial Certificate Transfer Opinion.

 

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ARTICLE III

COVENANTS

SECTION 3.1 Payment of Principal and Interest.

(a) Payment of Principal and Interest. The Issuer will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest on the Notes in accordance with the terms of the Notes and this Indenture. Without limiting the foregoing and subject to Section 8.2, on each Payment Date the Issuer shall cause to be paid all amounts on deposit in the Collection Account which represent Available Funds for such Payment Date in accordance with the Sale and Servicing Agreement. Amounts properly withheld under the Code by any Person from a payment to any Noteholder of interest and/or principal shall be considered to have been paid by the Issuer to such Noteholder for all purposes of this Indenture. Interest accrued on the Notes shall be due and payable on each Payment Date. The final interest payment on each Class of Notes is due on the earlier of (a) the Payment Date (including any Redemption Date) on which the principal amount of that Class of Notes is reduced to zero or (b) the applicable Final Scheduled Payment Date for that Class of Notes.

SECTION 3.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency. As long as any of the Notes remain Outstanding, the Issuer shall maintain in Wilmington, Delaware, an office or agency where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer hereby initially appoints the Indenture Trustee to serve as its agent for the foregoing purposes. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Indenture Trustee of the location, and of any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Indenture Trustee with the address thereof, such surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Indenture Trustee as its agent to receive all such surrenders, notices and demands.

SECTION 3.3 Money for Payments To Be Held in Trust. As provided in Section 5.4 and 8.2, all payments of amounts due and payable with respect to any Notes that are to be made from amounts withdrawn from the Trust Accounts shall be made on behalf of the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or by another Paying Agent, and no amounts so withdrawn therefrom for payments on the Notes shall be paid over to the Issuer except as provided in this Section and Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

By noon, New York City time, on the Business Day prior to each Payment Date and Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit or cause to be deposited into the Collection Account Available Funds with respect to the related Collection Period, and the Paying Agent shall hold such sum in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto pursuant to the Transaction Documents and (unless the Paying Agent is the Indenture Trustee) shall promptly notify the Indenture Trustee in writing of its action or failure so to act.

 

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The Issuer shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Indenture Trustee to execute and deliver to the Indenture Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Indenture Trustee (and if the Indenture Trustee acts as Paying Agent, it hereby so agrees to the extent relevant), subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

(i) hold all sums held by it for the payment of amounts due with respect to the Notes in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and pay such sums to such Persons as provided in the Transaction Documents;

(ii) give the Indenture Trustee written notice of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes) of which it has actual knowledge in the making of any payment required to be made with respect to the Notes;

(iii) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Indenture Trustee, forthwith pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent;

(iv) immediately resign as a Paying Agent and forthwith pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums held by it in trust for the payment of Notes if at any time it ceases to meet the standards required to be met by a Paying Agent at the time of its appointment;

(v) comply with all requirements of the Code with respect to the withholding from any payments made by it on any Notes of any applicable withholding taxes imposed thereon, including FATCA Withholding (including obtaining and retaining from Persons entitled to payments with respect to the Notes any Tax Information, making any withholdings as required under the Code and paying over such withheld amounts to the appropriate governmental authority); and

(vi) comply with any applicable reporting requirements in connection with any payments made by it on any Notes and any withholding of taxes therefrom, and, upon request, provide any Tax Information to the Issuer.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as Wilmington Trust, National Association is acting as the Indenture Trustee hereunder, it shall also act as the Paying Agent.

The Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, by Issuer Order direct any Paying Agent to pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Indenture Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by such Paying Agent; and upon such a payment by any Paying Agent to the Indenture Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Subject to applicable laws with respect to the escheat of funds, any money held by the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the payment of any amount due with respect to any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such amount has become due and payable shall be discharged from such trust and distributed by the Indenture Trustee to the Issuer upon receipt of an Issuer Request and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer for payment thereof and all liability of the Indenture Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money shall thereupon cease; provided,

 

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however, that the Indenture Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, shall at the reasonable expense of the Issuer cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which date shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be paid to the Issuer. The Indenture Trustee may also adopt and employ, at the written direction of and at the expense of the Issuer, any other reasonable means of notification of such repayment (including, but not limited to, mailing notice of such repayment to Holders whose Notes have been called but have not been surrendered for redemption or whose right to or interest in monies due and payable but not claimed is determinable from the records of the Indenture Trustee or of any Paying Agent, at the last address of record for each such Noteholder).

SECTION 3.4 Existence. The Issuer will keep in full effect its existence, rights and franchises as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware (unless it becomes, or any successor Issuer hereunder is or becomes, organized under the laws of any other State or of the United States of America, in which case the Issuer shall keep in full effect its existence, rights and franchises under the laws of such other jurisdiction) and shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes, the Collateral and each other instrument or agreement included in the Trust Estate.

SECTION 3.5 Protection of Collateral. The Issuer intends the security interest Granted pursuant to this Indenture in favor of the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders to be prior to all other Liens in respect of the Collateral, and the Issuer shall take all actions necessary to obtain and maintain, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders, a first Lien on and a first priority, perfected security interest in the Collateral (except to the extent that the interest of the Indenture Trustee therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement). The Issuer shall from time to time execute and deliver all such supplements and amendments hereto and shall file or shall authorize the filing of all such financing statements, continuation statements, instruments of further assurance and other instruments, all as prepared by the Administrator and delivered to the Issuer, and shall take such other action necessary or advisable to:

(a) Grant more effectively all or any portion of the Collateral;

(b) maintain or preserve the lien and security interest (and the priority thereof) created by this Indenture or carry out more effectively the purposes hereof;

(c) perfect, publish notice of or protect the validity of any Grant made or to be made by this Indenture;

(d) enforce any of the Collateral; or

(e) preserve and defend title to the Collateral and the rights of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders in the Collateral against the claims of all Persons.

 

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The Issuer hereby designates the Indenture Trustee as its agent and attorney-in-fact and hereby authorizes the Indenture Trustee to file all financing statements, continuation statements or other instruments required to be filed (if any) pursuant to this Section; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee shall not be obligated to authorize or file such instruments except upon written instruction from the Issuer or the Servicer. Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, the Issuer shall not be required to notify any insurer with respect to any Insurance Policy about any aspect of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 3.6 Opinions as to Collateral.

(a) On the Closing Date, the Issuer shall furnish to or cause to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel either stating (i) that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recording and filing of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto, and any other requisite documents, and with respect to the filing of any financing statements and continuation statements, as are necessary to perfect and make effective the first priority lien and security interest of this Indenture and reciting the details of such action, or (ii) that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to make such lien and security interest effective.

(b) Within 120 days after the beginning of each calendar year, beginning with April 30, 2022, the Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel either stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recording, filing, re-recording and refiling of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto and any other requisite documents and with respect to the filing of any financing statements and continuation statements as are necessary to maintain the lien and security interest created by this Indenture and reciting the details of such action or stating that in the opinion of such counsel no such action is necessary to maintain such lien and security interest. Such Opinion of Counsel shall also describe the recording, filing, re-recording and refiling of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto and any other requisite documents and the filing of any financing statements and continuation statements that will, in the opinion of such counsel, be required to maintain the lien and security interest of this Indenture until April 30 in the following calendar year.

SECTION 3.7 Performance of Obligations; Servicing of Receivables.

(a) The Issuer shall not take any action and shall use its reasonable efforts not to permit any action to be taken by others, including the Administrator, that would release any Person from any of such Person’s material covenants or obligations under any instrument or agreement included in the Collateral or that would result in the amendment, hypothecation, subordination, termination or discharge of, or impair the validity or effectiveness of, any such instrument or agreement, except as ordered by any bankruptcy or other court or as expressly provided in this Indenture, the other Transaction Documents or such other instrument or agreement.

(b) The Issuer may contract with other Persons to assist it in performing its duties under this Indenture, and any performance of such duties by a Person identified to the Indenture Trustee in an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer shall be deemed to be action taken by the Issuer. Initially, the Issuer has contracted with the Administrator, and the Administrator has agreed, to assist the Issuer in performing its duties under this Indenture.

 

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(c) The Issuer shall, and shall cause the Administrator and the Servicer to, punctually perform and observe all of its respective obligations and agreements contained in this Indenture, the other Transaction Documents and the instruments and agreements included in the Collateral, including but not limited to preparing (or causing to be prepared) and filing (or causing to be filed) all UCC financing statements and continuation statements required to be filed by the terms of this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with and within the time periods provided for herein and therein. Except as otherwise expressly provided therein, the Issuer shall not waive, amend, modify, supplement or terminate any Transaction Document or any provision thereof other than in accordance with the amendment provisions set forth in such Transaction Document.

SECTION 3.8 Negative Covenants. So long as any Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer shall not:

(a) engage in any activities other than financing, acquiring, owning, pledging and managing the Receivables and the other Collateral as contemplated by this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents;

(b) except as expressly permitted by this Indenture or in the other Transaction Documents, sell, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of the properties or assets of the Issuer;

(c) claim any credit on, or make any deduction from the principal or interest payable in respect of, the Notes (other than amounts properly withheld from such payments under the Code or applicable state law) or assert any claim against any present or former Noteholder by reason of the payment of the taxes levied or assessed upon any part of the Trust Estate;

(d) dissolve or liquidate in whole or in part;

(e) (i) permit the validity or effectiveness of this Indenture to be impaired, or permit the lien of this Indenture to be amended, hypothecated, subordinated, terminated or discharged, or permit any Person to be released from any covenants or obligations with respect to the Notes under this Indenture except as may be expressly permitted hereby, (ii) permit any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) to be created on or extend to or otherwise arise upon or burden the assets of the Issuer or any part thereof or any interest therein or the proceeds thereof and (iii) permit the lien of this Indenture not to constitute a valid first priority (other than with respect to any Permitted Lien) security interest in the Collateral (it being understood that (A) either each Receivable constituting part of the Collateral is secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party, or all necessary actions with respect to the Receivable have been taken or will be taken to perfect a first priority security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party and (B) the Issuer shall not be required to notify any insurer with respect to any Insurance Policy obtained by an Obligor about any aspect of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents);

 

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(f) incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness other than indebtedness incurred in accordance with the Transaction Documents; or

(g) merge or consolidate with, or transfer substantially all of its assets to, any other Person.

SECTION 3.9 Annual Compliance Statement.

(a) So long as the Seller is required to file any reports with respect to the Issuer under the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency, within 120 days after the end of each calendar year (commencing with the year ending December 31, 2021), an Officer’s Certificate stating, as to the Authorized Officer signing such Officer’s Certificate, that:

(i) a review of the activities of the Issuer during such year (or since the Closing Date, in the case of the first such Officer’s Certificate) and of its performance under this Indenture has been made under such Authorized Officer’s supervision; and

(ii) to the best of such Authorized Officer’s knowledge, based on such review, the Issuer has complied in all material respects with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture throughout such year, or, if there has been a default in the compliance of any such condition or covenant, specifying each such default known to such Authorized Officer and the nature and status thereof.

(b) The Issuer shall:

(i) file with the Indenture Trustee, within 15 days after the Issuer is required (if at all) to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and such other information, documents and reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) as the Issuer may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or such other reports required pursuant to TIA Section 314(a)(1);

(ii) file with the Indenture Trustee and the Commission in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission such other information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Issuer with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and

(iii) supply to the Indenture Trustee (and the Indenture Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Noteholders as required by TIA Section 313(c)) such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Issuer pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 3.9(b) as may be required pursuant to rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

(c) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Indenture Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Indenture Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive or actual notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Indenture Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).

 

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(d) Unless the Issuer otherwise determines, the fiscal year of the Issuer shall be the same as the fiscal year of the Servicer (which shall end on December 31st of each year).

SECTION 3.10 Restrictions on Certain Other Activities. The Issuer shall not: (i) engage in any activities other than financing, acquiring, owning, pledging and managing the Trust Estate and the other Collateral in the manner contemplated by the Transaction Documents; (ii) issue, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable, directly or indirectly, for any indebtedness other than the Notes; (iii) make any loan, advance or credit to, guarantee (directly or indirectly or by an instrument having the effect of assuring another’s payment or performance on any obligation or capability of so doing or otherwise), endorse or otherwise become contingently liable, directly or indirectly, in connection with the obligations, stocks or dividends of, own, purchase, repurchase or acquire (or agree contingently to do so) any stock, obligations, assets or securities of, or any other interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other Person; or (iv) make any expenditure (by long-term or operating lease or otherwise) for capital assets (either realty or personalty).

SECTION 3.11 Restricted Payments. The Issuer shall not, directly or indirectly, (a) pay any dividend or make any distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, to any owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer or otherwise with respect to any ownership or equity interest or security in or of the Issuer or to the Servicer or the Administrator, (b) redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value any such ownership or equity interest or security or (c) set aside or otherwise segregate any amounts for any such purpose; provided that the Issuer may cause to be made distributions to the Servicer, the Administrator, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders and the Certificateholders as permitted by, and to the extent funds are available for such purpose under this Indenture, the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Trust Agreement or the Administration Agreement. Other than as set forth in the preceding sentence, the Issuer will not, directly or indirectly, make distributions from the Trust Accounts.

SECTION 3.12 Notice of Events of Default; Servicer Replacement Events. The Issuer shall promptly deliver to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and each Rating Agency written notice in the form of an Officer’s Certificate of (i) an Event of Default or any event which with the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and (ii) the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event or any event which with the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both would become a Servicer Replacement Event.

SECTION 3.13 Further Instruments and Acts. Upon request of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

SECTION 3.14 Compliance with Laws. The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, the non-compliance with which would, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the ability of the Issuer to perform its obligations under the Notes, this Indenture or any other Transaction Document.

 

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SECTION 3.15 Removal of Administrator. For so long as any Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer shall not remove the Administrator without cause unless the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied in connection therewith.

SECTION 3.16 Perfection Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The perfection representations, warranties and covenants attached hereto as Schedule I shall be deemed to be part of this Indenture for all purposes.

SECTION 3.17 Investment Company Act. The Issuer is not an “investment company” that is registered or required to be registered under, or otherwise subject to the restrictions of, the Investment Company Act.

SECTION 3.18 Tax Information. To the extent the Issuer receives any Tax Information other than from the Indenture Trustee or Paying Agent, the Issuer shall provide such received Tax Information to the Indenture Trustee upon request.

ARTICLE IV

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 4.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the Notes except as to (a) rights of registration of transfer and exchange, (b) substitution of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, (c) rights of Noteholders to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon, (d) Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10 and 3.11, (e) the rights, obligations and immunities of the Indenture Trustee hereunder (including the rights of the Indenture Trustee under Section 6.7 and the obligations of the Indenture Trustee under Section 4.2) and (f) the rights of Noteholders as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Indenture Trustee payable to all or any of them, and the Indenture Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes, when:

(a) either (i) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (1) Notes that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.5 and (2) Notes for which payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 3.3) have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation or (ii) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable, (2) will become due and payable at the latest occurring Final Scheduled Payment Date within one year, or (3) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Indenture Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer, in the case of clauses (1), (2) or (3), has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Indenture Trustee cash or direct obligations of or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America (which will mature prior to the date such amounts are payable), in trust for such

 

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purpose, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation, when due, to the latest occurring Final Scheduled Payment Date or Redemption Date (if Notes shall have been called for redemption pursuant to Section 10.1), as the case may be;

(b) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer; and

(c) the Issuer has delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel and (if required by the TIA or the Indenture Trustee, and if such discharge is not related to a redemption of the Notes in accordance with Section 10.1) an Independent Certificate, each meeting the applicable requirements of Section 11.1(a) and, subject to Section 11.2, stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

SECTION 4.2 Application of Trust Money. All monies deposited with the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes, this Indenture and Article IV of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. Such monies need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required herein, in the Sale and Servicing Agreement or by law.

SECTION 4.3 Repayment of Monies Held by Paying Agent. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes, all monies then held by any Paying Agent other than the Indenture Trustee under the provisions of this Indenture with respect to such Notes shall, upon demand of the Issuer, be paid to the Indenture Trustee to be held and applied according to Section 3.3 and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such monies.

ARTICLE V

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

SECTION 5.1 Events of Default. The occurrence and continuation of any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall constitute a default under this Indenture (each, an “Event of Default”):

(a) a default in the payment of any interest on any Note of the Controlling Class when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of five Business Days or more;

(b) a default in the payment of principal of any Note on the related Final Scheduled Payment Date or the Redemption Date;

 

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(c) any failure by the Issuer to duly observe or perform in any respect any of its covenants or agreements made in this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement, a default in the observance or performance of which is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), which failure materially and adversely affects the rights of the Noteholders, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 60 days (or for such longer period not in excess of 90 days as may be reasonably necessary to remedy such failure; provided that such failure is capable of remedy within 90 days) after there shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or by Noteholders evidencing at least 25% of the Note Balance of the Outstanding Notes, voting together as a single Class, a written notice specifying such failure and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;

(d) any representation or warranty of the Issuer made in this Indenture proves to have been incorrect in any respect when made, which failure materially and adversely affects the rights of the Noteholders, and which failure continues unremedied for a period of 60 days (or for such longer period not in excess of 90 days as may be reasonably necessary to remedy such failure; provided that such failure is capable of remedy within 90 days) after there shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or by Noteholders evidencing at least 25% of the Note Balance of the Outstanding Notes, voting together as a single Class, a written notice specifying such failure and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

(e) a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Issuer;

provided, however, that (A) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (a) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the five Business Day grace period referred to in such clause (a) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days, (B) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (b) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, such failure or delay shall not constitute an Event of Default for an additional 60 calendar days, (C) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (c) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the 60 day grace period referred to in such clause (c) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days and (D) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (d) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the 60 day grace period referred to in such clause (d) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days.

SECTION 5.2 Acceleration of Maturity.

(a) Except as set forth in the following sentence, if an Event of Default should occur and be continuing, then and in every such case the Indenture Trustee may, or if directed by the Noteholders representing not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, shall declare all the Notes to be immediately due and payable, by a notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Indenture Trustee if given by Noteholders), and upon any such declaration the unpaid Note Balance of the Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of acceleration, shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(e) occurs, all unpaid principal, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, of all Notes, and all other amounts payable hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder.

 

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(b) At any time after such declaration of acceleration of maturity has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee as hereinafter provided for in this Article V, the Noteholders representing a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, by written notice to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

(i) the Issuer has paid or deposited with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all payments of principal of and interest on all Notes and all other amounts that would then be due hereunder or upon such Notes if the Event of Default giving rise to such acceleration had not occurred and (B) all sums paid or advanced by the Indenture Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and its agents and counsel; and

(ii) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of the Notes that has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.12.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereto.

If the Notes have been declared due and payable or have automatically become due and payable following an Event of Default, the Indenture Trustee may institute Proceedings to collect amounts due, exercise remedies as a secured party (including foreclosure or sale of the Collateral) or elect to maintain the Collateral. Any sale of the Collateral by the Indenture Trustee will be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 5.4.

SECTION 5.3 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by the Indenture Trustee.

(a) The Issuer covenants that if (i) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Note of the Controlling Class when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of five Business Days, or (ii) default is made in the payment of the principal of or any installment of the principal of any Note when the same becomes due and payable, the Issuer will, upon demand of the Indenture Trustee in writing as directed by the Noteholders representing not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, pay to the Indenture Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Notes for principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue principal, and, to the extent payment at such rate of interest shall be legally enforceable, upon overdue installments of interest, at the applicable Interest Rate and in addition thereto such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and its agents and counsel.

(b) In case the Issuer shall fail forthwith to pay the amounts described in clause (a) above upon such demand, the Indenture Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a Proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such Proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Issuer or other obligor upon such Notes and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or other obligor upon such Notes, wherever situated, the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable.

 

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(c) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee may, as more particularly provided in Section 5.4, in its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Noteholders, by such appropriate Proceedings as the Indenture Trustee shall deem most effective to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy or legal or equitable right vested in the Indenture Trustee by this Indenture or by law.

(d) In case there shall be pending, relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes or any Person having or claiming an ownership interest in the Collateral, Proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other obligor or Person, or in case of any other comparable Proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Notes, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor, the Indenture Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of any Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Indenture Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.3, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such Proceedings or otherwise:

(i) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, except as a result of negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct) and of the Noteholders allowed in such Proceedings;

(ii) unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Noteholders in any election of a trustee, a standby trustee or Person performing similar functions in any such Proceedings;

(iii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Noteholders and of the Indenture Trustee on their behalf; and

(iv) to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders allowed in any judicial Proceedings relative to the Issuer, its creditors and its property;

 

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and any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official in any such Proceeding is hereby authorized by each Noteholder to make payments to the Indenture Trustee, and, in the event that the Indenture Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such Noteholders, to pay to the Indenture Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee, each predecessor Indenture Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses, indemnities and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee except as a result of negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, and any other amounts due the Indenture Trustee under Section 6.7.

(e) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Indenture Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Indenture Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Noteholder in any such Proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar Person.

(f) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Notes, may be enforced by the Indenture Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any trial or other Proceedings relative thereto, and any such Proceedings instituted by the Indenture Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Indenture Trustee, each predecessor Indenture Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, to the extent set forth in Section 5.4(b).

(g) In any Proceedings brought by the Indenture Trustee (and also any Proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Indenture Trustee shall be a party), the Indenture Trustee shall be held to represent all the Noteholders, and it shall not be necessary to make any Noteholder a party to any such Proceedings.

SECTION 5.4 Remedies; Priorities.

(a) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee may do one or more of the following (subject to Sections 5.2 and 5.5):

(i) institute Proceedings in its own name and as trustee of an express trust for the collection of all amounts then payable on the Notes or under this Indenture with respect thereto, whether by declaration or otherwise, enforce any judgment obtained, and collect from the Issuer and any other obligor upon such Notes monies adjudged due;

(ii) institute Proceedings from time to time for the complete or partial foreclosure of this Indenture with respect to the Collateral;

(iii) exercise any other remedies of a secured party under the UCC and take any other appropriate action to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders; and

 

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(iv) subject to Section 5.17, after an acceleration of the maturity of the Notes pursuant to Section 5.2, sell the Collateral or any portion thereof or rights or interest therein, at one or more public or private sales called and conducted in any manner permitted by law;

provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee may not exercise the remedy described in clause (iv) above unless (A) the Holders of all Outstanding Notes have consented to such liquidation, (B) the proceeds of such sale or liquidation are sufficient to pay in full the principal of and the accrued interest on the Outstanding Notes or (C) the Event of Default either (x) relates to a default described in Sections 5.1(a) or (b) (a “Payment Default”) and the Indenture Trustee determines (but shall have no obligation to make such determination) that the Collections on the Receivables will not be sufficient on an ongoing basis to make all payments on the Notes as they would have become due if the Notes had not been declared due and payable or (y) relates to a Bankruptcy Event and, in the case of each of (x) and (y) above, the Indenture Trustee obtains the consent of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class. In determining such sufficiency or insufficiency with respect to clauses (B) and (C)(x) of the preceding sentence, the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, obtain and rely upon an opinion of an Independent investment banking or accounting firm of national reputation as to the feasibility of such proposed action and as to the sufficiency of the Trust Estate for such purpose. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Event of Default does not relate to a Payment Default or Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee may not sell or otherwise liquidate the Trust Estate unless the Holders of all Outstanding Notes consent to such sale or the proceeds of such sale are sufficient to pay in full the principal of and accrued interest on the Outstanding Notes.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.2 hereof or Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, if the Indenture Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article V and the Notes have been accelerated, it shall pay out such money or property (and other amounts, including all amounts held on deposit in the Reserve Account) held as Collateral for the benefit of the Noteholders (net of liquidation costs associated with the sale of the Trust Estate) in the following order of priority:

(i) first, to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, any accrued and unpaid fees, reasonable expenses and indemnification amounts (including any such fees, expenses and indemnification amounts with respect to prior periods), and to the Asset Representations Reviewer, any accrued and unpaid fees (including unpaid fees with respect to prior periods), reasonable expenses and indemnification amounts, in each case, to the extent not previously paid by Santander Consumer;

(ii) second, to the Servicer, the Servicing Fee and all unpaid Servicing Fees with respect to prior periods;

(iii) third, to the Holders of the Class A Notes, the Accrued Class A Note Interest; provided that if there are not sufficient funds available to pay the entire amount of the Accrued Class A Note Interest, the amount available shall be applied to the payment of such interest on each Class of Class A Notes on a pro rata basis based on the amount of interest payable to each Class of Class A Notes;

 

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(iv) fourth, (a) if an acceleration of the Notes has occurred following or as a result of an Event of Default described in Section 5.1(a), (b) or (e), in the following order of priority:

(1) to the Holders of the Class A-1 Notes in respect of principal thereof, until the Class A-1 Notes have been paid in full;

(2) to the Holders of the Class A-2 Notes and the Holders of the Class A-3 Notes in respect of principal thereof, pro rata, based on the Note Balance of each Class of such Class A Notes until each such Class of the Class A Notes has been paid in full;

(3) to the Holders of the Class B Notes, the Accrued Class B Note Interest;

(4) to the Holders of the Class B Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class B Notes have been paid in full;

(5) to the Holders of the Class C Notes, the Accrued Class C Note Interest;

(6) to the Holders of the Class C Notes in respect of principal thereof, until the Class C Notes have been paid in full;

(7) to the Holders of the Class D Notes, the Accrued Class D Note Interest; and

(8) to the Holders of the Class D Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class D Notes have been paid in full; and

(b) if an acceleration of the Notes has occurred following or as a result of an Event of Default described in Section 5.1(c) or (d), in the following order of priority:

(1) to the Holders of the Class B Notes, the Accrued Class B Note Interest;

(2) to the Holders of the Class C Notes, the Accrued Class C Note Interest;

(3) to the Holders of the Class D Notes, the Accrued Class D Note Interest;

(4) to the Holders of the Class A-1 Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class A-1 Notes have been paid in full;

(5) to the Holders of the Class A-2 Notes and the Holders of the Class A-3 Notes in respect of principal thereof, pro rata, based on the Note Balance of each Class of such Class A Notes, until each such Class of the Class A Notes has been paid in full;

 

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(6) to the Holders of the Class B Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class B Notes have been paid in full;

(7) to the Holders of the Class C Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class C Notes have been paid in full; and

(8) to the Holders of the Class D Notes in respect of principal thereof until the Class D Notes have been paid in full; and

(v) fifth, any remaining funds shall be distributed to the Certificateholders, pro rata based on the Percentage Interest of each Certificateholder, or to the extent Definitive Certificates have been issued, to the Certificate Distribution Account for distribution to or at the direction of the Certificateholders.

The Indenture Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Noteholders pursuant to this Section 5.4. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Noteholder and the Indenture Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.

Prior to an acceleration of the Notes after an Event of Default, if the Indenture Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article V, such amounts shall be deposited into the Collection Account and distributed in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement and Section 8.2 hereof.

SECTION 5.5 Optional Preservation of the Collateral. If the Notes have been declared or are automatically due and payable under Section 5.2 following an Event of Default and such declaration and its consequences have not been rescinded and annulled, if permitted hereunder, the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, elect to maintain possession of the Collateral and shall continue to apply the proceeds thereof in accordance with Section 5.4(b). It is the intent of the parties hereto and the Noteholders that there be at all times sufficient funds for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes, and the Indenture Trustee shall take such intent into account when determining whether or not to maintain possession of the Collateral. In determining whether to maintain possession of the Collateral, the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, obtain and rely upon an opinion of an Independent investment banking or accounting firm of national reputation as to the feasibility of such proposed action and as to the sufficiency of the Collateral for such purpose.

SECTION 5.6 Limitation of Suits.

(a) No Holder of any Note shall have any right to institute any Proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

(i) such Holder has previously given written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee of a continuing Event of Default;

 

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(ii) the Holders of not less than 25% of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class have made written request to the Indenture Trustee to institute such Proceeding in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as the Indenture Trustee hereunder;

(iii) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Indenture Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in complying with such request;

(iv) the Indenture Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute such Proceedings; and

(v) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Indenture Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class.

No Noteholder or group of Noteholders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Noteholders or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Noteholders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except, in each case, to the extent and in the manner herein provided.

In the event the Indenture Trustee shall receive conflicting or inconsistent requests and indemnity from two or more groups of Noteholders, each representing less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, the Indenture Trustee shall follow the direction of the Noteholders representing the greater percentage of the Note Balance.

(b) No Noteholder shall have any right to vote except as provided pursuant to this Indenture and the Notes, nor any right in any manner to otherwise control the operation and management of the Issuer. However, in connection with any action as to which Noteholders are entitled to vote or consent under this Indenture and the Notes, the Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Noteholders entitled to vote or consent in accordance with TIA Section 316(c).

SECTION 5.7 Rights of Noteholders To Receive Principal and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Indenture, the Holder of any Note shall have the right to receive payment of the principal of and interest on such Note on or after the respective due dates thereof expressed in such Note or in this Indenture (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Noteholder.

SECTION 5.8 Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder has instituted any Proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such Proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or has been determined adversely to the Indenture Trustee or to such Noteholder, then and in every such case the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall, subject to any determination in such Proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall continue as though no such Proceeding had been instituted.

 

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SECTION 5.9 Rights and Remedies Cumulative. No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Indenture Trustee or to the Noteholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy except to the extent explicitly set forth herein, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder or otherwise shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 5.10 Delay or Omission Not a Waiver. No delay or omission of the Indenture Trustee or any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Default or Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Default or Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article V or by law to the Indenture Trustee or to the Noteholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Indenture Trustee or by the Noteholders, as the case may be.

SECTION 5.11 Control by Noteholders. Subject to the provisions of Sections 5.4, 5.6, 6.2(d) and 6.2(e), Noteholders holding not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Notes or with respect to the exercise of any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee; provided that

(a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture;

(b) any such direction to the Indenture Trustee to sell or liquidate the Collateral shall be effective only to the extent the Indenture Trustee is permitted to take such action pursuant to Section 5.4(a) and Section 5.17;

(c) if the conditions set forth in Section 5.5 have been satisfied and the Indenture Trustee elects to retain the Trust Estate pursuant to such Section, then any direction to the Indenture Trustee by Holders of Notes representing less than 100% of the Note Balance to sell or liquidate the Trust Estate shall be of no force and effect;

(d) the Indenture Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Indenture Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction, applicable law and the terms of this Indenture; and

(e) such direction shall be in writing;

provided, further, that, subject to Section 6.1, the Indenture Trustee need not take any action that it determines might expose it to personal liability or might materially adversely affect or unduly prejudice the rights of any Noteholders not consenting to such action.

 

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SECTION 5.12 Waiver of Past Defaults. Prior to the declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of the Notes as provided in Section 5.2, the Holders of Notes of not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class may waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences except a Default (a) in payment of principal of or interest on any of the Notes, (b) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Noteholder or (c) arising from a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Issuer. In the case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

Upon any such waiver, such Default or Event of Default shall cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any prior, subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

SECTION 5.13 Undertaking for Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Noteholder by such Noteholder’s acceptance of a Note shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Indenture Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as the Indenture Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 5.13 shall not apply to (a) any suit instituted by the Indenture Trustee, (b) any suit instituted by any Noteholder, or group of Noteholders, in each case holding in the aggregate more than 10% of the Note Balance of the Outstanding Notes or (c) any suit instituted by any Noteholder for the enforcement of the payment of principal of or interest on any Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note and in this Indenture (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).

SECTION 5.14 Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead or in any manner whatsoever, claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Indenture Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

SECTION 5.15 Action on Notes. The Indenture Trustee’s right to seek and recover judgment on the Notes or under this Indenture shall not be affected by the seeking, obtaining or application of any other relief under or with respect to this Indenture. Neither the lien of this Indenture nor any rights or remedies of the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders shall be impaired by the recovery of any judgment by the Indenture Trustee against the Issuer or by the levy of any execution under such judgment upon any portion of the Trust Estate or upon any of the assets of the Issuer. Any money or property collected by the Indenture Trustee shall be applied in accordance with Section 5.4(b), if the maturity of the Notes has been accelerated pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Indenture, or Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement and Section 8.2 of this Indenture, if the maturity of the Notes has not been accelerated.

 

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SECTION 5.16 Performance and Enforcement of Certain Obligations.

(a) Promptly following a request from the Indenture Trustee to do so, the Issuer shall take all such lawful action as the Indenture Trustee may request to compel or secure the performance and observance (i) by the Seller and the Servicer, as applicable, of each of their obligations to the Issuer under or in connection with the Sale and Servicing Agreement or (ii) by the Seller or Santander Consumer, as applicable, of each of their obligations under or in connection with the Purchase Agreement, in each case, in accordance with the terms thereof, and to exercise any and all rights, remedies, powers and privileges lawfully available to the Issuer under or in connection with the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Purchase Agreement, as the case may be, to the extent and in the manner directed by the Indenture Trustee, including the transmission of notices of default on the part of the Seller, the Servicer or Santander Consumer thereunder and the institution of legal or administrative actions or Proceedings to compel or secure performance by the Seller or the Servicer of each of their obligations under the Sale and Servicing Agreement or by the Seller or Santander Consumer, as applicable, of each of their obligations under or in connection with the Purchase Agreement.

(b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee may, and, at the direction (which direction shall be in writing) of the Holders of a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class shall, exercise all rights, remedies, powers, privileges and claims of the Issuer against the Seller or the Servicer under or in connection with the Sale and Servicing Agreement and/or against the Seller or Santander Consumer under the Purchase Agreement, including the right or power to take any action to compel or secure performance or observance by the Seller, the Servicer and/or Santander Consumer, as the case may be, of each of their obligations to the Issuer thereunder and to give any consent, request, notice, direction, approval, extension or waiver under the Sale and Servicing Agreement and/or the Purchase Agreement, as applicable, and any right of the Issuer to take such action shall be suspended.

SECTION 5.17 Sale of Collateral. If the Indenture Trustee acts to sell the Collateral or any part thereof, pursuant to Section 5.4(a), the Indenture Trustee shall publish a notice in an Authorized Newspaper stating that the Indenture Trustee intends to effect such a sale in a commercially reasonable manner and on commercially reasonable terms, which shall include the solicitation of competitive bids. Following such publication, the Indenture Trustee shall, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law from any such action, sell the Collateral or any part thereof, in such manner and on such terms as provided above to the highest bidder, provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee may from time to time postpone any sale by public announcement made at the time and place of such sale. The Indenture Trustee shall give notice to the Seller and the Servicer of any proposed sale, and the Seller, the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof shall be permitted to bid for the Collateral at any such sale. The Indenture Trustee may obtain a prior determination from a conservator, receiver or trustee in bankruptcy of the Issuer that the terms and manner of any proposed sale are commercially reasonable. The power to effect any sale of any portion of the Collateral pursuant to Section 5.4 and this Section 5.17 shall not be exhausted by any one or more sales as to any portion of the Collateral remaining unsold, but shall continue unimpaired until the entire Collateral shall have been sold or all amounts payable on the Notes shall have been paid.

 

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ARTICLE VI

THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.1 Duties of the Indenture Trustee.

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has received written notice thereof, the Indenture Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and shall use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

(b) Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default:

(i) the Indenture Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture or the other Transaction Documents against the Indenture Trustee; and

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Indenture Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided however, the Indenture Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

(c) The Indenture Trustee shall not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 6.1;

(ii) the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee unless it is proved that the Indenture Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 5.11.

(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Indenture Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c).

(e) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Indenture Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.

 

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(f) Money held in trust by the Indenture Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law or the terms of this Indenture or the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

(g) No provision of this Indenture or any other Transaction Document shall require the Indenture Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(h) Every provision of this Indenture and each other Transaction Document relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Indenture Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6.1 and to the provisions of the TIA.

(i) The Indenture Trustee shall take all actions required to be taken by the Indenture Trustee under the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

SECTION 6.2 Rights of the Indenture Trustee.

(a) The Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it (i) to be genuine and (ii) to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Indenture Trustee shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any document provided to the Indenture Trustee, and need not investigate, recalculate, certify or verify any fact, numerical information or matter stated in the document.

(b) Before the Indenture Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, as applicable, the cost of which the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to pay. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes, suffers or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

(c) The Indenture Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys or a custodian or nominee, and the Indenture Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of, or for the supervision of, the Administrator, any such agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder, or any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.10.

(d) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take or errors in judgment made in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

(e) The Indenture Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

 

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(f) The Indenture Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or to institute, conduct or defend any investigation, proceeding or litigation under this Indenture or in relation to this Indenture or to honor the request or direction of any of the Noteholders pursuant to this Indenture (other than requests, demands or directions relating to an Asset Review as described in Section 7.6 hereof or to the Noteholders’ or Note Owners’ rights to communicate with each other as described in Section 3.13 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement) unless such Noteholders shall have offered to the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee against the reasonable costs, expenses, disbursements, advances and liabilities that might be incurred by it, its agents and its counsel in compliance with such request or direction (including any legal fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any enforcement (including any action, claim or suit) by the Indenture Trustee of any indemnification or other obligation of the Noteholders).

(g) In the performance of its obligations as Relevant Trustee under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to all of the same rights, protections, indemnities and immunities of the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture.

(h) The Indenture Trustee shall not be imputed with any knowledge of, or information possessed or obtained by any other Person, or any affiliate, line of business, or other division of Wilmington Trust, National Association (and vice versa) unless such person is a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee or the Indenture Trustee also has such actual knowledge or information. Information contained in any reports delivered to the Indenture Trustee and any other publicly available information shall not constitute actual or constructive knowledge; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any provision in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, any document delivered to the Indenture Trustee the information contained in which the Indenture Trustee is required to take notice of to fulfill its obligations under the Transaction Documents or under applicable law shall constitute actual notice to the Indenture Trustee of such information.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise, under no circumstance will the Indenture Trustee be liable for special, punitive, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including lost profits).

(j) The Indenture Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond or other paper or document, other than to the extent set forth in the Transaction Documents or otherwise agreed in writing by the Indenture Trustee or required under applicable law.

(k) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any loss or damage, or any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder if it is prevented from so performing its obligations by any reason which is beyond the control of such party, including, but not limited to, applicable law or force majeure.

(l) The right of the Indenture Trustee to perform any permissive or discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture or any related document shall not be construed as a duty.

 

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(m) Neither the Indenture Trustee nor any of its officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or protection of any collateral, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Transaction Documents, for the creation, perfection, continuation, priority, sufficiency or protection of any liens with regard to the Collateral or the Transaction Documents, or for any defect or deficiency as to any such matters, to monitor the status of any lien or the performance of the Collateral, or for any failure to demand, collect, foreclose or realize upon or otherwise enforce any of such liens or the Transaction Documents or any delay in doing so, unless such responsibility or liability is otherwise imposed on the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture.

(n) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable solely for any action or inaction of the Issuer, the Noteholders, the Servicer, or any other party (or agent thereof) to this Indenture or any other Transaction Document and may assume compliance by such parties with their obligations under this Indenture or any other Transaction Documents, unless a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge or received written notice to the contrary.

(o) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to take any action that is not in accordance with applicable law.

(p) Except as otherwise provided in Sections 7.5 and 7.6 hereof and Sections 3.6, 9.21 and 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture Trustee shall not have any duty to conduct any investigation as to the occurrence of any condition requiring the repurchase of any Receivable, or the eligibility of any Receivable for purposes of this Indenture.

(q) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in accordance with a direction received by it from the Issuer or the required Noteholders, as the case may be, in accordance with the Transaction Documents.

(r) The Indenture Trustee shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any event or information (including, but not limited to, an Event of Default) or be required to act upon any event or information (including the sending of any notice), unless a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge or shall have received written notice thereof and shall have no duty to take any action to determine whether any such event shall have occurred.

(s) In no event shall the Indenture Trustee have any obligation to oversee or any liability or responsibility to monitor compliance with or enforce compliance with any credit risk retention requirements or any other rules or regulations relating to risk retention. The Indenture Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of such rules or regulations, nor shall it be liable to any Noteholder or other party for a violation of such rules or regulations now or hereafter in effect.

SECTION 6.3 Individual Rights of the Indenture Trustee. Subject to Section 310 of the TIA, the Indenture Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Seller, the Owner Trustee, the Administrator and their respective Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not the Indenture Trustee, and the Seller, the Owner Trustee, the Administrator and their respective Affiliates may maintain normal commercial banking and investment banking relationships with the Indenture Trustee and its Affiliates. Any Paying Agent, Note Registrar, co-registrar, co-paying agent, co-trustee or separate trustee may do the same with like rights. However, the Indenture Trustee must comply with Section 6.11.

 

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SECTION 6.4 The Indenture Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Indenture Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity, enforceability or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Notes, and shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in the Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes (including any recitals), all of which shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, other than the Indenture Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

SECTION 6.5 Notice of Defaults. If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is either actually known or written notice of the existence thereof has been delivered to a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to each Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Administrator notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after such knowledge or notice occurs. Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment of principal of or interest on any Note (including payments pursuant to the mandatory redemption provisions of such Note), the Indenture Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Noteholders.

SECTION 6.6 Reports by the Indenture Trustee to Noteholders. The Indenture Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall make available to each Noteholder, not later than the latest date permitted by law, such information as may be required by the Code to enable such Holder to prepare its federal and state income tax returns.

SECTION 6.7 Compensation and Indemnity. The Indenture Trustee shall be (i) paid from time to time such compensation as the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing for services rendered by the Indenture Trustee hereunder in accordance with an applicable fee letter, (ii) reimbursed for all reasonable expenses, advances and disbursements reasonably incurred by it in connection with the performance of its powers and duties as Indenture Trustee, Relevant Trustee, Certificate Registrar and Certificate Paying Agent and (iii) indemnified for, and held harmless against, any and all fees, costs, loss, liability, expense, tax, penalty or claim (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs and any losses incurred in connection with a successful defense, in whole or part, of any claim that the Indenture Trustee breached its standard of care and legal fees and expenses and court costs incurred in actions against the indemnifying party) incurred by it in connection with the administration of the trust or trusts hereunder or under any other Transaction Document, the performance of its duties as Indenture Trustee, Relevant Trustee, Certificate Registrar and Certificate Paying Agent or the enforcement of its rights (including indemnification rights) under the Transaction Documents. The Indenture Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Indenture Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Servicer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Indenture Trustee to so notify the Issuer and the Servicer shall not relieve the Issuer or the Servicer of its obligations hereunder or, in the case of the Servicer, under the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The Issuer shall, or shall cause the Servicer to, defend any such claim (except in

 

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connection with any claim for indemnification of any attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Indenture Trustee in connection with any enforcement (including by means of any action, claim or suit) by the Indenture Trustee of any indemnification or other obligation of the Issuer or Servicer), and the Indenture Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall, or shall cause the Servicer to, pay the fees and expenses of such counsel within a reasonable time following receipt by the Servicer of an invoice therefor. None of the Administrator, the Issuer, the Seller, or the Servicer shall be liable for or required to indemnify the Indenture Trustee from and against any of the foregoing expenses or indemnities arising or resulting from (i) its own willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence, (ii) the inaccuracy of any representation or warranty contained in Section 6.13 made by the Indenture Trustee or (iii) taxes, fees or other charges on, based on or measured by, any fees, commissions or compensation received by the Indenture Trustee.

The compensation and indemnity obligations to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall survive the termination, assignment, and/or discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee. When the Indenture Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of an Event of Default set forth in Section 5.1(e) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

Any amounts payable to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall be paid pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of this Indenture, as applicable (to the extent of Available Funds available therefor) or, to the extent not paid thereunder, shall be paid by the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

SECTION 6.8 Removal, Resignation and Replacement of the Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee may resign for any reason upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Issuer, the Administrator and the Servicer. The Holders of a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class may remove the Indenture Trustee without cause by giving 30 days’ prior written notice to the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer, and following that removal may appoint a successor to the Indenture Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Indenture Trustee if:

(a) the Indenture Trustee fails to comply with Section 6.11;

(b) a Bankruptcy Event occurs with respect to the Indenture Trustee;

(c) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Indenture Trustee or its property; or

(d) the Indenture Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

If the Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Indenture Trustee for any reason (the Indenture Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Indenture Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Indenture Trustee.

 

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A successor Indenture Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Indenture Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Indenture Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Indenture Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Indenture Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Noteholders. The retiring Indenture Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as the Indenture Trustee to the successor Indenture Trustee.

If a successor Indenture Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Indenture Trustee, the Issuer or the Holders of a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.

If the Indenture Trustee fails to comply with Section 6.11, any Noteholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.

Any resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 6.8 shall not become effective until acceptance of appointment by the successor Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.8 and payment of all fees, indemnities and expenses owed to the outgoing Indenture Trustee.

Notwithstanding the resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.8, the Issuer’s and Servicer’s obligations under Section 6.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Indenture Trustee.

The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any successor Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 6.9 Successor Indenture Trustee by Merger. Subject to Section 6.11, if the Indenture Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association or other entity, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or other entity without any further act shall be the successor Indenture Trustee, provided, that such corporation or banking association or other entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under Section 6.11. The Indenture Trustee shall provide the Administrator prior written notice of any such transaction.

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Indenture Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Indenture Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Indenture Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Indenture Trustee.

 

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SECTION 6.10 Appointment of Co-Indenture Trustee or Separate Indenture Trustee.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, at any time, after delivering written notice to the Administrator, for the purpose of meeting any legal requirement of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Estate may at the time be located, or for an enforcement action or where a conflict of interest exists, the Indenture Trustee and the Administrator acting jointly shall have the power and may execute and deliver all instruments to appoint one or more Persons to act as a co-trustee or co-trustees, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or any part of the Trust Estate, and to vest in such Person or Persons, in such capacity and for the benefit of the Noteholders, such title to the Trust Estate, or any part hereof, and, subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.10, such powers, duties, obligations, rights and trusts as the Indenture Trustee and the Administrator may consider necessary or desirable. No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be required to meet the terms of eligibility as a successor trustee under Section 6.11, and no notice to Noteholders of the appointment of any co-trustee or separate trustee shall be required under Section 6.8.

(b) Every separate trustee and co-trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be appointed and act subject to the following provisions and conditions:

(i) all rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon the Indenture Trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Indenture Trustee and such separate trustee or co-trustee jointly (it being intended that such separate trustee or co-trustee is not authorized to act separately without the Indenture Trustee joining in such act), except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed the Indenture Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act or acts, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations (including the holding of title to the Collateral or any portion thereof in any such jurisdiction) shall be exercised and performed singly by such separate trustee or co-trustee, but solely at the direction of the Indenture Trustee;

(ii) no separate trustee or co-trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee hereunder, including acts or omissions of predecessor or successor trustees;

(iii) the Indenture Trustee and the Administrator may at any time accept the resignation of or, acting jointly, remove any separate trustee or co-trustee;

(iv) no separate trustee or co-trustee hereunder shall be deemed an agent of the Indenture Trustee; and

(v) the Indenture Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability relating to the appointment of any co-trustee or separate trustee or relating to the action or inaction of any co-trustee or separate trustee.

(c) Any notice, request or other writing given to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them. Every instrument appointing any separate trustee or co-trustee shall refer to this Indenture and the conditions of this Article VI. Each separate trustee and co-trustee, upon its acceptance of the trusts conferred, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in its instrument of appointment, either jointly with the Indenture Trustee or separately, as may be provided therein, subject to all the provisions of this Indenture, specifically including every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Indenture Trustee. Every such instrument shall be filed with the Indenture Trustee and a copy thereof given to the Administrator.

 

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(d) Any separate trustee or co-trustee may at any time constitute the Indenture Trustee its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this Indenture on its behalf and in its name. If any separate trustee or co-trustee shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all of its estates, properties, rights, remedies and trusts shall vest in and be exercised by the Indenture Trustee, to the extent permitted by law, without the appointment of a new or successor trustee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, the appointment of any separate trustee or co-trustee shall not relieve the Indenture Trustee of its obligations and duties under this Indenture.

SECTION 6.11 Eligibility; Disqualification. The Indenture Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a) and, in addition, shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition and shall have a long term debt rating of investment grade or better by each Rating Agency or shall otherwise be acceptable to each Rating Agency. The Indenture Trustee shall also satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(b). Neither the Issuer nor any Affiliate of the Issuer may serve as Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 6.12 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer. The Indenture Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). Any Indenture Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.

SECTION 6.13 Representations and Warranties. The Indenture Trustee hereby makes the following representations and warranties on which the Issuer and the Noteholders shall rely:

(i) the Indenture Trustee is a national banking association duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America;

(ii) the Indenture Trustee has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform this Indenture and shall have taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Indenture;

(iii) this Indenture has been duly executed and delivered by the Indenture Trustee; and

(iv) this Indenture is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Indenture Trustee enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.

 

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ARTICLE VII

NOTEHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS

SECTION 7.1 The Note Registrar to Furnish the Indenture Trustee Names and Addresses of Noteholders. The Note Registrar shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee (a) not more than five days after each Record Date, a list, in such form as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Noteholders as of such Record Date and (b) at such other times as the Indenture Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Note Registrar of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than ten days prior to the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that so long as (i) the Indenture Trustee is the Note Registrar or (ii) the Notes are issued as Book-Entry Notes, no such list shall be required to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 7.2 Preservation of Information; Communications to Noteholders.

(a) The Indenture Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of the Noteholders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Indenture Trustee as provided in Section 7.1 and the names and addresses of Noteholders received by the Indenture Trustee in its capacity as the Note Registrar. The Indenture Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in such Section 7.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished; provided, however, that so long as the Indenture Trustee is the Note Registrar or the Notes are issued as Book-Entry Notes, no such list shall be required to be preserved or maintained.

(b) The Noteholders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Noteholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Notes. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of any request by three or more Noteholders or by one or more Noteholders of Notes evidencing not less than 25% of the Note Balance, voting together as a single Class, to receive a copy of the current list of Noteholders (whether or not made pursuant to TIA Section 312(b)), the Indenture Trustee shall promptly notify the Administrator thereof by providing to the Administrator a copy of such request and a copy of the list of Noteholders produced in response thereto.

(c) The Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Note Registrar shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

SECTION 7.3 Reports by the Indenture Trustee. If required by TIA Section 313(a), within 60 days after each March 31, beginning with March 31, 2022, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to each Noteholder as required by TIA Section 313(c), a brief report dated as of such date that complies with TIA Section 313(a). The Indenture Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b). A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Noteholders shall be filed by the Indenture Trustee with the Commission and each stock exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed. The Issuer shall notify the Indenture Trustee if and when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.

 

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SECTION 7.4 Rule 144A Information. At any time when the Issuer is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and is not exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act, upon the request of a Noteholder or Note Owner of a 144A Note, the Issuer shall promptly furnish or cause to be furnished Rule 144A Information to such Noteholder or Note Owner, to a prospective purchaser of such 144A Note designated by such Noteholder or Note Owner or to the Indenture Trustee for delivery (in the manner contemplated by Section 4.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement) to such Noteholder or Note Owner, as the case may be, or a prospective purchaser designated by such Noteholder or Note Owner, in order to permit compliance by such Noteholder or Note Owner with Rule 144A in connection with the resale of such 144A Note by such Noteholder or Note Owner.

SECTION 7.5 Noteholder Demand for Repurchase, Dispute Resolution.

(a) If a Noteholder (if the Notes are represented by Definitive Notes) or a Note Owner (if the Notes are represented by Book-Entry Notes) becomes aware of a breach of Santander Consumer’s representations and warranties in Section 3.3 of the Purchase Agreement that would require Santander Consumer to repurchase a Receivable pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement such Noteholder or Note Owner (the “Requesting Investor”) may, by written notice to the Indenture Trustee, direct the Indenture Trustee to notify Santander Consumer of such breach and request that Santander Consumer repurchase the related Receivable. Any such written notice to the Indenture Trustee shall identify the Receivable and shall reference this Indenture, as well as the related breach of representation or warranty. If the Requesting Investor is a Note Owner, then each written notice from such Requesting Investor must be accompanied by Verification Documents. Upon receipt of any written notice of a repurchase request that complies with the requirements of this Section 7.5, the Indenture Trustee shall forward such written notice to Santander Consumer and request that Santander Consumer repurchase the related Receivable pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement. For avoidance of doubt, following delivery of such notice and request to Santander Consumer, the Indenture Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability for the decision by Santander Consumer to repurchase or not to repurchase the related Receivable.

(b) If a Requesting Investor directs the Indenture Trustee to request the repurchase of a Receivable pursuant to clause (a) above, and the repurchase request has not been fulfilled or otherwise resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of such Requesting Investor within 180 days of the receipt of notice of the request by Santander Consumer, the Indenture Trustee shall, at the direction of such Requesting Investor, refer the matter to either mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; provided, however, if the Indenture Trustee declines to refer the matter to mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration due to the failure of such Requesting Investor to offer the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee against the reasonable costs, expenses, disbursement, advances and liabilities that might be incurred by it, its agents and its counsel in connection with such request, the Requesting Investor may directly refer the matter to either mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

 

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(c) A Requesting Investor shall not be required to direct that an Asset Review be performed prior to submitting a repurchase request with respect to any Receivable or using the dispute resolution provisions pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement with respect to such Receivable. The failure of a Requesting Investor to direct an Asset Review shall not affect whether any Requesting Investor can pursue dispute resolution. In addition, whether any Requesting Investor voted affirmatively, negatively or abstained in the vote to cause an Asset Review shall not affect whether such Requesting Investor may use the dispute resolution proceedings pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. A Requesting Investor may refer to either mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement a dispute related to any Receivables, including any Receivables that the Asset Representations Reviewer did not review in connection with an Asset Review, any Receivables for which the Asset Representations Reviewer found a Test Fail in connection with an Asset Review and any Receivables that the Asset Representations Reviewer reviewed and determined that there were no Test Fails in connection with an Asset Review.

SECTION 7.6 Asset Review Voting.

(a) If the Delinquency Percentage on any Payment Date exceeds the Delinquency Trigger, then Noteholders (if the Notes are represented by Definitive Notes) or Note Owners (if the Notes are represented by Book-Entry Notes) holding at least 5% of the Outstanding Note Balance (the “Instituting Noteholders”) may elect to initiate a vote to determine whether the Asset Representations Reviewer should conduct an Asset Review by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee of their desire to institute such a vote within 90 days after the filing of the Form 10-D disclosing that the Delinquency Percentage exceeds the Delinquency Trigger; provided, however, that the failure of any Noteholder or Note Owner to institute such a vote shall not preclude such Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable, from pursuing dispute resolution pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. If any Instituting Noteholder is not a Noteholder as reflected on the Note Register, the Indenture Trustee may require such Instituting Noteholder to provide Verification Documents to confirm that the Instituting Noteholder is, in fact, a Note Owner. If the Instituting Noteholders initiate a vote as described in this clause (a), the Indenture Trustee shall submit the matter to a vote of all Noteholders, which shall be through the Clearing Agency if the Notes are represented by Book-Entry Notes, and the Issuer will include or cause to be included in the related Form 10-D that such a vote has been called. The Indenture Trustee may set a Record Date for purposes of determining the identity of Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, entitled to vote in accordance with TIA Section 316(c). The vote will remain open until the 150th day after the filing of the Form 10-D disclosing that the Delinquency Percentage exceeds the Delinquency Trigger. Abstaining from, voting in favor of, or voting against causing the Asset Representations Reviewer to conduct an Asset Review shall not preclude any Noteholder from pursuing dispute resolution pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The “Noteholder Direction” shall be deemed to have occurred if Noteholders representing at least a majority of the voting Noteholders vote in favor of directing an Asset Review of the Subject Receivables by the Asset Representations Reviewer. Following the completion of the voting process, the next Form 10-D filed by the Depositor will disclose whether or not a Noteholder Direction has occurred.

(b) Within 5 Business Days of the Review Satisfaction Date, the Indenture Trustee will send a written notice (a “Review Notice”) to Santander Consumer, the Depositor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer specifying that the asset review conditions have been satisfied, providing the applicable Review Satisfaction Date and stating that the Asset Representations Reviewer shall conduct an Asset Review of the Subject Receivables.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 7.6, a Noteholder (if the Notes are represented by Definitive Notes) or Note Owner (if the Notes are represented by Book-Entry Notes) need not direct an Asset Review be performed prior to (i)(x) directing the Indenture Trustee to notify Santander Consumer of a breach of Santander Consumer’s representations and warranties in Section 3.3 of the Purchase Agreement that would require Santander Consumer to repurchase a Receivable pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement and (y) requesting that Santander Consumer repurchase the related Receivable pursuant to Section 7.5 hereof or (ii) referring the matter, at its discretion, to either mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

ACCOUNTS, DISBURSEMENTS AND RELEASES

SECTION 8.1 Collection of Money. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Indenture Trustee may demand payment or delivery of, and shall receive and collect, directly and without intervention or assistance of any fiscal agent or other intermediary, all money and other property payable to or receivable by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The Indenture Trustee shall apply all such money received by it as provided in this Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, if any default occurs in the making of any payment or performance under any agreement or instrument that is part of the Trust Estate, the Indenture Trustee may take such action as may be appropriate to enforce such payment or performance, including the institution and prosecution of appropriate Proceedings. Any such action shall be without prejudice to any right to claim a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture and any right to proceed thereafter as provided in Article V.

SECTION 8.2 Trust Accounts.

(a) On the Business Day before each Payment Date, the Issuer shall cause the Servicer to deposit all Collections with respect to the Collection Period preceding such Payment Date in the Collection Account as provided in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. On or before each Payment Date, all amounts required to be withdrawn from the Reserve Account and deposited in the Collection Account pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement shall be withdrawn by the Indenture Trustee from the Reserve Account and deposited to the Collection Account as instructed on the Servicer’s Certificate.

(b) Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the Notes pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Indenture, on each Payment Date and the Redemption Date, the Indenture Trustee shall distribute the First Allocation of Principal, the Second Allocation of Principal, the Third Allocation of Principal, the Fourth Allocation of Principal and the Regular Allocation of Principal:

 

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(i) first, sequentially to the Class A-1 Noteholders until the Class A-1 Notes are paid in full, to the Class A-2 Noteholders until the Class A-2 Notes are paid in full and to the Class A-3 Noteholders until the Class A-3 Notes are paid in full;

(ii) second, to the Class B Noteholders until the Class B Notes are paid in full;

(iii) third, to the Class C Noteholders until the Class C Notes are paid in full; and

(iv) fourth, to the Class D Noteholders until the Class D Notes are paid in full.

(c) On the Payment Date on which the Notes of all Classes have been paid in full, the Indenture Trustee shall take all necessary or appropriate actions, as directed by the Issuer and at no expense to the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee, to transfer all of its right, title and interest in the contents of the Collection Account (including any investments and investment income) to the Certificate Paying Agent for the benefit of the Certificateholders for deposit into such new non-interest bearing account to be established by the Certificate Paying Agent in accordance with Section 4.1(a)(i) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. Following such transfer, the Collection Account will be maintained under the sole dominion and control of the Certificate Paying Agent for the benefit of the Certificateholders and the Relevant Trustee will make distributions from the Collection Account pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

SECTION 8.3 General Provisions Regarding Accounts.

(a) The funds in the Trust Accounts shall be invested in Eligible Investments in accordance with and subject to Section 4.1(b) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; provided, however, that any amounts deposited into the Collection Account on the day prior to a Payment Date (or Redemption Date) to be distributed on such Payment Date (or Redemption Date) shall remain uninvested. All interest and investment income (net of losses and investment expenses) on funds on deposit (i) in the Collection Account shall be distributed to the Servicer in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.7 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement and (ii) in the Reserve Account shall be distributed to the Servicer in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3.7 and 4.3 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The Indenture Trustee shall not be directed to make any investment of any funds or to sell any investment held in any of the Trust Accounts unless the security interest Granted and perfected in such account will continue to be perfected in such investment or the proceeds of such sale, in either case without any further action by any Person, and, in connection with any direction to the Indenture Trustee to make any such investment or sale, if requested by the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel, acceptable to the Indenture Trustee, to such effect.

(b) Subject to Section 6.1(c), the Indenture Trustee shall not in any way be held liable by reason of any insufficiency in any of the Trust Accounts resulting from any loss on any Eligible Investment included therein, except for losses attributable to the Indenture Trustee’s failure to make payments on any such Eligible Investments issued by the Indenture Trustee in its commercial capacity as principal obligor and not as trustee, in accordance with their terms.

 

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(c) If (i) investment directions shall not have been given in writing by the Servicer in accordance with Section 4.1(b) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement for any funds on deposit in the Trust Accounts to the Indenture Trustee by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed by the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee), on any Business Day or (ii) a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes but the Notes shall not have been declared due and payable pursuant to Section 5.2 or (iii) the Notes shall have been declared due and payable following an Event of Default and amounts collected or received from the Trust Estate are being applied in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement as if there had not been such a declaration, then the Indenture Trustee shall, to the fullest extent practicable, invest and reinvest funds in the Trust Accounts in one or more Eligible Investments in accordance with the standing instructions most recently given by the Servicer; provided, however, that if no standing instructions shall have been given to the Indenture Trustee, the funds shall remain uninvested.

(d) Pursuant to Section 4.1(b) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer acknowledges that upon its written request and at no additional cost, it has the right to receive notification after the completion of each purchase and sale of Eligible Investments or the Indenture Trustee’s receipt of a broker’s confirmation. The Servicer agrees that such notifications shall not be provided by the Indenture Trustee hereunder, and the Indenture Trustee shall make available, upon request and in lieu of notifications, periodic account statements that reflect such investment activity.

SECTION 8.4 Release of Collateral.

(a) Subject to the payment of its fees and expenses pursuant to Section 6.7, the Indenture Trustee may if permitted by and in accordance with the terms hereof, and when required by the provisions of this Indenture shall, execute instruments to release property from the lien of this Indenture, or convey the Indenture Trustee’s interest in the same, in a manner and under circumstances that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture. No party relying upon an instrument executed by the Indenture Trustee as provided in this Article VIII shall be bound to ascertain the Indenture Trustee’s authority, inquire into the satisfaction of any conditions precedent or see to the application of any monies.

(b) The Indenture Trustee shall, at such time as there are no Notes Outstanding and all sums due the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.7 have been paid, release any remaining portion of the Collateral that secured the Notes from the lien of this Indenture and release to the Issuer or any other Person entitled thereto any funds then on deposit in the Trust Accounts. Such release shall include release of the lien of this Indenture and transfer of dominion and control over the Trust Accounts to the Issuer or its designee. The Indenture Trustee shall release property from the lien of this Indenture pursuant to this Section 8.4 only upon receipt of an Issuer Request accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel.

Each Noteholder or Note Owner, by its acceptance of a Note or, in the case of a Note Owner, a beneficial interest in a Note, acknowledges that from time to time the Indenture Trustee shall release the lien of this Indenture (or shall be deemed to automatically release the lien of this Indenture without any further action) on any Receivable to be sold to (i) the Servicer in accordance with Section 3.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement and (ii) Santander Consumer in accordance with Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement.

 

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SECTION 8.5 Opinion of Counsel. The Indenture Trustee shall receive at least seven days’ prior notice (or such lesser time as is acceptable to the Indenture Trustee) when requested by the Issuer to take any action pursuant to Section 8.4(a), accompanied by copies of any instruments involved, and the Indenture Trustee may also require as a condition to such action, an Opinion of Counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, stating the legal effect of any such action, outlining the steps required to complete the same, and concluding that all conditions precedent to the taking of such action have been complied with and such action will not materially and adversely impair the security for the Notes or the rights of the Noteholders in contravention of the provisions of this Indenture; provided, that such Opinion of Counsel shall not be required to express an opinion as to the fair value of the Trust Estate. Counsel rendering any such opinion may rely, without independent investigation, on the accuracy and validity of any certificate or other instrument delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with any such action.

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 9.1 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders.

(a) Without the consent of the Noteholders or any other Person, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee (when so directed by an Issuer Request) but with prior notice from the Issuer to each Rating Agency, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, this Indenture or for the purposes of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders under this Indenture subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(i) the Issuer delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such supplemental indenture will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and the Issuer notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment.

(b) Without the consent of the Noteholders or any other Person, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee (when so directed by an Issuer Request), may also enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Indenture to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates.

(c) Prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall provide written notification of the substance of such supplemental indenture to each Rating Agency and the Owner Trustee; and promptly after the execution of any such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall furnish a copy of such supplemental indenture to each Rating Agency, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee; provided, that no supplemental indenture pursuant to this Section 9.1 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

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(d) Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Section 9.1, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to the Noteholders a copy of such amendment or supplemental indenture. Any failure of the Indenture Trustee to mail a copy of such amendment or supplemental indenture, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section 9.1, this Indenture may only be amended by the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons) consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Depositor or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect. It will not be necessary to obtain the consent of the Certificateholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

SECTION 9.2 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Noteholders.

(a) With the consent of Noteholders holding not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Outstanding Notes, voting together as a single Class, by Act of such Holders delivered to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee (when so directed by an Issuer Request), may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders under this Indenture; provided that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected thereby and prior notice by the Issuer to the Rating Agencies:

(i) change the coin or currency in which, any Note or the interest thereon is payable, reduce the interest rate or principal amount of any Note, or delay the Final Scheduled Payment Date or reduce the Redemption Price of any Note;

(ii) reduce the percentage of the Note Balance, the consent of the Holders of which is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of the Holders of which is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture;

 

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(iii) modify or alter the provisions of the proviso to the definition of the term “Outstanding”;

(iv) reduce the percentage of the Note Balance required to direct the Indenture Trustee to direct the Issuer to sell or liquidate the Trust Estate pursuant to Section 5.4 if the proceeds of such sale would be insufficient to pay the Note Balance plus accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes;

(v) modify any provision of this Section 9.2 in any respect materially adverse to the interests of the Noteholders;

(vi) permit the creation of any Lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of this Indenture with respect to any part of the Trust Estate or, except as otherwise permitted or contemplated herein or in the Transaction Documents, terminate the lien of this Indenture on any property at any time subject hereto or deprive any Noteholder of the security provided by the lien of this Indenture; or

(vii) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of payment as provided in Section 5.7.

(b) It shall not be necessary for any Act of Noteholders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

(c) Prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall provide written notification of the substance of such supplemental indenture to each Rating Agency and the Owner Trustee; and promptly after the execution of any such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall furnish a copy of such supplemental indenture to each Rating Agency, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee; provided, that no supplemental indenture pursuant to this Section 9.2 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(d) Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Section 9.2, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to the Noteholders a copy of such amendment or supplemental indenture. Any failure of the Indenture Trustee to mail such amendment or supplemental indenture, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section 9.2, this Indenture may only be amended by the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons) consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Depositor or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect. It will not be necessary to obtain the consent of the Certificateholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

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SECTION 9.3 Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In executing, or permitting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article IX or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.2, shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Indenture Trustee’s own rights, duties, liabilities or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 9.4 Effect of Supplemental Indenture. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith with respect to the Notes affected thereby, and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties, liabilities and immunities under this Indenture of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Noteholders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.

SECTION 9.5 Conformity With Trust Indenture Act. Every amendment of this Indenture and every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article IX shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect so long as this Indenture shall then be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 9.6 Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures. Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article IX may, and if required by the Indenture Trustee shall, bear a notation in form approved by the Indenture Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee shall so determine, new Notes so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Indenture Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE X

REDEMPTION OF NOTES

SECTION 10.1 Redemption.

(a) Each of the Notes is subject to redemption in whole, but not in part, at the direction of the Servicer pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, on any Payment Date on which the Servicer exercises its option to purchase the Trust Estate (other than the Reserve Account) pursuant to said Section 8.1, for a purchase price equal to the Optional Purchase Price, which amount shall be deposited by the Servicer into the Collection Account on the Business Day prior to the Redemption Date.

 

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(b) Each of the Notes is subject to redemption in whole, but not in part, on any Payment Date on which the sum of the amount of cash or other immediately available funds on deposit in the Reserve Account and the remaining Available Funds after the payments under clauses first through tenth of Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement would be sufficient to pay in full the aggregate unpaid Note Balance of all of the Outstanding Notes as determined by the Servicer. On such Payment Date, (i) the Indenture Trustee, upon written direction from the Servicer, shall transfer all amounts on deposit in the Reserve Account to the Collection Account and (ii) the Outstanding Notes shall be redeemed in whole, but not in part.

(c) If the Notes are to be redeemed pursuant to Sections 10.1(a) or 10.1(b), the Administrator shall provide at least 10 days’ prior notice of the redemption of the Notes to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee, and the Indenture Trustee shall provide prompt (but not later than 5 days’ prior to the applicable Redemption Date) notice thereof to the Noteholders.

SECTION 10.2 Form of Redemption Notice. Notice of redemption under Section 10.1 shall be given by the Indenture Trustee by facsimile or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, transmitted or mailed prior to the applicable Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes as of the close of business on the Record Date preceding the applicable Redemption Date, at such Holder’s address appearing in the Note Register.

All notices of redemption shall state:

(i) the Redemption Date;

(ii) the Redemption Price;

(iii) that the Record Date otherwise applicable to such Redemption Date is not applicable and that payments shall be made only upon presentation and surrender of such Notes, and the place where such Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price (which shall be the office or agency of the Issuer to be maintained as provided in Section 3.2);

(iv) that interest on the Notes shall cease to accrue on the Redemption Date; and

(v) the CUSIP numbers (if applicable) for such Notes.

Notice of redemption of the Notes shall be given by the Indenture Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer. In addition, the Issuer shall notify each Rating Agency upon redemption of the Notes. Failure to give notice of redemption, or any defect therein, to any Noteholder shall not impair or affect the validity of the redemption of any Note.

SECTION 10.3 Notes Payable on Redemption Date. The Notes to be redeemed shall, following notice of redemption as required by Section 10.2 (in the case of redemption pursuant to Section 10.1), on the Redemption Date become due and payable at the Redemption Price and (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price) no interest shall accrue on the Redemption Price for any period after the date to which accrued interest is calculated for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.

 

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ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 11.1 Compliance Certificates and Opinions, etc.

(a) Upon any application or request by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee (i) an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with that satisfies TIA Section 314(c)(1), (ii) an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with that satisfies TIA Section 314(c)(2) and (iii) if required by the TIA in the case of condition precedent compliance with which is subject to verification by accountants, a certificate or opinion of an accountant that satisfies TIA Section 314(c)(3), except that, in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

Every certificate or opinion furnished in accordance with TIA Section 314(e) with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

(i) a statement that each signatory of such certificate or opinion has read or has caused to be read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of each such signatory, such signatory has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such signatory to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such signatory such condition or covenant has been complied with.

(b) (i) Prior to the deposit of any Collateral or other property or securities with the Indenture Trustee that is to be made the basis for the release of any property or securities subject to the lien of this Indenture, the Issuer shall, in addition to any obligation imposed in Section 11.1(a) or elsewhere in this Indenture, furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of each person signing such certificate as to the fair value in accordance with TIA Section 314(d) (within 90 days of such deposit) to the Issuer of the Collateral or other property or securities to be so deposited.

 

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(ii) Whenever the Issuer is required to furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of any signer thereof as to the matters described in clause (i) above, the Issuer shall also deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Independent Certificate as to the same matters, if the fair value in accordance with TIA Section 314(d) to the Issuer of the property or securities to be so deposited and of all other such securities made the basis of any such withdrawal or release since the commencement of the then-current fiscal year of the Issuer, as set forth in the certificates delivered pursuant to clause (i) and this clause (ii), is 10% or more of the aggregate Note Balance, but such a certificate need not be furnished with respect to any securities so deposited, if the fair value thereof to the Issuer as set forth in the related Officer’s Certificate is less than $25,000 or less than one percent of the aggregate Note Balance.

(iii) Other than as contemplated by Section 11.1(b)(v), whenever any property or securities are to be released from the lien of this Indenture, the Issuer shall also furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of each person signing such certificate as to the fair value (within 90 days of such release) of the property or securities proposed to be released and stating that in the opinion of such person the proposed release will not impair the security under this Indenture in contravention of the provisions hereof.

(iv) Whenever the Issuer is required to furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of any signer thereof as to the matters described in clause (iii) above, the Issuer shall also furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Independent Certificate as to the same matters if the fair value of the property or securities and of all other property other than Repurchased Receivables, or securities released from the lien of this Indenture since the commencement of the then current calendar year, as set forth in the certificates required by clause (iii) above and this clause (iv), equals 10% or more of the aggregate Note Balance, but such certificate need not be furnished in the case of any release of property or securities if the fair value thereof as set forth in the related Officer’s Certificate is less than $25,000 or less than one percent of the then aggregate Note Balance.

(v) Notwithstanding Section 2.9 or any other provision of this Section 11.1, the Issuer may (A) collect, liquidate, sell or otherwise dispose of Receivables and Financed Vehicles as and to the extent permitted or required by the Transaction Documents and (B) make cash payments out of the Trust Accounts as and to the extent permitted or required by the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 11.2 Form of Documents Delivered to the Indenture Trustee. In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of an Authorized Officer of the Issuer may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his or her certificate or opinion

 

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is based are erroneous. Any such certificate of an Authorized Officer or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Servicer, the Seller, the Administrator or the Issuer, stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Servicer, the Seller, the Administrator or the Issuer, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

Whenever in this Indenture, in connection with any application or certificate or report to the Indenture Trustee, it is provided that the Issuer shall deliver any document as a condition of the granting of such application, or as evidence of the Issuer’s compliance with any term hereof, it is intended that the truth and accuracy, at the time of the granting of such application or at the effective date of such certificate or report (as the case may be), of the facts and opinions stated in such document shall in such case be conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer to have such application granted or to the sufficiency of such certificate or report. The foregoing shall not, however, be construed to affect the Indenture Trustee’s right to rely upon the truth and accuracy of any statement or opinion contained in any such document as provided in Article VI.

SECTION 11.3 Acts of Noteholders.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Noteholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Noteholders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing; and except as herein otherwise expressly provided such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Indenture Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Noteholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.1) conclusive in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Section 11.3.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any manner that the Indenture Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by any Noteholder shall bind the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Indenture Trustee or the Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

 

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SECTION 11.4 Notices. All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered or mailed by registered or certified first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, hand delivery, prepaid courier service, or by facsimile or by electronic transmission, and addressed in each case as specified on Schedule I to the Sale and Servicing Agreement or at such other address as shall be designated by any of the specified addressees in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Delivery shall occur only upon receipt or reported tender of such communication by an officer of the recipient entitled to receive such notices located at the address of such recipient for notices hereunder.

SECTION 11.5 Notices to Noteholders; Waiver. Where this Indenture provides for notice to Noteholders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class, postage prepaid or via electronic transmission to each Noteholder affected by such event, at his address as it appears on the Note Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Noteholders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice nor any defect in any notice so mailed to any particular Noteholder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Noteholders, and any notice that is mailed in the manner herein provided shall conclusively be presumed to have been duly given.

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by any Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Noteholders shall be filed with the Indenture Trustee but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such a waiver.

In case, by reason of the suspension of regular mail service as a result of a strike, work stoppage or similar activity, it shall be impractical to mail notice of any event to Noteholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to the Rating Agencies, failure to give such notice shall not affect any other rights or obligations created hereunder, and shall not under any circumstance constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

SECTION 11.6 Alternate Payment and Notice Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture or any of the Notes to the contrary, the Issuer may enter into any agreement with any Noteholder providing for a method of payment, or notice by the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent to such Noteholder, that is different from the methods provided for in this Indenture for such payments or notices, provided that such methods are reasonable and consented to by the Indenture Trustee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The Issuer will furnish to the Indenture Trustee a copy of each such agreement and the Indenture Trustee will cause payments to be made and notices to be given in accordance with such agreements.

SECTION 11.7 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof that is required to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.

 

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The provisions of TIA Sections 310 through 317 that impose duties on any Person (including the provisions automatically deemed included herein unless expressly excluded by this Indenture) are a part of and govern this Indenture, whether or not physically contained herein.

SECTION 11.8 Information Requests. The parties hereto shall provide any information reasonably requested by the Servicer, the Issuer, the Seller or any of their Affiliates, in order to comply with or obtain more favorable treatment under any current or future law, rule, regulation, accounting rule or principle.

SECTION 11.9 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 11.10 Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Indenture and the Notes by the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not. All agreements of the Indenture Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

SECTION 11.11 Separability; Entire Agreement. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes 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 Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings. There are no unwritten agreements among the parties with respect to the transactions described in the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 11.12 Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the Noteholders, and any other party secured hereunder, and any other Person with an ownership interest in any part of the Trust Estate, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 11.13 Legal Holidays. In any case where the date on which any payment is due shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of the Notes or this Indenture) payment need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date on which nominally due, and no interest shall accrue for the period from and after any such nominal date.

SECTION 11.14 GOVERNING LAW; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

(a) THIS INDENTURE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

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(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(i) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Indenture or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof;

(ii) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(iii) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 11.4 of this Indenture;

(iv) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(v) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Indenture, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

SECTION 11.15 Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

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SECTION 11.16 Recording of Indenture. If this Indenture is subject to recording in any appropriate public recording offices, such recording is to be effected by the Issuer and at its expense accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel (which may be counsel to the Indenture Trustee or any other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indenture Trustee) to the effect that such recording is necessary either for the protection of the Noteholders or any other Person secured hereunder or for the enforcement of any right or remedy granted to the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture.

SECTION 11.17 Trust Obligation. Each Noteholder or Note Owner, by acceptance of a Note, or, in the case of a Note Owner of a beneficial interest in a Note, by accepting the benefits of this Indenture, covenants and agrees that no recourse may be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee on the Notes or under this Indenture or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or therewith, against (i) the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in their respective individual capacities, (ii) any Certificateholder or any other owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer, (iii) the Servicer, the Administrator or the Seller or (iv) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, successor or assign of any Person described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, except as any such Person may have expressly agreed (it being understood that the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee have no such obligations in their individual capacity) and except that any such partner, owner or beneficiary shall be fully liable, to the extent provided by applicable law, for any unpaid consideration for stock, unpaid capital contribution or failure to pay any installment or call owing to such entity.

SECTION 11.18 No Petition. The Indenture Trustee, by entering into this Indenture, and each Noteholder and Note Owner, by accepting a Note or, in the case of a Note Owner, a beneficial interest in a Note, hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by the Bankruptcy Remote Parties, (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence, join with any other Person in commencing or institute, with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction.

SECTION 11.19 Intent.

(a) It is the intent of the Issuer that the Notes constitute indebtedness for all financial accounting purposes and the Issuer agrees and each purchaser of a Note (by virtue of the acquisition of such Note or an interest therein) shall be deemed to have agreed, to treat the Notes as indebtedness for all financial accounting purposes.

 

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(b) It is the intent of the Issuer that the Notes (other than any Notes that are owned during any period of time by either the Issuer or a Person that is considered the same Person as the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes) constitute indebtedness for all tax purposes and the Issuer agrees and each purchaser of a Note (by virtue of the acquisition of such Note or an interest therein) shall be deemed to have agreed to treat the Notes as indebtedness for all federal, state and local income, franchise and value added tax purposes.

SECTION 11.20 Subordination of Claims. The Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture are obligations solely of the Issuer and will not constitute a claim against the Seller to the extent that the Issuer does not have funds sufficient to make payment of such obligations. In furtherance of and not in derogation of the foregoing, each of the Owner Trustee (in its individual capacity and as the Owner Trustee), by accepting the benefits of this agreement, a Certificateholder, by accepting a Certificate (or any portion thereof), and the Indenture Trustee (in its individual capacity and as Indenture Trustee), by entering into this Indenture, and each Noteholder, and each Note Owner, by accepting the benefits of this Indenture, hereby acknowledges and agrees that such Person has no right, title or interest in or to the Other Assets of the Seller. To the extent that, notwithstanding the agreements and provisions contained in the preceding sentence, each of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, each Noteholder or Note Owner and any Certificateholder either (i) asserts an interest or claim to, or benefit from, Other Assets, or (ii) is deemed to have any such interest, claim to, or benefit in or from Other Assets, whether by operation of law, legal process, pursuant to applicable provisions of insolvency laws or otherwise (including by virtue of Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or any successor provision having similar effect under the Bankruptcy Code), then such Person further acknowledges and agrees that any such interest, claim or benefit in or from Other Assets is and will be expressly subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full of all other obligations and liabilities, which, under the terms of the relevant documents relating to the securitization or conveyance of such Other Assets, are entitled to be paid from, entitled to the benefits of, or otherwise secured by such Other Assets (whether or not any such entitlement or security interest is legally perfected or otherwise entitled to a priority of distributions or application under applicable law, including insolvency laws, and whether or not asserted against the Seller), including the payment of post-petition interest on such other obligations and liabilities. The provisions of this Section 11.20 will be deemed a subordination agreement within the meaning of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each of the Indenture Trustee (in its individual capacity and as the Indenture Trustee), by entering into or accepting this agreement, a Certificateholder, by accepting a Certificate, and the Owner Trustee and each Noteholder or Note Owner, by accepting the benefits of this Indenture, hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no adequate remedy at law exists for a breach of this Section 11.20 and the terms of this Section 11.20 may be enforced by an action for specific performance. The provisions of this Section 11.20 will be for the third party benefit of those entitled to rely thereon and will survive the termination of this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 11.21 Limitation of Liability of Owner Trustee. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that (a) this document is executed and delivered by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not individually or personally, but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, (b) each of the representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, warranties, covenants undertakings and agreements by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations or warranties made by the Issuer or any other Person in this Indenture and (e) under no circumstances shall Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, duty (including fiduciary duty, if any), representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Indenture or under the Notes or any of the other Transaction Documents or in any of the certificates, notices or agreements delivered pursuant thereto, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer.

SECTION 11.22 U.S.A. Patriot Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Indenture Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Indenture Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Indenture Trustee with such information about the Issuer as it may request in order for the Indenture Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

SECTION 11.23 Beneficial Ownership. Pursuant to Applicable Law (as defined in the Trust Agreement), the Indenture Trustee is required to obtain from the Issuer on or before closing, and from time to time thereafter, documentation to verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For a non-individual person such as a business entity, a charity, a trust or other legal entity, the Indenture Trustee will ask for documentation to verify the entity’s formation and existence, its financial statements, licenses, tax identification documents, identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity and other relevant documentation and information (including beneficial owners of such entities). To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected and indemnified in relying on, any such information received. Failure to provide such information may result in an inability of the Indenture Trustee to perform its obligations hereunder, which, at the sole option of the Indenture Trustee, may result in the Indenture Trustee’s resignation in accordance with the terms hereof.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Indenture to be duly executed by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1
By:   Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee
By:  

 

Name:
Title:
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as the Indenture Trustee
By:  

 

Name:
Title:

 

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SCHEDULE I

PERFECTION REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

In addition to the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Indenture, the Issuer hereby represents, warrants, and covenants to the Indenture Trustee as follows on the Closing Date:

General

1. The Indenture creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Receivables and the other Collateral in favor of the Indenture Trustee, which security interest is prior to all other Liens, and is enforceable as such as against creditors of and purchasers from the Issuer.

2. The Receivables constitute “tangible chattel paper,” “electronic chattel paper,” “accounts,” “instruments” or “general intangibles,” within the meaning of the UCC. If a Receivable constitutes “electronic chattel paper,” Santander Consumer has “control” of such electronic chattel paper within the meaning of Section 9-105 of the applicable UCC.

3. Each Receivable is secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party, or all necessary actions with respect to such Receivable have been taken or will be taken to perfect a first priority security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party.

4. Each Trust Account constitutes either a “deposit account” or a “securities account” within the meaning of the UCC.

Creation

5. Immediately prior to the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of a Receivable by the Seller to the Issuer, the Seller owned and had good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (except any Lien which will be released prior to assignment of such Receivable under the Sale and Servicing Agreement), and immediately after the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of such Receivable to the Issuer, the Issuer will have good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens).

Perfection

6. The Issuer has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the effective date of the Indenture, the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in the Receivables granted to the Indenture Trustee hereunder; and the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, has in its possession the original copies of such instruments or tangible chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables, and all financing statements referred to in this paragraph contain a statement that: “A purchase of or security interest in any collateral described in this financing statement will violate the rights of the Secured Party”.

 

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7. With respect to Receivables that constitute instruments or tangible chattel paper, either:

(i) All original executed copies of each such instrument or tangible chattel paper have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

(ii) Such instruments or tangible chattel paper are in the possession of the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee has received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, is holding such instruments or tangible chattel paper solely on behalf and for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

(iii) The Servicer received possession of such instruments or tangible chattel paper after the Indenture Trustee received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer is acting solely as agent of the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer.

8. With respect to the Trust Accounts that constitute deposit accounts, either:

(i) the Issuer has delivered to the Indenture Trustee a fully executed agreement pursuant to which the bank maintaining the deposit accounts has agreed to comply with all instructions originated by the Indenture Trustee directing disposition of the funds in such Trust Accounts without further consent by the Issuer; or

(ii) the Issuer has taken all steps necessary to cause the Indenture Trustee to become the account holder of such Trust Accounts.

9. With respect to the Trust Accounts that constitute securities accounts or securities entitlements, either:

(i) the Issuer has delivered to the Indenture Trustee a fully executed agreement pursuant to which the securities intermediary has agreed to comply with all instructions originated by the Indenture Trustee relating to such Trust Accounts without further consent by the Issuer; or

(ii) the Issuer has taken all steps necessary to cause the securities intermediary to identify in its records the Indenture Trustee as the person having a security entitlement against the securities intermediary in each of such Trust Accounts.

Priority

10. The Issuer has not authorized the filing of, and is not aware of, any financing statements against the Issuer that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by Santander Consumer to the Seller under the Purchase Agreement, (ii) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by the Seller to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, (iii) relating to the security interest granted by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture or (iv) that has been terminated.

 

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11. The Issuer is not aware of any material judgment, ERISA or tax lien filings against the Issuer.

12. Neither the Issuer nor a custodian or vaulting agent thereof holding any Receivable that is electronic chattel paper has communicated an “authoritative copy” (as such term is used in Section 9-105 of the UCC) of any loan agreement that constitutes or evidences such Receivable to any Person other than the Servicer.

13. None of the instruments, tangible chattel paper or electronic chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables has any marks or notations indicating that they have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee.

14. No Trust Account that constitutes a securities account or securities entitlement is in the name of any Person other than the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee. The Issuer has not consented to the securities intermediary of any such Trust Account to comply with entitlement orders of any Person other than the Indenture Trustee.

15. No Trust Account that constitutes a deposit account is in the name of any Person other than the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee. The Issuer has not consented to the bank maintaining such Trust Account to comply with instructions of any Person other than the Indenture Trustee.

Survival of Perfection Representations

16. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indenture or any other Transaction Document, the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Schedule I shall be continuing, and remain in full force and effect until such time as all obligations under the Indenture have been finally and fully paid and performed.

No Waiver

17. The Issuer shall provide the Rating Agencies with prompt written notice of any material breach of the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Schedule I, and shall not, without satisfying the Rating Agency Condition, waive a breach of any of such perfection representations, warranties or covenants.

Issuer to Maintain Perfection and Priority

18. The Issuer covenants that, in order to evidence the interests of the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture, the Issuer shall take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be necessary or advisable (including, without limitation, such actions as are requested by the Indenture Trustee) to maintain and perfect, as a first priority interest, the Indenture Trustee’s security interest in the Receivables. The Issuer shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and file, all financing statements, amendments, continuations, initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, terminations, partial terminations, releases or partial releases, or any other filings necessary or advisable to continue, maintain and perfect the Indenture Trustee’s security interest in the Receivables as a first-priority interest.

 

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Exhibit A-1

FORM OF CLASS [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] NOTES1

 

REGISTERED    $___________________2
No. R-________    CUSIP NO. ______________
   ISIN. ______________

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THE PRINCIPAL OF THIS NOTE IS PAYABLE IN INSTALLMENTS AS SET FORTH HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THIS NOTE AT ANY TIME MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ON THE FACE HEREOF.

BY ACQUIRING THIS NOTE (OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN), EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE (AND, IF THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS A PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW), ITS FIDUCIARY) (I) WILL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT EITHER (A) SUCH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS NOT ACQUIRING THIS NOTE (OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN) ON BEHALF OF, OR WITH ANY ASSETS OF, A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH, A “BENEFIT PLAN”), OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO A LAW THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAW”) OR (B) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN) WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO A NONEXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A VIOLATION OF ANY SIMILAR LAW AND (II) ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES IF IT IS A BENEFIT PLAN OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO SIMILAR LAW, IT SHALL NOT ACQUIRE THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) AT ANY TIME THAT THE RATINGS ON THIS NOTE ARE BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE OR IF THIS NOTE HAS BEEN CHARACTERIZED AS OTHER THAN INDEBTEDNESS FOR

 

1 

Other than 144A Notes. See Exhibit A-2.

2 

Denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof (except for two Notes of each Class which may be issued in a denomination other than an integral multiple of $1,000).

 

   A-1-1    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


APPLICABLE LOCAL LAW PURPOSES. FOR PURPOSES OF THE FOREGOING, “PLAN” MEANS AN “EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA WHETHER OR NOT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA, A “PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE, OR AN ENTITY OR ACCOUNT DEEMED TO HOLD THE PLAN ASSETS OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE MUST GENERALLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE TAX TRANSFER DOCUMENTATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS PROVIDED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

   A-1-2    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

[CLASS A-1 0.12351%] [CLASS A-2 0.36%] [CLASS A-3 0.44%] [CLASS B 0.65%] [CLASS C 1.02%] [CLASS D 1.45%]

AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (including any successor, the “Issuer”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [_______], or registered assigns, the principal sum of [_______] DOLLARS ($[_______]), in monthly installments on the 15th of each month, or if such day is not a Business Day, on the immediately succeeding Business Day, commencing on May 17, 2021 (each, a “Payment Date”) until the principal of this Note is paid or made available for payment, and to pay interest on each Payment Date on the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance as of the preceding Payment Date (after giving effect to all payments of principal made on the preceding Payment Date), or as of the Closing Date in the case of the first Payment Date, at the rate per annum shown above (the “Interest Rate”), in each case as and to the extent set forth in Sections 2.7, 3.1, 5.4(b) and 8.2 of the Indenture and Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; provided, however, that the entire unpaid Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance shall be due and payable on the earliest of (i) [_______] (the “Final Scheduled Payment Date”), (ii) the Redemption Date, if any, pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture and (iii) the date the Notes are accelerated after an Event of Default pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture. Interest on this Note will accrue for each Payment Date from and including the [preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of the initial Payment Date, from and including the Closing Date) to but excluding such Payment Date] 3 [15th day of the prior calendar month (or, in the case of the initial Payment Date from and including the Closing Date) to but excluding the 15th day of the calendar month in which such Payment Date occurs]4. Interest will be computed on the basis of [Class A-1: actual days elapsed and a 360-day year] [Class A-2, A-3, B, C, D: a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months]. Such principal of and interest on this Note shall be paid in the manner specified on the reverse hereof.

The principal of and interest on this Note are payable in such coin or currency of the United States as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. All payments made by the Issuer with respect to this Note shall be applied first to interest due and payable on this Note as provided above and then to the unpaid principal of this Note.

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which shall have the same effect as though fully set forth on the face of this Note.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Indenture Trustee the name of which appears below by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

3 

The Class A-1 Notes.

4 

The Class A-2, A-3, B, C and D Notes.

 

   A-1-3    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be signed, manually or by facsimile, by its Authorized Officer.

Dated: ________, 2021

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES
TRUST 2021-1
By:   Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

   A-1-4    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Notes designated above and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated: ________, 2021

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
a national banking association, not in its
individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

   A-1-5    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


[REVERSE OF NOTE]

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Notes of the Issuer, designated as its [Class A-1 0.12351%] [Class A-2 0.36%] [Class A-3 0.44%] [Class B 0.65%] [Class C 1.02%] [Class D 1.45%] Auto Loan Asset-Backed Notes (herein called the “Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Notes” or the “Notes”), all issued under an Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2021 (such Indenture, as supplemented or amended, is herein called the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), which term includes any successor Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights and obligations thereunder of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders. The Notes are subject to all terms of the Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement. All terms used in this Note that are not otherwise defined herein and that are defined in the Indenture or the Sale and Servicing Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in or pursuant to the Indenture or in Appendix A of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

The Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes are and will be equally and ratably secured by the collateral pledged as security therefor as provided in the Indenture. All covenants and agreements made by the Issuer in the Indenture are for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes.

Principal payable on the Notes will be paid on each Payment Date in the amount specified in the Indenture and in the Sale and Servicing Agreement. As described above, the entire Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance shall be due and payable on the earliest of (i) [________] (the “Final Scheduled Payment Date”), (ii) the Redemption Date, if any, pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture and (iii) the date the Notes are accelerated after an Event of Default pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture. All principal payments on the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Notes shall be made pro rata to the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Noteholders entitled thereto.

Payments of principal of and interest on this Note made on each Payment Date, Redemption Date or upon acceleration shall be made by check mailed first-class, postage prepaid, to the Person whose name appears as the registered Holder of this Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) on the Note Register as of the close of business on the related Record Date, except that with respect to Notes registered on the Record Date in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency (initially, such nominee to be Cede & Co.), payments will be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account designated by such nominee. Such checks shall be mailed to the Person entitled thereto at the address of such Person as it appears on the Note Register as of the applicable Record Date without requiring that this Note be submitted for notation of payment. Any reduction in the principal amount of this Note (or any one or more Predecessor Notes) affected by any payments made on any Payment Date or Redemption Date shall be binding upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not noted hereon. If funds are expected to be available, as provided in the Indenture, for payment in full of the remaining unpaid principal amount of this Note on a Payment Date or Redemption Date, then the Indenture Trustee, in the name of and on behalf of the Issuer, will notify the Person who was the registered

 

   A-1-6    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


Holder hereof as of the close of business on the Record Date preceding such Payment Date or Redemption Date by notice mailed prior to such Payment Date or Redemption Date which shall specify the amount then due and payable and such amount shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee or at the place specified by the Indenture Trustee in such notice.

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the Class [A-1], [A-2], [A-3], [B], [C], [D] Interest Rate to the extent lawful.

Each Noteholder or Note Owner, by acceptance of this Note, or, in the case of a Note Owner of a beneficial interest in this Note, covenants and agrees that no recourse may be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee on the Notes or under the Indenture or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or therewith, against (i) the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in their respective individual capacities, (ii) any Certificateholder or any other owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer, (iii) the Servicer, the Administrator or the Seller or (iv) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, successor or assign of any Person described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, except as any such Person may have expressly agreed (it being understood that the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee have no such obligations in their individual capacity) and except that any such partner, owner or beneficiary shall be fully liable, to the extent provided by applicable law, for any unpaid consideration for stock, unpaid capital contribution or failure to pay any installment or call owing to such entity.

It is the intent of the Issuer, the Noteholders and the Note Owners that, for purposes of federal, state and local income, franchise and value added tax, the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes (other than any Notes that are owned during any period of time by either the Issuer or a Person that is considered the same Person as the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes) shall constitute indebtedness. The Noteholders, by acceptance of this Note, agree to treat, and to take no action inconsistent with the treatment of, the Notes for such tax purposes as indebtedness.

Each Noteholder and Note Owner, by accepting this Note or, in the case of a Note Owner, a beneficial interest in this Note, hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by the Bankruptcy Remote Parties, (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party to the Indenture or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party and (ii) such party shall not commence, join with any other Person in commencing or institute, with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction.

 

   A-1-7    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

   A-1-8    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


ASSIGNMENT

Social Security or taxpayer I.D. or other identifying number of assignee                                                                                                                                    

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells,

assigns and transfers unto                                                                                                                                                                                                               

(name and address of assignee)

the within Note and all rights thereunder, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints ______________________, attorney, to transfer said Note on the books kept for registration thereof, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated: _____________    _______________________________ */

 

Signature Guaranteed:

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Note Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in STAMP or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Note Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

*/

NOTE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears on the face of the within Note in every particular without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

 

   A-1-9    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


EXHIBIT A-2

FORM OF 144A

CLASS [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] NOTES

REGISTERED    

No. R-___    

$__________________________

CUSIP NO. [__________]

ISIN. [______________]

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE ISSUER HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”). THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WHO IS EITHER PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN $1,000 AND IN GREATER WHOLE NUMBER DENOMINATIONS OF $1,000 IN EXCESS THEREOF (EXCEPT FOR TWO SUCH NOTES WHICH MAY BE ISSUED IN INTEGRAL MULTIPLES IN EXCESS THEREOF OF OTHER THAN $1,000) FOR THE PURCHASER AND FOR EACH SUCH ACCOUNT, IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A SO LONG AS THIS NOTE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, SUBJECT TO THE SATISFACTION OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE, OR (2) TO THE DEPOSITOR OR ANY OF ITS U.S. CORPORATE AFFILIATES (OR DISREGARDED ENTITIES THEREOF) AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. EACH PURCHASER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO,

 

   A-2-1    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE HOLDER OF SUCH NOTE OR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH NOTE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE, THE ISSUER AND THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH NOTE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS NOTE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

BY YOUR ACQUISITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN, YOU (AND, IF YOU ARE A PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW), YOUR FIDUCIARY) (A) SHALL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER, THE SERVICER, ANY INITIAL PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THAT EITHER (I) YOU ARE NOT ACQUIRING THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) ON BEHALF OF, OR WITH THE ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW) THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH, A “BENEFIT PLAN”) OR ANY PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO A LAW THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAW”) OR (II) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A VIOLATION OF ANY SIMILAR LAW AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE IF YOU ARE A BENEFIT PLAN OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO SIMILAR LAW THAT YOU SHALL NOT ACQUIRE THIS NOTE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) AT ANY TIME THAT THE RATINGS ON THIS NOTE ARE BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE OR IF THIS NOTE HAS BEEN CHARACTERIZED AS OTHER THAN INDEBTEDNESS FOR APPLICABLE LOCAL LAW PURPOSES. FOR PURPOSES OF THE FOREGOING, “PLAN” MEANS AN “EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA WHETHER OR NOT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA, A “PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE, OR AN ENTITY OR ACCOUNT DEEMED TO HOLD THE PLAN ASSETS OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE MUST GENERALLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE TAX TRANSFER DOCUMENTATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS PROVIDED IN THE INDENTURE.

THE PRINCIPAL OF THIS NOTE IS PAYABLE IN INSTALLMENTS AS SET FORTH HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THIS NOTE AT ANY TIME MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ON THE FACE HEREOF.

 

   A-2-2    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

[CLASS A-1 0.12351%] [CLASS A-2 0.36%] [CLASS A-3 0.44%] [CLASS B 0.65%] [CLASS C 1.02%] [CLASS D 1.45%]

AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (including any successor, the “Issuer”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [_______], or registered assigns, the principal sum of [_______] DOLLARS ($[_______]), in monthly installments on the 15th of each month, or if such day is not a Business Day, on the immediately succeeding Business Day, commencing on May 17, 2021 (each, a “Payment Date”) until the principal of this Note is paid or made available for payment, and to pay interest on each Payment Date on the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance as of the preceding Payment Date (after giving effect to all payments of principal made on the preceding Payment Date), or as of the Closing Date in the case of the first Payment Date, at the rate per annum shown above (the “Interest Rate”), in each case as and to the extent set forth in Sections 2.7, 3.1, 5.4(b) and 8.2 of the Indenture and Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; provided, however, that the entire unpaid Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance shall be due and payable on the earliest of (i) [_______] (the “Final Scheduled Payment Date”), (ii) the Redemption Date, if any, pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture and (iii) the date the Notes are accelerated after an Event of Default pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture. Interest on this Note will accrue for each Payment Date from and including the [preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of the initial Payment Date, from and including the Closing Date) to but excluding such Payment Date]1 [15th day of the prior calendar month (or, in the case of the initial Payment Date from and including the Closing Date) to but excluding the 15th day of the calendar month in which such Payment Date occurs]2. Interest will be computed on the basis of [Class A-1: actual days elapsed and a 360-day year] [Class A-2, A-3, B, C, D: a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months]. Such principal of and interest on this Note shall be paid in the manner specified on the reverse hereof.

The principal of and interest on this Note are payable in such coin or currency of the United States as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. All payments made by the Issuer with respect to this Note shall be applied first to interest due and payable on this Note as provided above and then to the unpaid principal of this Note.

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which shall have the same effect as though fully set forth on the face of this Note.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Indenture Trustee the name of which appears below by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

1 

The Class A-1 Notes.

2 

The Class A-2, A-3, B, C and D Notes.

 

   A-2-3    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be signed, manually or by facsimile, by its Authorized Officer.

Dated: ____________, 2021

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1
By:   Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

   A-2-4    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Notes designated above and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated: ___________, 2021

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee
By:  

 

              Authorized Signatory

 

   A-2-5    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


[REVERSE OF NOTE]

This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Notes of the Issuer, designated as its [Class A-1 0.12351%] [Class A-2 0.36%] [Class A-3 0.44%] [Class B 0.65%] [Class C 1.02%] [Class D 1.45%] Auto Loan Asset-Backed Notes (herein called the “Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Notes” or the “Notes”), all issued under an Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2021 (such Indenture, as supplemented or amended, is herein called the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), which term includes any successor Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights and obligations thereunder of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders. The Notes are subject to all terms of the Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement. All terms used in this Note that are not otherwise defined herein and that are defined in the Indenture or the Sale and Servicing Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in or pursuant to the Indenture or in Appendix A of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

The Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes are and will be equally and ratably secured by the collateral pledged as security therefor as provided in the Indenture. All covenants and agreements made by the Issuer in the Indenture are for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes.

Principal payable on the Notes will be paid on each Payment Date in the amount specified in the Indenture and in the Sale and Servicing Agreement. As described above, the entire Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Note Balance shall be due and payable on the earliest of (i) [_______] (the “Final Scheduled Payment Date”), (ii) the Redemption Date, if any, pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture and (iii) the date the Notes are accelerated after an Event of Default pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture. All principal payments on the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Notes shall be made pro rata to the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Noteholders entitled thereto.

Payments of principal of and interest on this Note made on each Payment Date, Redemption Date or upon acceleration shall be made by check mailed first-class, postage prepaid, to the Person whose name appears as the registered Holder of this Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) on the Note Register as of the close of business on the related Record Date, except that with respect to Notes registered on the Record Date in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency (initially, such nominee to be Cede & Co.), payments will be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account designated by such nominee. Such checks shall be mailed to the Person entitled thereto at the address of such Person as it appears on the Note Register as of the applicable Record Date without requiring that this Note be submitted for notation of payment. Any reduction in the principal amount of this Note (or any one or more Predecessor Notes) affected by any payments made on any Payment Date or Redemption Date shall be binding upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not noted hereon. If funds are expected to be available, as provided in the Indenture, for payment in full of the remaining unpaid principal amount of this Note on a Payment Date or Redemption Date, then the Indenture Trustee, in the name of and on behalf of the Issuer, will notify the Person who was the registered

 

   A-2-6    Indenture (DRIVE 2021-1)


Holder hereof as of the close of business on the Record Date preceding such Payment Date or Redemption Date by notice mailed prior to such Payment Date or Redemption Date which shall specify the amount then due and payable and such amount shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee or at the place specified by the Indenture Trustee in such notice.

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the Class [A-1] [A-2] [A-3] [B] [C] [D] Interest Rate to the extent lawful.

Each Noteholder or Note Owner, by acceptance of this Note, or, in the case of a Note Owner of a beneficial interest in this Note, covenants and agrees that no recourse may be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee on the Notes or under the Indenture or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or therewith, against (i) the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in their respective individual capacities, (ii) any Certificateholder or any other owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer, (iii) the Servicer, the Administrator or the Seller or (iv) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, successor or assign of any Person described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, except as any such Person may have expressly agreed (it being understood that the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee have no such obligations in their individual capacity) and except that any such partner, owner or beneficiary shall be fully liable, to the extent provided by applicable law, for any unpaid consideration for stock, unpaid capital contribution or failure to pay any installment or call owing to such entity.

It is the intent of the Issuer, the Noteholders and the Note Owners that, for purposes of federal, state and local income, franchise and value added tax, the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes (other than any Notes that are owned during any period of time by either the Issuer or a Person that is considered the same Person as the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes) shall constitute indebtedness. The Noteholders, by acceptance of this Note, agree to treat, and to take no action inconsistent with the treatment of, the Notes for such tax purposes as indebtedness.

Each Noteholder and Note Owner, by accepting this Note or, in the case of a Note Owner, a beneficial interest in this Note, hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by the Bankruptcy Remote Parties, (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party to the Indenture or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party and (ii) such party shall not commence, join with any other Person in commencing or institute, with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction.

 

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THIS NOTE AND THE INDENTURE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

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ASSIGNMENT

Social Security or taxpayer I.D. or other identifying number of assignee

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto                                                                                                       

(name and address of assignee)

the within Note and all rights thereunder, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints ______________________, attorney, to transfer said Note on the books kept for registration thereof, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated: _____________                                                                                                                                _______________________________ */

 

Signature Guaranteed:

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Note Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in STAMP or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Note Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

*/

NOTE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears on the face of the within Note in every particular without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

 

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EX-10.1 4 d161327dex101.htm EX-10.1 EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

dated as of April 21, 2021

between

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,

as Seller

and

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC,

as Purchaser

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I     DEFINITIONS AND USAGE

     1  

SECTION 1.1

  Definitions      1  

SECTION 1.2

  Other Interpretive Provisions      1  

ARTICLE II     PURCHASE

     2  

SECTION 2.1

  Agreement to Sell and Contribute on the Closing Date      2  

SECTION 2.2

  Consideration and Payment      2  

ARTICLE III     REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

     2  

SECTION 3.1

  Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer      2  

SECTION 3.2

  Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer Regarding the Purchased Assets      4  

SECTION 3.3

  Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer as to each Receivable      4  

SECTION 3.4

  Repurchase upon Breach      5  

SECTION 3.5

  Protection of Title      6  

SECTION 3.6

  Other Liens or Interests      6  

ARTICLE IV     MISCELLANEOUS

     7  

SECTION 4.1

  Transfers Intended as Sale; Security Interest      7  

SECTION 4.2

  Notices, Etc.      8  

SECTION 4.3

  Choice of Law      8  

SECTION 4.4

  Headings      8  

SECTION 4.5

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      8  

SECTION 4.6

  Amendment      9  

SECTION 4.7

  Waivers      10  

SECTION 4.8

  Entire Agreement      10  

SECTION 4.9

  Severability of Provisions      10  

SECTION 4.10

  Binding Effect; Merger or Consolidation      11  

SECTION 4.11

  Acknowledgment and Agreement      11  

SECTION 4.12

  Cumulative Remedies      11  

SECTION 4.13

  Nonpetition Covenant      11  

SECTION 4.14

  Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      12  

SECTION 4.15

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      12  


EXHIBIT A

   Form of Assignment

SCHEDULE I

   Perfection Representations, Warranties and Covenants

SCHEDULE II

   Representations and Warranties with Respect to the Receivables

 

 

-ii-


THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of April 21, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, this “Agreement”) by SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC., an Illinois corporation (“Santander Consumer”), and SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Purchaser”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to purchase from Santander Consumer a portfolio of motor vehicle receivables, including motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and/or installment loans that are secured by new and used automobiles, light-duty trucks, SUVs and vans; and

WHEREAS, Santander Consumer is willing to sell such portfolio of motor vehicle receivables and related property to the Purchaser on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

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

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND USAGE

SECTION 1.1 Definitions. Except as otherwise defined herein or as the context may otherwise require, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein are defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect, the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”) among Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, Santander Consumer, as Servicer, the Purchaser, as Seller, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association, as Indenture Trustee, which also contains rules as to usage that are applicable herein.

SECTION 1.2 Other Interpretive Provisions. For purposes of this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP (provided, that, to the extent that the definitions in this Agreement and GAAP conflict, the definitions in this Agreement shall control); (b) terms defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the relevant jurisdiction and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are used as defined in that Article; (c) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (d) references to any Article, Section, Schedule, Appendix or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules, Appendices and Exhibits in or to this Agreement and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (e) the term “including” and all variations thereof means “including without limitation”; (f) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, references to any law or regulation refer to that law or regulation as amended from time to time and include any successor law or regulation; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s successors and assigns; and (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.

 

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ARTICLE II

PURCHASE

SECTION 2.1 Agreement to Sell and Contribute on the Closing Date. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Santander Consumer does hereby irrevocably sell, transfer, assign, contribute and otherwise convey to the Purchaser without recourse (subject to the obligations herein) on the Closing Date all of Santander Consumer’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables, the Collections after the Cut-Off Date, the Receivable Files and the Related Security relating thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, as evidenced by an assignment substantially in the form of Exhibit A delivered on the Closing Date (collectively, the “Purchased Assets”). The sale, transfer, assignment, contribution and conveyance made hereunder does not constitute and is not intended to result in an assumption by the Purchaser of any obligation of the Originator to the Obligors, the Dealers, insurers or any other Person in connection with the Receivables or the other assets and properties conveyed hereunder or any agreement, document or instrument related thereto.

SECTION 2.2 Consideration and Payment. The purchase price for the sale of the Purchased Assets sold to the Purchaser on the Closing Date shall equal the estimated fair market value of the Purchased Assets. Such purchase price shall be paid in cash to Santander Consumer in an amount agreed to between Santander Consumer and the Purchaser, and, to the extent not paid in cash by the Purchaser, shall be paid by a capital contribution by Santander Consumer of an undivided interest in such Purchased Assets that increases its equity interest in the Purchaser in an amount equal to the excess of the estimated fair market value of the Purchased Assets over the amount of cash paid by the Purchaser to Santander Consumer.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer. Santander Consumer makes the following representations and warranties as of the Closing Date, on which the Purchaser will be deemed to have relied in acquiring the Purchased Assets. The representations and warranties will survive the conveyance of the Purchased Assets to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, the conveyance of the Purchased Assets to the Issuer pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Grant thereof by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture:

(a) Existence and Power. Santander Consumer is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. Santander Consumer has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of Santander Consumer to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or affect the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Purchased Assets.

 

   -2-    Purchase Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by Santander Consumer of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Santander Consumer and do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) its organizational documents or (iii) any material indenture or material agreement to which Santander Consumer is a party or by which its properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, organizational documents, indentures or agreements which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or Santander Consumer’s ability to perform its obligations under, the Transaction Documents).

(c) No Consent Required. No approval or authorization by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Santander Consumer of any Transaction Document other than (i) UCC filings, (ii) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings that have previously been made and (iii) approvals, authorizations or filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Purchased Assets or would not materially and adversely affect the ability of Santander Consumer to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents.

(d) Binding Effect. Each Transaction Document to which Santander Consumer is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Santander Consumer enforceable against Santander Consumer in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable, the rights of creditors of corporations from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.

(e) No Proceedings. There are no actions, orders, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Santander Consumer, threatened against Santander Consumer before or by any Governmental Authority that (i) assert the invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (ii) seek to prevent the issuance of the Notes or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (iii) seek any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the performance by Santander Consumer of its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or (iv) relate to Santander Consumer that would materially and adversely affect the federal or Applicable Tax State income, excise, franchise or similar tax attributes of the Notes.

(f) Lien Filings. Santander Consumer is not aware of any material judgment, ERISA or tax lien filings against Santander Consumer.

 

   -3-    Purchase Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


SECTION 3.2 Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer Regarding the Purchased Assets. On the date hereof, Santander Consumer hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Purchaser, on which the Purchaser will be deemed to have relied in acquiring the Purchased Assets. Such representations and warranties will survive the conveyance of the Purchased Assets to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, the sale of the Purchased Assets to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, and the Grant of the Purchased Assets and other collateral by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture.

(a) The Receivables were selected using selection procedures that were not known or intended by Santander Consumer to be adverse to the Issuer.

(b) The Receivables and the other Purchased Assets have been validly assigned by Santander Consumer to the Purchaser.

(c) The information with respect to the Receivables transferred on the Closing Date as set forth in the Schedule of Receivables was true and correct in all material respects as of the Cut-Off Date.

(d) No Receivables are pledged, assigned, sold, subject to a security interest or otherwise conveyed other than pursuant to the Transaction Documents. Santander Consumer has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against Santander Consumer that includes a description of collateral covering any Receivable other than any financing statement relating to security interests granted under the Transaction Documents or that have been or, prior to the assignment of such Receivables hereunder, will be terminated, amended or released. This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest in the Receivables (other than the Related Security with respect thereto, to the extent that an ownership interest therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement) in favor of the Purchaser which security interest is prior to all other Liens created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens) with respect to the Receivables and is enforceable as such against all other creditors of and purchasers and assignees from Santander Consumer.

(e) The representations and warranties regarding creation, perfection and priority of security interests in the Purchased Assets, which are attached to this Agreement as Schedule I, are true and correct.

SECTION 3.3 Representations and Warranties of Santander Consumer as to each Receivable. On the date hereof, Santander Consumer hereby makes the representations and warranties set forth on Schedule II to the Purchaser as to the Receivables sold, transferred, assigned, contributed and otherwise conveyed to the Purchaser under this Agreement on which such representations and warranties the Purchaser relies in acquiring the Receivables. Such representations and warranties shall survive the conveyance of the Purchased Assets to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, the sale of the Purchased Assets to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, and the Grant of the Purchased Assets by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture. Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, Santander Consumer shall not be required to notify any insurer with respect to any Insurance Policy obtained by an Obligor or to

 

   -4-    Purchase Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


notify any Dealer about any aspect of the transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Santander Consumer hereby agrees that the Issuer shall have the right to enforce any and all rights under this Agreement assigned to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, including the right to cause Santander Consumer to repurchase any Receivable with respect to which it is in breach of any of its representations and warranties set forth in Schedule II, directly against Santander Consumer as though the Issuer were a party to this Agreement, and the Issuer shall not be obligated to exercise any such rights indirectly through the Depositor.

SECTION 3.4 Repurchase upon Breach. Upon discovery by or notice to a Responsible Officer of the Purchaser or Santander Consumer of a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.3 with respect to any Receivable at the time such representations and warranties were made which materially and adversely affects the interests of the Issuer or the Noteholders in such Receivable, the party discovering such breach or receiving such notice shall give prompt written notice thereof to the other party; provided, that delivery of a Servicer’s Certificate which identifies that Receivables are being or have been repurchased shall be deemed to constitute prompt notice by Santander Consumer and the Purchaser of such breach; provided, further, that the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee will be deemed to have knowledge of such breach only if a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee or Owner Trustee, as applicable, has actual knowledge thereof, including without limitation upon receipt of written notice; provided, further, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect any obligation of Santander Consumer hereunder. If the breach materially and adversely affects the interests of the Issuer or the Noteholders in such Receivable, then Santander Consumer shall either (a) correct or cure such breach or (b) repurchase such Receivable from the Purchaser (or its assignee), in either case on or before the Payment Date following the end of the Collection Period which includes the 60th day (or, if Santander Consumer elects, an earlier date) after the date Santander Consumer became aware or was notified of such breach. Any such breach or failure will be deemed not to have a material and adverse effect if such breach or failure has not affected the ability of the Purchaser (or its assignee) to receive and retain timely payment in full on such Receivable. Any such purchase by Santander Consumer shall be at a price equal to the related Repurchase Price. In consideration for such repurchase, Santander Consumer shall make (or shall cause to be made) a payment to the Purchaser (or its assignee) equal to the Repurchase Price by depositing such amount into the Collection Account prior to noon, New York City time, on such date of repurchase (or, if Santander Consumer elects, an earlier date). Upon payment of such Repurchase Price by Santander Consumer, the Purchaser (or its assignee) shall release and shall execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse or representation, as may be reasonably requested by Santander Consumer to evidence such release, transfer or assignment or more effectively vest in Santander Consumer or its designee any Receivable and related Purchased Assets repurchased pursuant to this Section 3.4. It is understood and agreed that the obligation of Santander Consumer to repurchase any Receivable as described above shall constitute the sole remedy respecting such breach available to the Purchaser (or its assignee).

 

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SECTION 3.5 Protection of Title.

(a) Santander Consumer shall authorize and file such financing statements and cause to be authorized and filed such continuation and other financing statements, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve, maintain and protect the interest of the Purchaser under this Agreement in the Purchased Assets (to the extent that the interest of the Purchaser therein can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement). Santander Consumer shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to the Purchaser file-stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document filed as provided above, as soon as available following such filing.

(b) Santander Consumer shall notify the Purchaser in writing within ten (10) days following the occurrence of (i) any change in Santander Consumer’s organizational structure as a corporation, (ii) any change in Santander Consumer’s “location” (within the meaning of Section 9-307 of the UCC of all applicable jurisdictions) and (iii) any change in Santander Consumer’s name, and (A) shall take all action prior to making such change (or shall have made arrangements to take such action substantially simultaneously with such change, if it is not practicable to take such action in advance) reasonably necessary or advisable in the opinion of the Purchaser to amend all previously filed financing statements or continuation statements described in paragraph (a) above and (B) shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee within 30 days after such change an Opinion of Counsel either (a) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all financing statements and continuation statements and amendments thereto have been executed and filed that are necessary to preserve and protect the interest of the Issuer in the Receivables or (b) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action shall be necessary to preserve and protect such interest.

(c) Santander Consumer shall maintain (or shall cause the Servicer to maintain) its computer systems so that, from time to time after the conveyance under this Agreement of the Receivables, the master computer records (including any backup archives) that refer to a Receivable shall indicate clearly the interest of the Purchaser (or any subsequent assignee of the Purchaser) in such Receivable and that such Receivable is owned by such Person. Indication of such Person’s interest in a Receivable shall not be deleted from or modified on such computer systems until, and only until, the related Receivable shall have been paid in full or repurchased.

(d) If at any time Santander Consumer shall propose to sell, grant a security interest in or otherwise transfer any interest in motor vehicle receivables to any prospective purchaser, lender or other transferee, Santander Consumer shall give to such prospective purchaser, lender or other transferee computer tapes, records or printouts (including any restored from backup archives) that, if they shall refer in any manner whatsoever to any Receivable, shall indicate clearly that such Receivable has been sold and is owned by the Purchaser (or any subsequent assignee of the Purchaser).

SECTION 3.6 Other Liens or Interests. Except for the conveyances and grants of security interests pursuant to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, Santander Consumer shall not sell, pledge, assign or transfer the Receivables or other property transferred to the Purchaser to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any interest therein, and Santander Consumer shall defend the right, title and interest of the Purchaser in, to and under such Receivables or other property transferred to the Purchaser against all claims of third parties claiming through or under Santander Consumer.

 

   -6-    Purchase Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 4.1 Transfers Intended as Sale; Security Interest.

(a) Each of the parties hereto expressly intends and agrees that the transfers contemplated and effected under this Agreement are complete and absolute sales, transfers, assignments, contributions and conveyances without recourse rather than pledges or assignments of only a security interest and shall be given effect as such for all purposes. It is further the intention of the parties hereto that the Purchased Assets shall not be part of Santander Consumer’s estate in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of Santander Consumer. The sales and transfers by Santander Consumer of the Receivables and other Purchased Assets hereunder are and shall be without recourse to, or representation or warranty (express or implied) by, Santander Consumer, except as otherwise specifically provided herein. The limited rights of recourse specified herein against Santander Consumer are intended to provide a remedy for breach of representations and warranties relating to the condition of the property sold, rather than to the collectability of the Receivables.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Receivables and other Purchased Assets are held to be property of Santander Consumer, or if for any reason this Agreement is held or deemed to create indebtedness or a security interest in the Receivables and other Purchased Assets, then it is intended that:

(i) This Agreement shall be deemed to be a security agreement within the meaning of Articles 8 and 9 of the New York UCC and the UCC of any other applicable jurisdiction;

(ii) The conveyance provided for in Section 2.1 shall be deemed to be a grant by Santander Consumer of, and Santander Consumer hereby grants to the Purchaser, a security interest in all of its right (including the power to convey title thereto), title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in and to the Receivables and other Purchased Assets, to secure such indebtedness and the performance of the obligations of Santander Consumer hereunder;

(iii) The possession by the Purchaser or its agent of the Receivable Files and any other property that constitute instruments, money, negotiable documents or chattel paper shall be deemed to be “possession by the secured party” or possession by the purchaser or a person designated by such purchaser, for purposes of perfecting the security interest pursuant to the New York UCC and the UCC of any other applicable jurisdiction; and

(iv) Notifications to persons holding such property, and acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from persons holding such property, shall be deemed to be notifications to, or acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from, bailees or agents (as applicable) of the Purchaser for the purpose of perfecting such security interest under applicable law.

 

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SECTION 4.2 Notices, Etc. All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered or mailed by registered or certified first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, hand delivery, prepaid courier service, or by facsimile or by electronic transmission, and addressed in each case as specified on Schedule I to the Sale and Servicing Agreement or at such other address as shall be designated by any of the specified addressees in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Any notice required or permitted to be mailed to a Noteholder shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, at the address of such Noteholder as shown in the Note Register. Delivery shall occur only upon receipt or reported tender of such communication by an officer of the recipient entitled to receive such notices located at the address of such recipient for notices hereunder; provided, however, that any notice to a Noteholder mailed within the time and manner prescribed in this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Noteholder shall receive such notice.

SECTION 4.3 Choice of Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL, SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE RULES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW, OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

SECTION 4.4 Headings. The article and section headings hereof have been inserted for convenience only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Agreement.

SECTION 4.5 Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

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SECTION 4.6 Amendment.

(a) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be amended by Santander Consumer and the Purchaser without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person subject to the satisfaction of one of the following conditions:

(i) Santander Consumer or the Purchaser delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such amendment will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and Santander Consumer or the Purchaser notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment;

provided, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 4.6 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person.

(b) This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by Santander Consumer and the Purchaser, with the consent of the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Controlling Class, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders. It will not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents (and any other consents of Noteholders provided for in this Agreement) and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders will be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe, including the establishment of record dates pursuant to the Depository Agreement.

(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement may also be amended from time to time by Santander Consumer and the Purchaser for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Agreement to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person, provided, however, that Santander Consumer and the Purchaser shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee and promptly after the execution of such amendment, Santander Consumer and the Purchaser shall furnish a copy of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee.

(d) Prior to the execution of any amendment or consent pursuant to this Section 4.6, Santander Consumer shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency; and promptly after the execution of any such amendment or consent, Santander Consumer shall furnish a copy of such amendment or consent to each Rating Agency and the Indenture Trustee.

 

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(e) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such amendment have been satisfied. The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which adversely affects the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s, as applicable, own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 4.6, this Agreement may only be amended by the Seller and the Purchaser if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons) consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Seller or the Purchaser or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect.

SECTION 4.7 Waivers. No failure or delay on the part of the Purchaser, the Servicer, Santander Consumer, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee in exercising any power or right hereunder (to the extent such Person has any power or right hereunder) shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. No notice to or demand on the Purchaser or Santander Consumer in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No waiver or approval by either party under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions. No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, Santander Consumer shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations or the taking of any action hereunder or under any other Transaction Document (and such failure or delay shall not constitute a breach of any Transaction Document) if such failure or delay arises from compliance by Santander Consumer with any law or court order, the direction of a regulatory authority or regulatory guidance.

SECTION 4.8 Entire Agreement. The Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings. There are no unwritten agreements among the parties.

SECTION 4.9 Severability of Provisions. If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 4.10 Binding Effect; Merger or Consolidation. Any entity (i) into which Santander Consumer may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, to which it may sell or transfer its business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole or any entity resulting from any merger, sale, transfer, conversion or consolidation to which Santander Consumer shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to the business of Santander Consumer shall be the successor to Santander Consumer under this Agreement and (ii) of which more than 50% of the voting stock or voting power and 50% or more of the economic equity is owned directly or indirectly by Banco Santander, S.A. and which executes an agreement of assumption to perform every obligation of Santander Consumer under this Agreement, shall be the successor to Santander Consumer under this Agreement, in each case, including but not limited to in connection with its obligation to repurchase Receivables pursuant to Section 3.4 and without the execution or filing of any additional paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, other than as contemplated by Section 3.5. This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the parties hereto shall agree.

SECTION 4.11 Acknowledgment and Agreement. By execution below, Santander Consumer expressly acknowledges and consents to the sale of the Purchased Assets and the assignment of all rights of the Purchaser under this Agreement by the Purchaser to the Issuer pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Grant of a security interest in the Receivables, the other Purchased Assets and the Issuer’s rights under this Agreement by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders. In addition, Santander Consumer hereby acknowledges and agrees that for so long as the Notes are outstanding, the Indenture Trustee will have the right to exercise all powers, privileges and claims of the Purchaser under this Agreement in the event that the Purchaser shall fail to exercise the same.

SECTION 4.12 Cumulative Remedies. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

SECTION 4.13 Nonpetition Covenant. Each party hereto agrees that, prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by any Bankruptcy Remote Party (i) such party hereto shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence or join with any other Person in commencing, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 4.14 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Agreement or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof;

(b) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 4.2 of this Agreement;

(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(e) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

SECTION 4.15 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and each of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall be an express third-party beneficiary hereof and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, no other Person will have any right hereunder.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.
By:  

 

Name:   Corey Henry
Title:   Vice President

 

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SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Mark McCastlain
Title:   Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

ASSIGNMENT PURSUANT TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT

[______], 2021

For value received, in accordance with the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of April 21, 2021, between Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Santander Consumer”), and Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Purchaser”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, Santander Consumer does hereby irrevocably sell, transfer, assign, contribute and otherwise convey to the Purchaser on the Closing Date, without recourse (subject to the obligations in the Agreement), all right, title and interest of Santander Consumer, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under the Receivables set forth on the schedule of Receivables delivered by Santander Consumer to the Purchaser on the date hereof, the Collections after the Cut-Off Date, the Receivable Files and the Related Security relating thereto, which sale shall be effective as of the Cut-Off Date.

The foregoing sale does not constitute and is not intended to result in an assumption by the Purchaser of any obligation of the Originator to the Obligors, the Dealers, insurers or any other Person in connection with the Receivables, or the other assets and properties conveyed hereunder or any agreement, document or instrument related thereto.

This assignment is made pursuant to and upon the representations, warranties and agreements on the part of the undersigned contained in the Agreement and is governed by the Agreement.

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has caused this assignment to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.
By:  

                                  

Name:
Title:

 

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SCHEDULE I

PERFECTION REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

In addition to the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Agreement, Santander Consumer hereby represents, warrants, and covenants to the Purchaser as follows on the Closing Date:

General

1. This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Receivables and the other Purchased Assets in favor of the Purchaser, which security interest is prior to all other Liens, and is enforceable as such as against creditors of and purchasers from Santander Consumer.

2. The Receivables constitute “tangible chattel paper,” “electronic chattel paper,” “accounts,” “instruments” or “general intangibles,” within the meaning of the UCC. If a Receivable constitutes “electronic chattel paper,” Santander Consumer has “control” of such electronic chattel paper within the meaning of Section 9-105 of the applicable UCC.

3. Immediately prior to the sale, assignment and transfer thereof pursuant to this Agreement, each Receivable was secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party, or all necessary actions with respect to such Receivable have been taken or will be taken to perfect a first priority security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party.

Creation

4. Immediately prior to the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of a Receivable by Santander Consumer to the Purchaser, Santander Consumer owned and had good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (except any Lien which will be released prior to assignment of such Receivable under the Purchase Agreement) and immediately after the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of such Receivable to the Purchaser, the Purchaser will have good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens).

5. Santander Consumer has received all consents and approvals to the sale of the Receivables hereunder to the Purchaser required by the terms of the Receivables that constitute instruments.

 

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Perfection

6. Santander Consumer has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the effective date of the Purchase Agreement, the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the sale of the Receivables from Santander Consumer to the Purchaser, and the security interest in the Receivables granted to the Purchaser hereunder; and the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, has in its possession the original copies of such instruments or tangible chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables, and all financing statements referred to in this paragraph contain a statement that: “A purchase of or security interest in any collateral described in this financing statement will violate the rights of the Secured Party/Purchaser.”

7. With respect to Receivables that constitute instruments or tangible chattel paper, either:

 

  (i)

All original executed copies of each such instrument or tangible chattel paper have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

 

  (ii)

Such instruments or tangible chattel paper are in the possession of the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee has received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer (in its capacity as custodian) is holding such instruments or tangible chattel paper solely on behalf and for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

 

  (iii)

The Servicer received possession of such instruments or tangible chattel paper after the Indenture Trustee received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer is acting solely as agent of the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer.

Priority

8. Santander Consumer has not authorized the filing of, and is not aware of, any financing statements against Santander Consumer that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by Santander Consumer to the Purchaser under the Purchase Agreement, (ii) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by the Seller to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, (iii) relating to the security interest granted by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture or (iv) that has been terminated.

9. Santander Consumer is not aware of any material judgment, ERISA or tax lien filings against Santander Consumer.

10. Neither Santander Consumer nor a custodian or vaulting agent thereof holding any Receivable that is electronic chattel paper has communicated an “authoritative copy” (as such term is used in Section 9-105 of the UCC) of any loan agreement that constitutes or evidences such Receivable to any Person other than the Servicer.

11. None of the instruments, tangible chattel paper or electronic chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables has any marks or notations indicating that they have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Purchaser, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee.

 

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Survival of Perfection Representations

12. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Purchase Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Schedule I shall be continuing, and remain in full force and effect until such time as all obligations under the Transaction Documents and the Notes have been finally and fully paid and performed.

No Waiver

13. Santander Consumer shall provide the Rating Agencies with prompt written notice of any material breach of the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Schedule I, and shall not, without satisfying the Rating Agency Condition, waive a breach of any of such perfection representations, warranties or covenants.

 

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SCHEDULE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

WITH RESPECT TO THE RECEIVABLES

 

(a)

Characteristics of Receivables. As of the Cut-Off Date (or such other date as may be specifically set forth below), each Receivable:

(i) has been fully and properly executed or electronically authenticated by the Obligor thereto;

(ii) either (A) has been originated by a Dealer to finance the retail sale by that Dealer of the related Financed Vehicle and has been purchased by Santander Consumer in accordance with the terms of a dealer agreement between Santander Consumer and that Dealer, (B) has been originated by Santander Consumer or (C) has been acquired by Santander Consumer in accordance with the terms of a purchase agreement between the applicable originator and Santander Consumer;

(iii) as of the Closing Date, is secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party, or all necessary actions have been commenced that would result in a first priority security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party;

(iv) contains customary and enforceable provisions such that the rights and remedies of the holder thereof are adequate for realization against the collateral of the benefits of the security;

(v) provided, at origination, for level monthly payments which fully amortize the initial Principal Balance over the original term; provided, that the amount of the first or last scheduled payment may be different from the level payment but in no event more than three times the level monthly payment;

(vi) provides for interest at the Contract Rate specified in the Schedule of Receivables;

(vii) was originated in the United States and denominated in Dollars;

(viii) is secured by a new or used automobile, light-duty truck, SUV or van;

(ix) has a Contract Rate of at least 0.00%;

(x) had an original term to maturity of not more than 75 months and each Receivable has a remaining term to maturity, as of the Cut-Off Date, of not more than 75 months and not less than 4 months;

 

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(xi) has an outstanding Principal Balance of at least $500.00 and no more than $150,000.00;

(xii) has a final scheduled payment due not later than June 26, 2027;

(xiii) was not more than 30 days past due as of the Cut-Off Date;

(xiv) was not identified in the records of the Servicer as being the subject of any pending bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding;

(xv) is not subject to a force-placed Insurance Policy on the related Financed Vehicle;

(xvi) is a Simple Interest Receivable; and

(xvii) provides that a prepayment by the related Obligor will fully pay the Principal Balance and accrued interest through the date of prepayment based on the Receivable’s Contract Rate.

 

(b)

Compliance with Law. The Receivable complied at the time it was originated or made in all material respects with all requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, and regulations thereunder, except where the failure to comply (i) was remediated or cured in all material respects prior to the Cut-Off Date or (ii) would not render such Receivable unenforceable or create liability for the Purchaser or the Issuer, as assignee of such Receivable.

 

(c)

Binding Obligation. The Receivable constitutes the legal, valid and binding payment obligation in writing of the related Obligor, enforceable by the holder thereof in accordance with its terms, except (i) as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or other similar laws and equitable principles relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such Receivable may be modified by the application after the Cut-Off Date of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as amended, to the extent applicable to the related Obligor.

 

(d)

Receivable in Force. The Receivable has not been satisfied, subordinated or rescinded nor do the records of the Servicer indicate that the related Financed Vehicle has been released from the lien of such Receivable in whole or in part.

 

(e)

No Default; No Waiver. Except for payment delinquencies continuing for a period of not more than 30 days as of the Cut-Off Date, the records of the Servicer did not disclose that any default, breach, violation or event permitting acceleration under the terms of the Receivable existed as of the Cut-Off Date or that any continuing condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default, breach, violation or event permitting acceleration under the terms of the Receivable had arisen as of the Cut-Off Date and the Seller has not waived any of the foregoing.

 

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(f)

Insurance. The Receivable requires that the Obligor thereunder obtain physical damage insurance covering the related Financed Vehicle.

 

(g)

No Government Obligor. The Obligor on the Receivable is not the United States or any state thereof or any local government, or any agency, department, political subdivision or instrumentality of the United States or any state thereof or any local government.

 

(h)

Assignment. No Receivable has been originated in, or is subject to the laws of, any jurisdiction under which the sale, transfer, assignment, contribution, conveyance or pledge of such Receivable would be unlawful, void, or voidable.

 

(i)

Good Title. As of the Closing Date and immediately prior to the sale and transfer contemplated in the Purchase Agreement and the Sale and Servicing Agreement, Santander Consumer had good and marketable title to and was the sole owner of each Receivable free and clear of all Liens created by Santander Consumer (except any Lien which will be released prior to assignment of such Receivable thereunder), and, immediately upon the sale and transfer thereof, the Issuer will have good and marketable title to each Receivable, free and clear of all Liens created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens).

 

(j)

Characterization of Receivables. Each Receivable constitutes either “tangible chattel paper,” “electronic chattel paper,” an “account,” an “instrument,” or a “general intangible,” each as defined in the UCC.

 

(k)

One Original. There is only one executed original, electronically authenticated original or authoritative copy of the Contract (in each case within the meaning of the UCC) related to each Receivable.

 

(l)

No Defenses. The records of the Servicer do not reflect any material facts which have not been remediated or cured which would constitute the basis for any right of rescission, offset, claim, counterclaim or defense with respect to such Receivable or the same being asserted or threatened with respect to such Receivable.

 

(m)

Early Payments. The Obligor on the Receivable has made, or will make, the first two monthly payments under such Receivable.

 

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EX-10.2 5 d161327dex102.htm EX-10.2 EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

by and among

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1,

as Issuer

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC,

as Seller

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,

as Servicer

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Indenture Trustee

Dated as of April 21, 2021

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I     DEFINITIONS AND USAGE

     1  

SECTION 1.1

  Definitions      1  

SECTION 1.2

  Other Interpretive Provisions      1  

ARTICLE II     CONVEYANCE OF TRANSFERRED ASSETS

     2  

SECTION 2.1

  Conveyance of Transferred Assets      2  

SECTION 2.2

  Custody of Receivable Files      2  

ARTICLE III     ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF RECEIVABLES AND TRUST PROPERTY

     5  

SECTION 3.1

  Duties of Servicer      5  

SECTION 3.2

  Collection of Receivable Payments      6  

SECTION 3.3

  Repossession of Financed Vehicles; Sales of Deficiency Balances      7  

SECTION 3.4

  Maintenance of Security Interests in Financed Vehicles      8  

SECTION 3.5

  Covenants of Servicer      8  

SECTION 3.6

  Purchase of Receivables Upon Breach      8  

SECTION 3.7

  Servicing Fee      9  

SECTION 3.8

  Servicer’s Certificate      9  

SECTION 3.9

  Annual Officer’s Certificate; Notice of Servicer Replacement Event      9  

SECTION 3.10

  Annual Registered Public Accounting Firm Attestation      10  

SECTION 3.11

  Servicer Expenses      10  

SECTION 3.12

  Exchange Act Filings      10  

SECTION 3.13

  Noteholder Communication      11  

SECTION 3.14

  Back-up Servicing      11  

ARTICLE IV     DISTRIBUTIONS; ACCOUNTS STATEMENTS TO THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS AND THE NOTEHOLDERS

     12  

SECTION 4.1

  Establishment of Accounts      12  

SECTION 4.2

  Remittances      15  

SECTION 4.3

  Additional Deposits and Payments      15  

SECTION 4.4

  Distributions      16  

SECTION 4.5

  Net Deposits      18  

SECTION 4.6

  Statements to Noteholders and Certificateholders      18  

SECTION 4.7

  No Duty to Confirm      20  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE V     THE SELLER

     20  

SECTION 5.1

  Representations and Warranties of Seller      20  

SECTION 5.2

  Liability of Seller; Indemnities      22  

SECTION 5.3

  Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, Seller      23  

SECTION 5.4

  Limitation on Liability of Seller and Others      23  

SECTION 5.5

  Seller May Own Notes      23  

SECTION 5.6

  Sarbanes-Oxley Act Requirements      24  

SECTION 5.7

  Compliance with Organizational Documents      24  

ARTICLE VI     THE SERVICER

     24  

SECTION 6.1

  Representations of Servicer      24  

SECTION 6.2

  Indemnities of Servicer      25  

SECTION 6.3

  Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, Servicer      26  

SECTION 6.4

  Limitation on Liability of Servicer and Others      27  

SECTION 6.5

  Delegation of Duties      27  

SECTION 6.6

  Santander Consumer Not to Resign as Servicer      28  

SECTION 6.7

  Servicer May Own Notes      28  

ARTICLE VII     TERMINATION OF SERVICER

     28  

SECTION 7.1

  Termination and Replacement of Servicer      28  

SECTION 7.2

  Notification to Noteholders      29  

ARTICLE VIII     OPTIONAL PURCHASE

     29  

SECTION 8.1

  Optional Purchase of Trust Estate      29  

ARTICLE IX     MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     30  

SECTION 9.1

  Amendment      30  

SECTION 9.2

  Protection of Title      32  

SECTION 9.3

  Other Liens or Interests      33  

SECTION 9.4

  Transfers Intended as Sale; Security Interest      33  

SECTION 9.5

  Information Requests      34  

SECTION 9.6

  Notices, Etc.      34  

SECTION 9.7

  Choice of Law      34  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 9.8

  Headings      34  

SECTION 9.9

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      35  

SECTION 9.10

  Waivers      35  

SECTION 9.11

  Entire Agreement      35  

SECTION 9.12

  Severability of Provisions      35  

SECTION 9.13

  Binding Effect      35  

SECTION 9.14

  Acknowledgment and Agreement      36  

SECTION 9.15

  Cumulative Remedies      36  

SECTION 9.16

  Nonpetition Covenant      36  

SECTION 9.17

  Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      36  

SECTION 9.18

  Limitation of Liability      37  

SECTION 9.19

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      38  

SECTION 9.20

  Regulation AB      38  

SECTION 9.21

  Information to Be Provided by the Indenture Trustee      38  

SECTION 9.22

  Form 8-K Filings      39  

SECTION 9.23

  Relevant Trustee      39  

SECTION 9.24

  Dispute Resolution.      40  

SECTION 9.25

  Cooperation with Voting      43  

SECTION 9.26

  European Risk Retention      44  

 

Schedule I

  Notice Addresses      I-1  

Exhibit A

  Form of Assignment pursuant to Sale and Servicing Agreement      A-1  

Exhibit B

  Perfection Representations, Warranties and Covenants      B-1  

Exhibit C

  Servicing Criteria to be Addressed in Indenture Trustee’s and Servicer’s Assessment of Compliance      C-1  

Exhibit D

  Form of Indenture Trustee’s Annual Certification      D-1  

Appendix A

  Definitions   

 

 

-iii-


SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT, dated as of April 21, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, this “Agreement”), by and among DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as seller (the “Seller”), SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC., an Illinois corporation (“Santander Consumer”), as servicer (in such capacity, the “Servicer”), and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”).

WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to purchase from the Seller a portfolio of motor vehicle receivables, including motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and/or installment loans that are secured by new and used automobiles, light-duty trucks, SUVs and vans;

WHEREAS, the Seller is willing to sell such portfolio of motor vehicle receivables and related property to the Issuer; and

WHEREAS, Santander Consumer is willing to service such motor vehicle receivables and related property on behalf of the Issuer;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND USAGE

SECTION 1.1 Definitions. Except as otherwise specified herein or as the context may otherwise require, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein are defined in Appendix A hereto, which also contains rules as to usage that are applicable herein.

SECTION 1.2 Other Interpretive Provisions. For purposes of this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP; provided, that, to the extent that the definitions in this Agreement and GAAP conflict, the definitions in this Agreement shall control; (b) terms defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the relevant jurisdiction and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are used as defined in that Article; (c) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (d) references to any Article, Section, Schedule, Appendix or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules, Appendices and Exhibits in or to this Agreement and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (e) the term “including” and all variations thereof means “including without limitation”; (f) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, references to any law or regulation refer to that law or regulation as amended from time to time and include any successor law or regulation; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s successors and assigns; and (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.

 

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ARTICLE II

CONVEYANCE OF TRANSFERRED ASSETS

SECTION 2.1 Conveyance of Transferred Assets. In consideration of the Issuer’s sale and delivery to, or upon the order of, the Seller of all of the Notes and the Certificate on the Closing Date, the Seller does hereby irrevocably sell, transfer, assign and otherwise convey to the Issuer without recourse (subject to the obligations herein) all right, title and interest of the Seller, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under the Transferred Assets, as evidenced by an assignment substantially in the form of Exhibit A delivered on the Closing Date. The sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance made hereunder does not constitute and is not intended to result in an assumption by the Issuer of any obligation of the Seller or the Originator to the Obligors, the Dealers, insurers or any other Person in connection with the Receivables or the other assets and properties conveyed hereunder or any agreement, document or instrument related thereto.

SECTION 2.2 Custody of Receivable Files.

(a) Custody. The Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, hereby revocably appoint the Servicer, and the Servicer hereby accepts such appointment, to act as the agent of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee as custodian of the Receivable Files, which are hereby or will hereby be constructively delivered to the Indenture Trustee (or its agent or designee), as pledgee of the Issuer pursuant to the Indenture. “Receivable File” means, with respect to each Receivable, the following documents or instruments (but only to the extent applicable to such Receivable), which may be held in tangible paper form or electronic form:

 

  (i)

the fully executed original, electronically authenticated original or authoritative copy of the Contract (in each case within the meaning of the UCC) related to such Receivable, including any written amendments or extensions thereto;

 

  (ii)

the original Certificate of Title or, if not yet received, evidence that an application therefor has been submitted with the appropriate authority, a guaranty of title from a Dealer or such other document (electronic or otherwise, as used in the applicable jurisdiction) that the Servicer keeps on file, in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, evidencing the security interest of the Originator in the Financed Vehicle; provided, however, that in lieu of being held in the Receivable File, the Certificate of Title may be held by a third party service provider engaged by the Servicer to obtain and/or hold Certificates of Title; and

 

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  (iii)

any and all other documents that the Servicer or the Seller keeps on file, in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, relating to a Receivable, an Obligor or a Financed Vehicle.

(b) Safekeeping. The Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, shall hold the Receivable Files for the benefit of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer. In performing its duties as custodian, the Servicer shall act in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices. The Servicer will promptly report to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee any failure on its part to hold a material portion of the Receivable Files or to maintain its accounts, records, and computer systems as herein provided and shall promptly take appropriate action to remedy any such failure. Nothing herein will be deemed to require an initial review or any periodic review by the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee of the Receivable Files. The Servicer may, in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices: (i) maintain all or a portion of the Receivable Files in electronic form and (ii) maintain custody of all or any portion of the Receivable Files with one or more of its agents or designees.

(c) Maintenance of and Access to Records. The Servicer will maintain each Receivable File in the United States (it being understood that the Receivable Files, or any part thereof, may be maintained at the offices of any Person to whom the Servicer has delegated responsibilities in accordance with Section 6.5). The Servicer will make available to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee or their duly authorized representatives, attorneys or auditors a list of locations of the Receivable Files upon request. The Servicer will provide access to the Receivable Files, and the related accounts records, and computer systems maintained by the Servicer at such times as the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee direct, but only upon reasonable notice and during the normal business hours at the respective offices of the Servicer.

(d) Release of Documents. Upon written instructions from the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer will release or cause to be released any document in the Receivable Files to the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee’s agent or the Indenture Trustee’s designee, as the case may be, at such place or places as the Indenture Trustee may designate, as soon thereafter as is practicable. Any document so released will be handled by the Indenture Trustee with reasonable care and returned to the Servicer for safekeeping as soon as the Indenture Trustee or its agent or designee, as the case may be, has no further need therefor.

(e) Instructions; Authority to Act. All instructions from the Indenture Trustee will be in writing and signed by an Authorized Officer of the Indenture Trustee, and the Servicer will be deemed to have received proper instructions with respect to the Receivable Files upon its receipt of such written instructions.

(f) Custodian’s Indemnification. Subject to Section 6.2, the Servicer as custodian will indemnify the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee for any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, compensatory damages, payments, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs and any losses incurred in connection with a successful defense, in whole or part, of any claim that the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee breached its standard of care and legal fees and expenses incurred in actions against the indemnifying party) of any kind whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee as the result of any improper act or

 

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omission in any way relating to the maintenance and custody by the Servicer as custodian of the Receivable Files or the enforcement of the Issuer’s, the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s rights (including indemnification rights) under the Transaction Documents; provided, however, that the Servicer as custodian will not be liable (i) to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee or the Issuer for any portion of any such amount resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence of the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee or the Issuer, respectively, or (ii) to the Indenture Trustee for any portion of any such amount resulting from the failure of the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee’s agent or the Indenture Trustee’s designee to handle with reasonable care any Certificate of Title or other document released to the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee’s agent or the Indenture Trustee’s designee pursuant to Section 2.2(d). The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall survive the termination or assignment of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian. The Servicer shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned by the failure of the Indenture Trustee or its agent or designee to return any documents or any delay in doing so.

(g) Effective Period and Termination. The Servicer’s appointment as custodian will become effective as of the Cut-Off Date and will continue in full force and effect until terminated pursuant to this Section. If Santander Consumer resigns as Servicer in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or if all of the rights and obligations of the Servicer have been terminated under Section 7.1, the appointment of the Servicer as custodian hereunder may be terminated by the Indenture Trustee, or by the Noteholders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class (or, if the Notes are no longer Outstanding, by the Majority Certificateholders), in the same manner as the Indenture Trustee or such Noteholders (or Certificateholders) may terminate the rights and obligations of the Servicer under Section 7.1. As soon as practicable after any termination of such appointment, the Servicer will deliver to the Indenture Trustee (or, at the direction of the Indenture Trustee, to its agent) the Receivable Files and the related accounts and records maintained by the Servicer at such place or places as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably designate; provided, however, that with respect to authoritative copies of the Receivables constituting electronic chattel paper, the Servicer, in its sole discretion, shall either (i) continue to hold any such authoritative copies on behalf of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee or the Indenture Trustee’s agent (provided that the Servicer has not been terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.2(g)) or (ii) deliver copies of such authoritative copies and destroy the authoritative copies maintained by the Servicer prior to its termination such that the copy delivered to the Indenture Trustee or the Indenture Trustee’s agent becomes the authoritative copy of the Receivable constituting electronic chattel paper.

(h) Liability of Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of the Servicer in its capacity as custodian of the Receivable Files.

 

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ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF

RECEIVABLES AND TRUST PROPERTY

SECTION 3.1 Duties of Servicer.

(a) The Servicer is hereby appointed by the Issuer and authorized to act as agent for the Issuer and in such capacity shall manage, service, administer and make collections on the Receivables in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, using the degree of skill and attention that the Servicer exercises with respect to all comparable motor vehicle receivables that it services for itself or others. The Servicer’s duties will include collection and posting of all payments, responding to inquiries of Obligors on such Receivables, pursuing delinquencies, providing invoices or other payment information (which may be in electronic form) to Obligors, reporting any required tax information to Obligors, accounting for Collections and furnishing monthly and annual statements to the Indenture Trustee with respect to distributions and performing the other duties specified herein. The Servicer is not required under the Transaction Documents to make any disbursements via wire transfer or otherwise on behalf of an Obligor. There are no requirements under the Receivables or the Transaction Documents for funds to be, and funds shall not be, held in trust for an Obligor. There are no requirements under the Receivables or the Transaction Documents for payments or disbursements to be made by the Servicer on behalf of the Obligor. The Servicer hereby accepts such appointment and authorization and agrees to perform the duties of Servicer with respect to the Receivables set forth herein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Servicer shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations or the taking of any action hereunder or under any other Transaction Document (and such failure or delay shall not constitute a breach of any Transaction Document or a Servicer Replacement Event) if such failure or delay arises from compliance by the Servicer with any law or court order, the direction of a regulatory authority or regulatory guidance.

(b) The Servicer will follow its Customary Servicing Practices and will have full power and authority to do any and all things in connection with such managing, servicing, administration and collection that it may deem necessary or desirable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Servicer is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of itself, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders, the Certificateholders, or any of them, any and all instruments of satisfaction or cancellation, or partial or full release or discharge, and all other comparable instruments, with respect to the Receivables or to the Financed Vehicles securing such Receivables. The Servicer is hereby authorized to commence, in its own name or in the name of the Issuer, a Proceeding to enforce a Receivable or an Insurance Policy or to commence or participate in any other Proceeding (including a bankruptcy proceeding) relating to or involving a Receivable, an Obligor, a Financed Vehicle or an Insurance Policy. If the Servicer commences a Proceeding to enforce a Receivable or an Insurance Policy, the Issuer will thereupon be deemed to have automatically assigned such Receivable or its rights under such Insurance Policy to the Servicer solely for purposes of commencing or participating in any such Proceeding as a party or claimant, and the Servicer is authorized and empowered by the Issuer to execute and deliver in the Servicer’s name

 

   5    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


any notices, demands, claims, complaints, responses, affidavits or other documents or instruments in connection with any such Proceeding. If in any enforcement suit or Proceeding it is held that the Servicer may not enforce a Receivable or Insurance Policy on the ground that it is not a real party in interest or a holder entitled to enforce the Receivable or Insurance Policy, the Issuer will, at the Servicer’s expense and direction, take steps to enforce the Receivable or Insurance Policy, including bringing suit in its name or the name of the Indenture Trustee. The Issuer will furnish the Servicer with any powers of attorney and other documents reasonably necessary or appropriate to enable the Servicer to carry out its servicing and administrative duties hereunder. The Servicer, at its expense, will obtain on behalf of the Issuer all licenses, if any, required by the laws of any jurisdiction to be held by the Issuer in connection with ownership of the Receivables, and will make all filings and pay all fees as may be required in connection therewith during the term hereof.

(c) The Servicer hereby agrees that upon its resignation and the appointment of a successor Servicer hereunder, the Servicer will terminate its activities as Servicer hereunder in accordance with Section 7.1, and, in any case, in a manner which the Indenture Trustee reasonably determines will facilitate the transition of the performance of such activities to such successor Servicer, and the Servicer shall cooperate with and assist such successor Servicer.

(d) The Servicer shall not be required to monitor whether Obligors maintain an Insurance Policy on the Financed Vehicles.

SECTION 3.2 Collection of Receivable Payments.

(a) The Servicer will make reasonable efforts to collect all payments called for under the terms and provisions of the Receivables as and when the same become due in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices. The Servicer may grant extensions, rebates, deferrals, amendments, modifications or adjustments with respect to any Receivable in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Servicer (i) extends the date for final payment by the Obligor of any Receivable beyond the last day of the Collection Period immediately prior to the Class D Final Scheduled Payment Date or (ii) reduces the Contract Rate or Principal Balance with respect to any Receivable other than (A) as required by applicable law or court order, (B) in connection with a modification, adjustment or settlement in the event the Receivable becomes a Severely Distressed Receivable, (C) in connection with a Cram Down Loss relating to such Receivable, (D) in connection with the application by the Servicer of payments received from a Dealer and applied to reduce the Principal Balance of such Receivable, (E) at the direction of a regulatory authority or in accordance with regulatory guidance or (F) if the related Obligor is an SCRA Obligor, it will either correct such action or promptly purchase such Receivable in the manner provided in Section 3.6. The Servicer may in its discretion waive any late payment charge or any other fees that may be collected in the ordinary course of servicing a Receivable. The Servicer shall not be required to make any advances of funds or guarantees regarding collections, cash flows or distributions. Payments on the Receivables, including payoffs, made in accordance with the related documentation for such Receivables, shall be posted to the Servicer’s Obligor records in accordance with the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices. Such payments shall be allocated to principal, interest or other items in accordance with the related documentation for such Receivables.

 

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(b) Subject to the third sentence of Section 3.2(a), the Servicer and its Affiliates may engage in any marketing practice or promotion or any sale of any products, goods or services to Obligors with respect to the Receivables so long as such practices, promotions or sales are offered to obligors of comparable motor vehicle receivables serviced by the Servicer for itself and others, whether or not such practices, promotions or sales might result in a decrease in the aggregate amount of payments on the Receivables, prepayments or faster or slower timing of the payment of the Receivables.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Servicer may refinance any Receivable and deposit the full outstanding Principal Balance of such Receivable into the Collection Account. The receivable created by such refinancing shall not be property of the Issuer. The Servicer and its Affiliates may also sell insurance or debt cancellation products, including products which result in the cancellation of some or all of the amount of a Receivable upon the death or disability of the Obligor or any casualty with respect to the Financed Vehicle.

(d) Records documenting collection efforts shall be maintained during the period a Receivable is delinquent in accordance with the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices. Such records shall be maintained on at least a periodic basis that is not less frequent than as prescribed by the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices, and describe the entity’s activities in monitoring delinquent pool assets including, for example, phone calls, letters and payment rescheduling plans in cases where delinquency is deemed temporary (e.g., illness or unemployment) in accordance with the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices.

(e) The Servicer shall not be required to maintain a fidelity bond or errors and omissions policy.

SECTION 3.3 Repossession of Financed Vehicles; Sales of Deficiency Balances. On behalf of the Issuer, the Servicer will use commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with its Customary Servicing Practices, to repossess or otherwise convert the ownership of and liquidate the Financed Vehicle securing any Receivable as to which the Servicer has determined eventual payment in full is unlikely; provided, however, that the Servicer may elect not to repossess a Financed Vehicle if in its sole discretion it determines that repossession will not increase the aggregate Liquidation Proceeds or that the proceeds ultimately recoverable with respect to such Receivable would be increased by forbearance or that repossessing such Financed Vehicle would otherwise not be consistent with the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices. The Servicer is authorized as it deems necessary or advisable, consistent with its Customary Servicing Practices, to make reasonable efforts to realize upon any recourse to any Dealer and to sell the related Financed Vehicle at public or private sale. The foregoing will be subject to the provision that, in any case in which the Financed Vehicle has suffered damage, the Servicer shall not be required to expend funds in connection with the repair or the repossession of such Financed Vehicle. In addition, the Servicer, in its sole discretion, may in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices sell any Receivable’s Deficiency Balance. To facilitate any such sale the Servicer may, in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, purchase from the Issuer such Receivable’s Deficiency Balance for a purchase price equal to the proceeds received by the Servicer in an arm’s-length transaction for the sale of such Receivable’s Deficiency Balance. Net proceeds of any such sale allocable to the Receivable will constitute Liquidation Proceeds, and the sole right of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee with respect to any such sold Receivables

 

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will be to receive such Liquidation Proceeds. Upon such sale, the Servicer will mark its computer records indicating that any such receivable sold is no longer a Receivable. The Servicer is authorized to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate on behalf of the Issuer to evidence the sale of the Financed Vehicle at a public or private sale or the sale of the Receivable to the Servicer to facilitate a Deficiency Balance sale pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph, in each case, free from any Lien or other interest of the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 3.4 Maintenance of Security Interests in Financed Vehicles. The Servicer will, in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, take such steps as are necessary to maintain perfection of the security interest created by each Receivable in the related Financed Vehicle. The provisions set forth in this Section are the sole requirements under the Transaction Documents with respect to the maintenance of collateral or security on the Receivables. It is understood that the Financed Vehicles are the collateral and security for the Receivables, but that the Certificate of Title with respect to a Financed Vehicle does not constitute collateral for that Receivable and merely evidences such security interest. The Issuer hereby authorizes the Servicer to take such steps as are necessary to re-perfect such security interest created by the Receivable in the event of the relocation of a Financed Vehicle or for any other reason.

SECTION 3.5 Covenants of Servicer. Unless required by law or court order, or at the direction of a regulatory authority or in accordance with regulatory guidance, the Servicer will not release the Financed Vehicle securing any Receivable from the security interest granted by such Receivable in whole or in part except (i) in the event of payment in full by or on behalf of the Obligor thereunder or payment in full less a deficiency which the Servicer would not attempt to collect in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, (ii) in connection with repossession or (iii) as may be required by an insurer in order to receive proceeds from any Insurance Policy covering such Financed Vehicle.

SECTION 3.6 Purchase of Receivables Upon Breach. Upon discovery by any party hereto of a breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 or 3.5 with respect to any Receivable which materially and adversely affects the interests of the Issuer or the Noteholders in any Receivable, the party discovering or receiving written notice of such breach shall give prompt written notice thereof to the other parties hereto; provided, (i) that the delivery of a Servicer’s Certificate which identifies that Receivables are being or have been repurchased shall be deemed to constitute prompt notice by the Servicer and the Issuer of such breach and (ii) the Servicer or the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to have knowledge of such breach only if a Responsible Officer thereof has actual knowledge thereof, including without limitation upon receipt of written notice; provided, further, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect any obligation of the Servicer under this Section 3.6. If the breach materially and adversely affects the interests of the Issuer or the Noteholders in such Receivable, or if the Servicer is required to purchase a Receivable pursuant to Section 3.2, then the Servicer shall either (a) correct or cure such breach, if applicable, or (b) purchase such Receivable from the Issuer, in either case on or before the Business Day before the Payment Date following the end of the Collection Period which includes the 60th day (or, if the Servicer elects, an earlier date) after the date the Servicer became aware or was notified of such breach. Any such breach or failure will be deemed not to have a material and adverse effect if such breach or failure has not affected the ability of the Issuer to receive and retain timely payment in full on such Receivable. Any such purchase by

 

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the Servicer shall be at a price equal to the related Repurchase Price. In consideration for such purchase, the Servicer shall make (or shall cause to be made) a payment to the Issuer equal to the Repurchase Price by depositing such amount into the Collection Account prior to noon, New York City time, on such date of purchase (or, if the Servicer elects, an earlier date). Upon payment of such Repurchase Price by the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Noteholders, and the Issuer shall release and shall execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse or representation, as may be reasonably requested by the Servicer to evidence such release, transfer or assignment or more effectively vest in the Servicer or its designee all of the Issuer’s and Indenture Trustee’s rights in any Receivable and related Transferred Assets purchased pursuant to this Section 3.6. It is understood and agreed that the obligation of the Servicer to purchase any Receivable as described above shall constitute the sole remedy respecting such breach available to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 3.7 Servicing Fee. On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Issuer shall pay to the Servicer the Servicing Fee in accordance with Section 4.4 for the immediately preceding Collection Period as compensation for its services. In addition, the Servicer will be entitled to retain all Supplemental Servicing Fees. The Servicer also will be entitled to receive investment earnings (net of investment losses and expenses) on funds on deposit in the Collection Account and the Reserve Account during each Collection Period.

SECTION 3.8 Servicers Certificate. On or before the Determination Date preceding each Payment Date, the Servicer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and each Paying Agent, with a copy to each of the Rating Agencies, a Servicer’s Certificate executed by an Authorized Officer of the Servicer containing all information necessary to make the payments, transfers and distributions pursuant to Sections 4.3 and 4.4 on such Payment Date, together with the written statements to be furnished by the Indenture Trustee to the Noteholders pursuant to Section 4.6 hereof and Section 6.6 of the Indenture. At the sole option of the Servicer, each Servicer’s Certificate may be delivered in electronic format or hard copy format. No disbursements shall be made directly by the Servicer to a Noteholder or a Certificateholder, and the Servicer shall not be required to maintain any investor record relating to the posting of disbursements or otherwise.

SECTION 3.9 Annual Officers Certificate; Notice of Servicer Replacement Event.

(a) The Servicer will deliver to the Issuer, with a copy to the Indenture Trustee, on or before March 30th of each year, beginning on March 30, 2022, an Officer’s Certificate, dated as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year, providing such information as is required under Item 1123 of Regulation AB.

(b) The Servicer will deliver to the Issuer, with a copy to the Indenture Trustee within five (5) Business Days after having obtained knowledge thereof written notice in an Officer’s Certificate of any event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a Servicer Replacement Event. Except to the extent set forth in this Section 3.9(b), Section 7.2 and Section 9.22 of this Agreement and Section 3.12 and Section 6.5 of the Indenture, the Transaction Documents do not require any policies or procedures to monitor any performance or other triggers and events of default.

 

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(c) The Servicer will deliver to the Issuer, on or before March 30th of each year, beginning on March 30, 2022, a report regarding the Servicer’s assessment of compliance with the Servicing Criteria specified in Exhibit C as applicable to the Servicer during the immediately preceding calendar year, including disclosure of any material instance of non-compliance identified by the Servicer, as required under paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-18, or Rule 15d-18 of the Exchange Act and Item 1122 of Regulation AB, or such other criteria as mutually agreed upon by the Seller and the Servicer.

SECTION 3.10 Annual Registered Public Accounting Firm Attestation.

(a) On or before March 30th of each year, beginning March 30, 2022, the Servicer shall cause a registered public accounting firm, which may also render other services to the Servicer or to its Affiliates, to furnish to the Issuer, with a copy to the Indenture Trustee, each attestation report on assessments of compliance with the Servicing Criteria with respect to the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof during the related fiscal year delivered by such accountants pursuant to paragraph (c) of Rule 13a-18 or Rule 15d-18 of the Exchange Act and Item 1122 of Regulation AB. The certification required by this paragraph may be replaced by any similar certification using other procedures or attestation standards which are now or in the future in use by servicers of comparable assets, or which otherwise comply with any rule, regulation, “no action” letter or similar guidance promulgated by the Commission.

(b) The Servicer, however, shall not be obligated to deliver any report described above to any Person who does not comply with or agree to the required procedures of such firm of independent certified public accountants, including but not limited to execution of engagement letters or access letters regarding such reports.

(c) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any claims, liabilities or expenses relating to such accountants’ engagement or any report issued in connection with such engagement, and the dissemination of any such report other than pursuant to the Transaction Documents or applicable law is subject to the written consent of the accountants.

SECTION 3.11 Servicer Expenses. The Servicer will be required to pay all expenses (other than Liquidation Expenses) incurred by it in connection with its activities hereunder, including fees and disbursements of independent accountants, taxes imposed on the Servicer and expenses incurred in connection with distributions and reports to the Noteholders and the Certificateholders. The Servicer will be entitled to retain an amount equal to the amount of Liquidation Expenses incurred during a Collection Period from Liquidation Proceeds received during such Collection Period. The Servicer shall pay (i) fees, expenses, indemnities and disbursements of (x) the Indenture Trustee to the extent required under Section 6.7 of the Indenture, (y) the Owner Trustee to the extent required under Sections 8.1 and 8.2 of the Trust Agreement and (z) the Administrator and (ii) organizational expenses of the Issuer.

SECTION 3.12 Exchange Act Filings. The Issuer hereby authorizes the Servicer and the Seller, or either of them, to prepare, sign, certify and file any and all reports, statements and information respecting the Issuer and/or the Notes required to be filed pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder.

 

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SECTION 3.13 Noteholder Communication. A Noteholder (if the Notes are represented by Definitive Notes) or a Note Owner (if the Notes are represented by Book-Entry Notes) may send a request to the Seller at any time notifying the Seller that such Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable, would like to communicate with other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, with respect to an exercise of their rights under the terms of the Transaction Documents. If the requesting party is not a Noteholder as reflected on the Note Register, the Seller may require that the requesting party provide Verification Documents. Each request must include (i) the name of the requesting Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable and (ii) a description of the method by which other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, may contact the requesting Noteholder or Note Owner. A Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable, that delivers a request under this Section 3.13 will be deemed to have certified to the Issuer and Santander Consumer that its request to communicate with other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, relates solely to a possible exercise of rights under the Indenture or the other Transaction Documents, and will not be used for other purposes. In each monthly distribution report on Form 10-D under the Exchange Act with respect to the Issuer, the Seller shall include disclosure regarding any request that complies with the requirements of this Section 3.13 received during the related Collection Period from a Noteholder or Note Owner to communicate with other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, related to the Noteholders or Note Owners exercising their rights under the terms of the Transaction Documents. The disclosure in such Form 10-D regarding the request to communicate shall include (w) the name of the investor making the request, (x) the date the request was received, (y) a statement to the effect that the Seller has received a request from such Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable, stating that such Noteholder or Note Owner, as applicable, is interested in communicating with other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, with regard to the possible exercise of rights under the Transaction Documents, and (z) a description of the method other Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, may use to contact the requesting Noteholder or Note Owner. The Seller and the Servicer will be responsible for any expenses incurred in connection with the filing of such disclosure and the reimbursement of any costs incurred by the Indenture Trustee in connection with the preparation thereof.

SECTION 3.14 Back-up Servicing. In the event that Santander Consumer is the Servicer, and (i) the long-term counterparty risk rating by Moody’s of Banco Santander, S.A. falls below “Baa3” (a “Ratings Trigger Event”) or (ii) Banco Santander, S.A. ceases to directly or indirectly own at least 50% of the voting stock or voting power of Santander Consumer (an “Ownership Trigger Event”), Santander Consumer shall have in place a back-up servicing arrangement consistent with Moody’s published ratings criteria at the time of the Ratings Trigger Event or Ownership Trigger Event, as applicable, within 90 days of such Ratings Trigger Event or Ownership Trigger Event, respectively, unless it shall be acceptable to Moody’s at such time, or otherwise satisfy the Rating Agency Condition with respect to Moody’s, for Santander Consumer not to have in place a back-up servicing arrangement or to deviate from such published criteria.

 

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ARTICLE IV

DISTRIBUTIONS; ACCOUNTS

STATEMENTS TO THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS

AND THE NOTEHOLDERS

SECTION 4.1 Establishment of Accounts.

(a) The Servicer shall cause to be established on or prior to the Closing Date:

 

  (i)

(x) Prior to the payment in full of the principal of and interest on the Notes, for the benefit of the Noteholders in the name of the Indenture Trustee, an Eligible Account, bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds deposited therein are held for the benefit of the Noteholders, which Eligible Account shall be established by and maintained with the Indenture Trustee or its designee and (y) following payment in full of the principal of and interest on the Notes, for the benefit of the Certificateholders, in the name of the Issuer, an Eligible Account, bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds deposited therein are held for the benefit of the Certificateholders, which Eligible Account shall be established by and maintained with the Certificate Paying Agent, as Relevant Trustee, or its designee (the “Collection Account”). No checks shall be issued, printed or honored with respect to the Collection Account.

 

  (ii)

For the benefit of the Noteholders, in the name of the Indenture Trustee, an Eligible Account (the “Reserve Account), bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds deposited therein are held for the benefit of the Noteholders, which Eligible Account shall be established by and maintained with the Indenture Trustee or its designee. No checks shall be issued, printed or honored with respect to the Reserve Account.

 

  (iii)

Upon the issuance of any Definitive Certificate in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, for the benefit of the Certificateholders, in the name of the Issuer, a non-interest bearing Eligible Account (the “Certificate Distribution Account”) bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds deposited therein are held for the benefit of the Certificateholders, which Eligible Account shall be established by and maintained with the Certificate Paying Agent or its designee. No checks shall be issued, printed or honored with respect to the Certificate Distribution Account. Funds on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account shall be held uninvested.

(b) Funds on deposit in the Collection Account and the Reserve Account (collectively, the “Trust Accounts”), if any, shall be invested by the Relevant Trustee in Eligible Investments selected in writing by the Servicer and of which the Servicer provides notification (pursuant to standing instructions or otherwise); provided that it is understood and agreed that neither the Servicer, the Relevant Trustee (subject to Section 6.1(c) of the Indenture) nor the Issuer shall be liable for any loss arising from such investment in Eligible Investments. If no

 

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such selection is made by the Servicer, funds on deposit in the Trust Accounts shall remain uninvested. All such Eligible Investments shall be held by or on behalf of the Relevant Trustee as secured party for the benefit of the Noteholders (or if there are no Noteholders, for the Certificateholders); provided, that on each Payment Date all interest and other investment income (net of losses and investment expenses) on funds on deposit in the Trust Accounts shall be distributed to the Servicer and shall not be available to pay the distributions provided for in Section 4.4. Except to the extent the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied, all investments of funds on deposit in the Trust Accounts shall mature so that such funds will be available on the Business Day immediately preceding the immediately following Payment Date. No Eligible Investment shall be sold or otherwise disposed of prior to its scheduled maturity unless a default occurs with respect to such Eligible Investment and the Servicer directs the Relevant Trustee in writing to dispose of such Eligible Investment. The Servicer acknowledges that upon its written request and at no additional cost, it has the right to receive notification after the completion of each purchase and sale of permitted investments or the Relevant Trustee’s receipt of a broker’s confirmation. The Servicer agrees that such notifications shall not be provided by the Relevant Trustee hereunder, and the Relevant Trustee shall make available, upon request and in lieu of notifications, periodic account statements that reflect such investment activity.

(c) The Relevant Trustee shall possess all right, title and interest in all funds on deposit from time to time in the Trust Accounts and in all proceeds thereof and all such funds, investments and proceeds shall be part of the Trust Estate. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Trust Accounts shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Relevant Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders (or if there are no Noteholders, for the Certificateholders). If, at any time, any Trust Account ceases to be an Eligible Account, the Servicer shall promptly notify the Relevant Trustee (unless such Trust Account is an account with the Relevant Trustee) in writing and within 10 Business Days (or any longer period if the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such longer period) after becoming aware of the fact, establish a new Trust Account as an Eligible Account and shall direct the Relevant Trustee in writing to transfer any cash and/or any investments to such new Trust Account.

(d) With respect to the Trust Account Property, the parties hereto agree that:

 

  (i)

any Trust Account Property that consists of uninvested funds shall be held solely in Eligible Accounts and, except as otherwise provided herein, each such Eligible Account shall be subject to the exclusive custody and control of the Relevant Trustee, and, except as otherwise provided in the Transaction Documents, the Relevant Trustee or its designee shall have sole signature authority with respect thereto;

 

  (ii)

any Trust Account Property that constitutes Physical Property shall be delivered to the Relevant Trustee or its designee, in accordance with paragraph (a) of the definition of “Delivery” and shall be held, pending maturity or disposition, solely by the Relevant Trustee or any such designee;

 

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  (iii)

any Trust Account Property that is an “uncertificated security” under Article 8 of the UCC and that is not governed by clause (iv) below shall be delivered to the Relevant Trustee or its designee in accordance with paragraph (c) of the definition of “Delivery” and shall be maintained by the Relevant Trustee or such designee, pending maturity or disposition, through continued registration of the Relevant Trustee’s (or its designee’s) ownership of such security on the books of the issuer thereof;

 

  (iv)

any Trust Account Property that is an uncertificated security that is a “book-entry security” (as such term is defined in Federal Reserve Bank Operating Circular No. 7) held in a securities account at a Federal Reserve Bank and eligible for transfer through the Fedwire® Securities Service operated by the Federal Reserve System pursuant to Federal book-entry regulations shall be delivered in accordance with paragraph (b) of the definition of “Delivery” and shall be maintained by the Indenture Trustee or its designee or a securities intermediary (as such term is defined in Section 8-102(a)(14) of the UCC) acting solely for the Indenture Trustee or such designee, pending maturity or disposition, through continued book-entry registration of such Trust Account Property as described in such paragraph; and

 

  (v)

to the extent any Trust Account Property is credited to a securities account, the account agreement establishing such securities account shall provide that the account agreement is governed solely by the law of the State of New York and that the law of the State of New York shall govern all issues specified in Article 2(1) of the Hague Securities Convention; and such institution acting as securities intermediary shall have at the time of entry of the account agreement and shall continue to have at all relevant times one or more offices (within the meaning of the Hague Securities Convention) in the United States of America which satisfies the criteria provided in Article 4(1)(a) or (b) of the Hague Securities Convention; the jurisdiction of such institution acting as securities intermediary with respect to such securities account shall be the State of New York; and (if the Indenture Trustee is not the securities intermediary with respect to such securities account) the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and such securities intermediary shall agree in writing that such securities intermediary will comply with entitlement orders originated by the Indenture Trustee with respect to such securities account without further consent of the Issuer.

(e) The Indenture Trustee, to the extent it is acting in the capacity of securities intermediary with respect to Trust Account Property, represents, warrants and covenants that:

 

  (i)

it is a “securities intermediary,” as such term is defined in Section 8-102(a)(14)(ii) of the relevant UCC, that in the ordinary course of its business maintains “securities accounts” for others, as such term is used in Section 8-501 of the relevant UCC, and an “intermediary” as defined in the Hague Securities Convention;

 

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  (ii)

pursuant to Section 8-110(e)(1) of the relevant UCC for purposes of the relevant UCC, the jurisdiction of the Indenture Trustee as securities intermediary is the State of New York. Further, the law of the State of New York shall govern all issues specified in Article 2(1) of the Hague Securities Convention; and

 

  (iii)

the Indenture Trustee has and shall continue to have at all relevant times one or more offices (within the meaning of the Hague Securities Convention) in the United States of America engaged in a business or other regular activity of maintaining securities account.

(f) To the extent that there are any other agreements with the Indenture Trustee governing the Trust Accounts, the parties agree that each and every such agreement is hereby amended to provide that, with respect to the Trust Accounts, the law applicable to all issues specified in Article 2(1) of the Hague Securities Convention shall be the laws of the State of New York.

(g) Except for the Collection Account, the Reserve Account and the Certificate Distribution Account, there are no accounts required to be maintained under the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 4.2 Remittances. The Servicer shall deposit an amount equal to all Collections into the Collection Account within two Business Days after identification; provided, however, that if the Monthly Remittance Condition is satisfied, then the Servicer shall not be required to deposit into the Collection Account an amount equal to the Collections received during any Collection Period until noon, New York City time, on the Business Day prior to the related Payment Date. The “Monthly Remittance Condition” shall be deemed to be satisfied if (i) Santander Consumer or one of its Affiliates is the Servicer, (ii) no Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event has occurred and is continuing and (iii) the Servicer’s short-term unsecured debt is rated at least “P-1” by Moody’s and at least “A-1” by S&P; provided, however, that, notwithstanding a failure to satisfy the condition set forth in clause (iii), the Servicer may remit Collections to the Collection Account on any other alternate remittance schedule (but not later than the Business Day prior to the related Payment Date) if the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such alternate remittance schedule. Pending deposit into the Collection Account, Collections may be commingled and used by the Servicer at its own risk and are not required to be segregated from its own funds. The Servicer may deduct from Collections all Unrelated Amounts to the extent such Unrelated Amounts have not been previously reimbursed to the Servicer.

SECTION 4.3 Additional Deposits and Payments.

(a) On the date specified in Section 3.6 hereof or Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement, as applicable, the Servicer and Santander Consumer, as applicable, will deposit into the Collection Account the aggregate Repurchase Price with respect to Repurchased Receivables purchased or repurchased by the Servicer or Santander Consumer, respectively, on such date, and on the Payment Date specified in Section 8.1, the Servicer will deposit into the Collection Account all amounts, if any, to be paid by the Servicer under Section 8.1. All such deposits with respect to any such date which is a Payment Date will be made, in immediately available funds by noon, New York City time, on the Business Day immediately preceding such Payment Date related to such Collection Period.

 

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(b) The Indenture Trustee will, on or before the Payment Date relating to each Collection Period, withdraw from the Reserve Account the Reserve Account Draw Amount and deposit such amounts in the Collection Account in accordance with the Servicer’s Certificate.

(c) The Indenture Trustee will, on each Payment Date, withdraw from the Reserve Account (i) all investment earnings (net of investment losses and expenses on funds on deposit in the Reserve Account during the related Collection Period) and distribute such investment earnings to the Servicer and (ii) the Reserve Account Excess Amount, if any, for such Payment Date and deposit such amount in the Collection Account.

(d) On the Closing Date the Seller will cause the amount available in the Reserve Account to equal the Initial Reserve Account Deposit Amount through a cash deposit from proceeds of the sale of the Notes.

(e) On or prior to the third Business Day preceding each Determination Date, the Relevant Trustee shall send a written notice, or make such information available electronically, to the Servicer stating the amount of investment income earned, if any, during the related Collection Period on each Trust Account maintained at the Relevant Trustee.

SECTION 4.4 Distributions.

(a) Unless the Notes have been accelerated pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture, on each Payment Date, the Relevant Trustee (based on information contained in the Servicer’s Certificate delivered on or before the related Determination Date pursuant to Section 3.8) shall make the following deposits and distributions, to the extent of Available Funds and the Reserve Account Draw Amount, on deposit in the Collection Account for such Payment Date, in the following order of priority:

 

  (1)

first, to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, any accrued and unpaid fees, reasonable expenses and indemnification amounts (including any such fees, expenses and indemnification amounts with respect to prior periods), and to the Asset Representations Reviewer, any accrued and unpaid fees (including unpaid fees with respect to prior periods), reasonable expenses and indemnification amounts to the extent not previously paid by Santander Consumer; provided, however, that fees, expenses and indemnification amounts payable to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Asset Representations Reviewer pursuant to this clause first shall be limited to $300,000 per annum in the aggregate;

 

  (2)

second, to the Servicer, the Servicing Fee and all unpaid Servicing Fees with respect to prior periods;

 

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  (3)

third, to the Noteholders of the Class A Notes, the Accrued Class A Note Interest due and accrued for the related Interest Period; provided, that if there are not sufficient funds available to pay the entire amount of the Accrued Class A Note Interest, the amounts available will be applied to the payment of such interest on the Class A Notes on a pro rata basis based on the amount of interest payable to each Class of Class A Notes;

 

  (4)

fourth, for distribution to the Noteholders pursuant to Section 8.2(b) of the Indenture, the First Allocation of Principal, if any;

 

  (5)

fifth, to the Noteholders of the Class B Notes, the Accrued Class B Note Interest due and accrued for the related Interest Period;

 

  (6)

sixth, for distribution to the Noteholders in accordance with Section 8.2(b) of the Indenture, the Second Allocation of Principal, if any;

 

  (7)

seventh, to the Noteholders of Class C Notes, the Accrued Class C Note Interest due and accrued for the related Interest Period;

 

  (8)

eighth, for distribution to the Noteholders in accordance with Section 8.2(b) of the Indenture, the Third Allocation of Principal, if any;

 

  (9)

ninth, to the Noteholders of Class D Notes, the Accrued Class D Note Interest due and accrued for the related Interest Period;

 

  (10)

tenth, for distribution to the Noteholders in accordance with Section 8.2(b) of the Indenture, the Fourth Allocation of Principal, if any;

 

  (11)

eleventh, to the Reserve Account, any additional amounts required to cause the amount of cash on deposit in the Reserve Account to equal the Specified Reserve Account Balance;

 

  (12)

twelfth, for distribution to the Noteholders in accordance with Section 8.2(b) of the Indenture, the Regular Allocation of Principal, if any;

 

  (13)

thirteenth, to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Asset Representations Reviewer, any accrued and unpaid fees, expenses and indemnification amounts not paid pursuant to clause first of this Section 4.4(a) due solely to the per annum limitation set forth therein; and

 

  (14)

fourteenth, any funds remaining, to the Certificateholders, pro rata based on the Percentage Interest of each Certificateholder, or, to the extent Definitive Certificates have been issued, to the Certificate Distribution Account for distribution to the Certificateholders.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.4, following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default which has resulted in an acceleration of the Notes, the Indenture Trustee shall apply all amounts on deposit in the Collection Account pursuant to Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture.

 

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(b) After the payment in full of the Notes and all other amounts payable under Section 4.4(a), all Collections shall be paid to or in accordance with the instructions provided from time to time by the Certificateholders.

SECTION 4.5 Net Deposits. If the Monthly Remittance Condition is satisfied, the Servicer shall be permitted to deposit into the Collection Account by noon, New York City time, on the Business Day prior to the related Payment Date only the net amount distributable to Persons other than the Servicer and its Affiliates on such Payment Date. The Servicer shall be permitted to pay the Optional Purchase Price pursuant to Section 8.1 net of amounts to be distributed to the Servicer or its Affiliates on the related Redemption Date, and accounts between the Servicer and such Affiliates shall be adjusted accordingly. The Servicer shall, however, account for all deposits and distributions in the Servicer’s Certificate as if the amounts were deposited and/or distributed separately.

SECTION 4.6 Statements to Noteholders and Certificateholders. On or before each Determination Date, the Servicer shall provide to the Certificate Paying Agent and to the Relevant Trustee (with a copy to each Rating Agency and the Issuer), and the Relevant Trustee shall forward (or make available on its website, as described below) to each Noteholder and Certificateholder of record as of the most recent Record Date, a statement setting forth for the Collection Period and Payment Date relating to such Determination Date the following information (or such other substantially similar information so long as such information satisfies the requirement of Item 1121 of Regulation AB):

(a) the aggregate amount being paid on such Payment Date in respect of interest on and principal of each Class of Notes;

(b) the Class A-1 Note Balance, the Class A-2 Note Balance, the Class A-3 Note Balance, the Class B Note Balance, the Class C Note Balance, the Class D Note Balance and the Note Factor with respect to each Class of Notes, in each case after giving effect to payments on such Payment Date;

(c) (i) the amount on deposit in the Reserve Account and the Specified Reserve Account Balance, each as of the beginning and end of the related Collection Period, (ii) the amount to be deposited in the Reserve Account in respect of such Payment Date, if any, (iii) the Reserve Account Draw Amount and the Reserve Account Excess Amount, if any, to be withdrawn from the Reserve Account on such Payment Date, (iv) the balance on deposit in the Reserve Account on such Payment Date after giving effect to withdrawals therefrom and deposits thereto in respect of such Payment Date and (v) the change in such balance from the immediately preceding Payment Date;

(d) the First Allocation of Principal, the Second Allocation of Principal, the Third Allocation of Principal, the Fourth Allocation of Principal and the Regular Allocation of Principal for such Payment Date;

(e) the Pool Balance and the Pool Factor as of the close of business on the last day of the preceding Collection Period;

 

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(f) the amount of the Servicing Fee to be paid to the Servicer with respect to the related Collection Period and the amount of any unpaid Servicing Fees and the change in such amount from that of the prior Payment Date;

(g) the amount of fees to be paid to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Asset Representations Reviewer with respect to the related Payment Date and the amount of any unpaid fees to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Asset Representations Reviewer and the change in such amount from that of the prior Payment Date;

(h) the amount of the Class A Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall, the Class B Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall, the Class C Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall and the Class D Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall, if any, on such Payment Date and the change in such amounts from the preceding Payment Date;

(i) the aggregate Repurchase Price with respect to Repurchased Receivables paid by the Servicer or Santander Consumer with respect to the related Collection Period;

(j) the aggregate Principal Balance of Receivables that are more than 30 days delinquent as of the end of the related Collection Period;

(k) the aggregate Principal Balance of 60 Day Delinquent Receivables as of such Payment Date;

(l) the Delinquency Percentage for the related Collection Period;

(m) the Delinquency Trigger for such Payment Date; and

(n) the number, dollar amount and percentage of Receivables that are 31-60, 61-90, 91-120 and over 120 days delinquent as of the end of the related Collection Period; provided, however, that the Servicer may, in its sole discretion, provide the information set forth in this clause (n) in 30-day increments beginning with 30-59 days delinquent in lieu of the foregoing increments.

Each amount set forth pursuant to clause (a) or (h) above relating to the Notes shall be expressed as a dollar amount per $1,000 of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (or Class thereof).

No disbursements shall be made directly by the Servicer to a Noteholder, and the Servicer shall not be required to maintain any investor record relating to the posting of disbursements or otherwise.

The Relevant Trustee shall make available via the Relevant Trustee’s internet website all reports or notices required to be provided by the Relevant Trustee under this Section 4.6 (which reports may include information with respect to the 144A Notes). Any information that is disseminated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.6 shall not be required to be disseminated in any other form or manner. The Relevant Trustee will make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such documents and will assume no responsibility therefor.

 

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The Indenture Trustee’s internet website shall be initially located at “http://www.wilmingtontrustconnect.com” or at such other address as shall be specified by the Indenture Trustee from time to time in writing to the Noteholders, the Owner Trustee, the Servicer, the Issuer, the Certificate Registrar or any Paying Agent. In connection with providing access to the Indenture Trustee’s internet website, the Indenture Trustee may require registration and the acceptance of a disclaimer. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for the dissemination of information in accordance with this Agreement. The Indenture Trustee shall notify the Noteholders in writing of any changes in the address or means of access to the Internet website where the reports are accessible.

SECTION 4.7 No Duty to Confirm. The Relevant Trustee shall have no duty or obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of any of the information or numbers set forth in the Servicer’s Certificate delivered by the Servicer to the Relevant Trustee, and the Relevant Trustee shall be fully protected in relying upon such Servicer’s Certificate.

ARTICLE V

THE SELLER

SECTION 5.1 Representations and Warranties of Seller. The Seller makes the following representations and warranties as of the Closing Date on which the Issuer will be deemed to have relied in acquiring the Transferred Assets. The representations and warranties speak as of the execution and delivery of this Agreement and will survive the conveyance of the Transferred Assets to the Issuer and the pledge thereof by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture:

(a) Existence and Power. The Seller is a Delaware limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. The Seller has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Seller to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or affect the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Transferred Assets.

(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Seller of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the part of the Seller and do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) its organizational documents or (iii) any indenture or agreement to which the Seller is a party or by which its properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, indentures or agreements which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or the Seller’s ability to perform its obligations under, the Transaction Documents).

 

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(c) No Consent Required. No approval or authorization by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Seller of any Transaction Document other than (i) UCC filings, (ii) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings that have previously been made and (iii) approvals, authorizations or filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Transferred Assets or would not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Seller to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents.

(d) Binding Effect. Each Transaction Document to which the Seller is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller enforceable against the Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable, the rights of creditors of limited liability companies from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.

(e) Lien Filings. The Seller is not aware of any material judgment, ERISA or tax lien filings against the Seller.

(f) No Proceedings. There are no actions, orders, suits, investigations or Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller, threatened against the Seller before or by any Governmental Authority that (i) assert the invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (ii) seek to prevent the issuance of the Notes or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (iii) seek any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Seller of its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or the collectability or enforceability of the Receivables, or (iv) relate to the Seller that would materially and adversely affect the federal or Applicable Tax State income, excise, franchise or similar tax attributes of the Notes.

(g) Investment Company Act. The Seller is not an “investment company” that is registered or required to be registered under, or otherwise subject to the restrictions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(h) Assignment. The Receivables and the other Transferred Assets have been validly assigned by the Seller to the Issuer.

(i) Security Interests. The Seller has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against the Seller that includes a description of collateral covering any Receivable other than any financing statement relating to security interests granted under the Transaction Documents or that have been or, prior to the assignment of such Receivables hereunder, will be terminated, amended or released. This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest in the Receivables (other than the Related Security with respect thereto, to the extent that an ownership interest therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement) in favor of the Issuer which security interest is prior to all other Liens (other than Permitted Liens) and is enforceable as such against all other creditors of and purchasers and assignees from the Seller.

 

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(j) Creation, Perfection and Priority of Security Interests. The representations and warranties regarding creation, perfection and priority of security interests in the Transferred Assets, which are attached to this Agreement as Exhibit B, are true and correct.

SECTION 5.2 Liability of Seller; Indemnities. The Seller shall be liable in accordance herewith only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by the Seller under this Agreement, and hereby agrees to the following:

(a) The Seller shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) from and against any loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs and any losses incurred in connection with a successful defense, in whole or part, of any claim that the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee breached its standard of care and legal fees and expenses incurred in actions against the indemnifying party) incurred by reason of the Seller’s violation of federal or State securities laws in connection with the registration or the sale of the Notes.

(b) Indemnification under this Section 5.2 will survive the resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee and the termination of this Agreement and will include, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and expenses of litigation including those incurred in connection with the enforcement of the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s respective rights (including indemnification rights) under the Transaction Documents. If the Seller has made any indemnity payments pursuant to this Section 5.2 and the Person to or on behalf of whom such payments are made thereafter collects any of such amounts from others, such Person will promptly repay such amounts to the Seller, without interest.

(c) The Seller’s obligations under this Section 5.2 are obligations solely of the Seller and will not constitute a claim against the Seller to the extent that the Seller does not have funds sufficient to make payment of such obligations. In furtherance of and not in derogation of the foregoing, the Issuer, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, by entering into or accepting this Agreement, acknowledge and agree that they have no right, title or interest in or to the Other Assets of the Seller. To the extent that, notwithstanding the agreements and provisions contained in the preceding sentence, the Issuer, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee either (i) asserts an interest or claim to, or benefit from, Other Assets, or (ii) is deemed to have any such interest, claim to, or benefit in or from Other Assets, whether by operation of law, legal process, pursuant to applicable provisions of insolvency laws or otherwise (including by virtue of Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or any successor provision having similar effect under the Bankruptcy Code), then the Issuer, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee, as applicable, further acknowledges and agrees that any such interest, claim or benefit in or from Other Assets is and will be expressly subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full of the other obligations and liabilities, which, under the terms of the relevant documents relating to the securitization or conveyance of such Other Assets, are entitled to be paid from, entitled to the benefits of, or otherwise secured by such Other Assets (whether or not any such entitlement or security interest is legally perfected or otherwise entitled to a

 

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priority of distributions or application under applicable law, including insolvency laws, and whether or not asserted against the Seller), including the payment of post-petition interest on such other obligations and liabilities. This subordination agreement will be deemed a subordination agreement within the meaning of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Issuer, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee each further acknowledges and agrees that no adequate remedy at law exists for a breach of this Section 5.2(c) and the terms of this Section 5.2(c) may be enforced by an action for specific performance. The provisions of this Section 5.2(c) will be for the benefit of those entitled to rely thereon and will survive the termination or assignment of this Agreement, and the resignation or removal of any indemnified party.

SECTION 5.3 Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, Seller. Any entity (i) into which the Seller may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, to which it may sell or transfer its business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole or any entity resulting from any merger, sale, transfer, conversion or consolidation to which the Seller shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to the business of the Seller or (ii) more than 50% of the voting stock or voting power and 50% or more of the economic equity of which is owned directly or indirectly by Banco Santander, S.A. and which executes an agreement of assumption to perform every obligation of the Seller under this agreement, shall be the successor to the Seller under this Agreement, in each case, without the execution or filing of any additional paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. Within thirty days following the consummation of any of the foregoing transactions in which the Seller is not the surviving entity, the Seller shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel either (A) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all financing statements and continuation statements and amendments thereto have been executed and filed that are necessary to preserve and protect the interest of the Issuer in the Receivables and the other Transferred Assets or (B) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action shall be necessary to preserve and protect such interest.

SECTION 5.4 Limitation on Liability of Seller and Others. The Seller and any officer or employee or agent of the Seller may rely in good faith on the advice of counsel or on any document of any kind, prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person respecting any matters arising hereunder. The Seller will not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action that is not incidental to its obligations under this Agreement and that in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability.

SECTION 5.5 Seller May Own Notes. The Seller, and any Affiliate of the Seller, may in its individual or any other capacity become the owner or pledgee of Notes with the same rights as it would have if it were not the Seller or an Affiliate thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the other Transaction Documents. Except as set forth herein or in the other Transaction Documents, Notes so owned by the Seller or any such Affiliate will have an equal and proportionate benefit under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, without preference, priority, or distinction as among all of the Notes. Unless all Notes are owned by the Issuer, the Seller, any Certificateholder, the Servicer, the Administrator or any of their respective Affiliates, any Notes owned by the Issuer, the Seller, any Certificateholder, the Servicer, the Administrator or any of their respective Affiliates shall be disregarded with respect to the determination of any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, vote or waiver hereunder or under any other Transaction Document.

 

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SECTION 5.6 Sarbanes-Oxley Act Requirements. To the extent any documents are required to be filed or any certification is required to be made with respect to the Issuer or the Notes pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Issuer hereby authorizes the Servicer and the Seller, or either of them, to prepare, sign, certify and file any such documents or certifications on behalf of the Issuer.

SECTION 5.7 Compliance with Organizational Documents. The Seller shall comply with its limited liability company agreement and other organizational documents.

ARTICLE VI

THE SERVICER

SECTION 6.1 Representations of Servicer. The Servicer makes the following representations and warranties as of the Closing Date, on which the Issuer will be deemed to have relied in acquiring the Transferred Assets. The representations and warranties speak as of the execution and delivery of this Agreement and will survive the conveyance of the Transferred Assets to the Issuer and the pledge thereof by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture:

(a) Existence and Power. The Servicer is an Illinois corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. The Servicer has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Servicer to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or affect the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Transferred Assets.

(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Servicer of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Servicer and do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) its organizational documents or (iii) any material indenture or material agreement to which the Servicer is a party or by which its properties are bound, in each case, other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, organizational documents, indentures or agreements which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or the Servicer’s ability to perform its obligations under, the Transaction Documents.

(c) No Consent Required. No approval or authorization by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Servicer of any Transaction Document other than (i) UCC filings, (ii) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings that have previously been made or

 

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approvals, authorizations or filings that will be made on a timely basis and (iii) approval, authorizations or filings that, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or would not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Servicer to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents.

(d) Binding Effect. Each Transaction Document to which the Servicer is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Servicer enforceable against the Servicer in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable, the rights of creditors of corporations from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.

(e) No Proceedings. There are no actions, suits, investigations or Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Servicer, threatened against the Servicer before or by any Governmental Authority that (i) assert the invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (ii) seek to prevent the issuance of the Notes or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (iii) seek any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Servicer of its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or (iv) relate to the Servicer that would materially and adversely affect the federal or Applicable Tax State income, excise, franchise or similar tax attributes of the Notes.

SECTION 6.2 Indemnities of Servicer. The Servicer and the Issuer will be liable in accordance herewith only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by the Servicer and the Issuer, respectively, under this Agreement, and hereby agrees to the following:

(a) The Servicer will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) and the Seller from and against any and all costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs and any losses incurred in connection with a successful defense, in whole or part, of any claim that the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee breached its standard of care and legal fees and expenses incurred in actions against the indemnifying party), losses, damages, claims and liabilities, arising out of or resulting from the use, ownership or operation by the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof or any sub-contractor hired by the Servicer or such Affiliate of a Financed Vehicle.

(b) The Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) shall be indemnified, defended and held harmless from and against any taxes that may at any time be asserted against any such Person with respect to the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Transaction Documents, if any, including, without limitation, any sales, gross receipts, general corporation, tangible personal property, privilege, or license taxes (but, in the case of the Issuer, not including any taxes asserted with respect to, and as of the date of, the conveyance of the Receivables to the Issuer or the issuance and original sales of the Notes, or asserted with respect to ownership of the Receivables, or federal or other Applicable Tax State income taxes arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents) and costs and expenses in defending

 

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against the same. For the avoidance of doubt, the Servicer will not indemnify for any costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities due to the credit risk of the Obligors and for which reimbursement would constitute recourse for uncollectible Receivables. Amounts payable pursuant to this Section 6.2(b) shall be payable (i) to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee pursuant to Section 4.4(a) hereof or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable (to the extent of Available Funds available therefor), and, to the extent not paid thereunder, by the Servicer, and (ii) to the Issuer by the Servicer.

(c) The Servicer will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) and the Seller from and against any and all costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages, and liabilities to the extent that such cost, expense, loss, claim, damage, or liability arose out of, or was imposed upon any such Person through, the negligence, willful misfeasance, or bad faith (other than errors in judgment) of the Servicer in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party, or by reason of its failure to perform its obligations or of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party; provided, however, that the Servicer will not indemnify for any costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising from its breach of any covenant for which the purchase of the affected Receivables is specified as the sole remedy pursuant to Section 3.6.

(d) The Issuer or, if applicable, the Servicer will compensate and indemnify the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) and the Owner Trustee to the extent and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 6.7 of the Indenture and Section 8.2 of the Trust Agreement, as applicable, except, with respect to the Indenture Trustee, to the extent that any cost, expense, loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is incurred in connection with the performance by the Indenture Trustee of the duties of a successor Servicer hereunder.

(e) Indemnification under this Section 6.2 by Santander Consumer (or any successor thereto pursuant to Section 7.1) as Servicer, with respect to the period such Person was the Servicer, will survive the termination or assignment of such Person as Servicer or a resignation by such Person as Servicer as well as the termination or assignment of this Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) and will include reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and expenses of litigation. If either the Issuer or the Servicer has made any indemnity payments pursuant to this Section 6.2 and the Person to or on behalf of whom such payments are made thereafter collects any of such amounts from others, such Person will promptly repay such amounts to such party, without interest.

SECTION 6.3 Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, Servicer. Any entity (i) into which the Servicer may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, to which it may sell or transfer its business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole or any entity resulting from any merger, sale, transfer, conversion or consolidation to which the Servicer shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to the business of the Servicer or (ii) of which more than 50% of the voting stock or voting power and 50% or more of the economic equity is owned directly or indirectly by Banco Santander, S.A. and which

 

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executes an agreement of assumption to perform every obligation of the Servicer under this Agreement, shall be the successor to the Servicer under this Agreement, in each case, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

SECTION 6.4 Limitation on Liability of Servicer and Others.

(a) Neither the Servicer nor any of the directors or officers or employees or agents of the Servicer will be under any liability to the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee, the Noteholders or the Certificateholders, except as provided under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of any action pursuant to this Agreement or for errors in judgment; provided, however, that this provision will not protect the Servicer or any such Person against any liability that would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misfeasance or bad faith in the performance of duties or by reason of its failure to perform its obligations or of reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement, or by reason of negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (except for errors in judgment). The Servicer and any director, officer or employee or agent of the Servicer may rely in good faith on any Opinion of Counsel or on any Officer’s Certificate of the Seller or certificate of auditors believed to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper party in respect of any matters arising under this Agreement.

(b) Except as provided in this Agreement, the Servicer will not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute, or defend any legal action that is not incidental to its duties to service the Receivables in accordance with this Agreement, and that in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability; provided, however, that the Servicer may undertake any reasonable action that it may deem necessary or desirable in respect of this Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties to this Agreement and the interests of the Noteholders and the Certificateholders under this Agreement. In such event, the legal expenses and costs of such action and any liability resulting therefrom will be expenses, costs and liabilities of the Servicer.

SECTION 6.5 Delegation of Duties. The Servicer (including any successor Servicer) may, at any time without notice or consent, delegate (a) any or all of its duties (including, without limitation, its duties as custodian) under the Transaction Documents to any of its Affiliates or (b) specific duties (including, without limitation, its duties as custodian) to sub-contractors who are in the business of performing such duties; provided, that no such delegation shall relieve the Servicer of its responsibility with respect to such duties and the Servicer shall remain obligated and liable to the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and, to the extent it is acting as Relevant Trustee, the Certificate Paying Agent for its duties hereunder as if the Servicer alone were performing such duties. For any servicing activities delegated to third parties in accordance with this Section 6.5, the Servicer shall follow such policies and procedures to monitor the performance of such third parties and compliance with such servicing activities as the Servicer follows with respect to comparable motor vehicle receivables serviced by the Servicer for its own account.

 

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SECTION 6.6 Santander Consumer Not to Resign as Servicer. Subject to the provisions of Sections 6.3 and 6.5, Santander Consumer will not resign from the obligations and duties hereby imposed on it as Servicer under this Agreement except upon determination that the performance of its duties under this Agreement is no longer permissible under applicable law. Notice of any such determination permitting the resignation of Santander Consumer will be communicated to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee at the earliest practicable time (and, if such communication is not in writing, will be confirmed in writing at the earliest practicable time) and any such determination will be evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel to such effect delivered to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee concurrently with or promptly after such notice. No such resignation will become effective until a successor Servicer has assumed the responsibilities and obligations of Santander Consumer as Servicer.

SECTION 6.7 Servicer May Own Notes. The Servicer, and any Affiliate of the Servicer, may, in its individual or any other capacity, become the owner or pledgee of Notes with the same rights as it would have if it were not the Servicer or an Affiliate thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the other Transaction Documents. Except as set forth herein or in the other Transaction Documents, Notes so owned by or pledged to the Servicer or such Affiliate will have an equal and proportionate benefit under the provisions of this Agreement, without preference, priority or distinction as among all of the Notes.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION OF SERVICER

SECTION 7.1 Termination and Replacement of Servicer.

(a) If a Servicer Replacement Event shall have occurred and be continuing, the Indenture Trustee shall, at the direction of the Noteholders representing at least a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class (or, if no Notes are Outstanding, the Relevant Trustee shall, at the direction of the Majority Certificateholders), by notice given to the Servicer, the Owner Trustee, the Issuer, the Administrator and the Noteholders, terminate the rights and obligations of the Servicer under this Agreement with respect to the Receivables. In the event the Servicer is removed or resigns as Servicer with respect to servicing the Receivables, the Indenture Trustee shall, at the direction of the Noteholders representing at least a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, appoint a successor Servicer. Upon the Servicer’s receipt of notice of termination, such Servicer will continue to perform its functions as Servicer under this Agreement only until the date specified in such termination notice or, if no such date is specified in such termination notice, until receipt of such notice. If a successor Servicer has not been appointed at the time when the outgoing Servicer ceases to act as Servicer in accordance with this Section, the Indenture Trustee without further action will automatically be appointed the successor Servicer. Notwithstanding the above, the Indenture Trustee, if it is legally unable or is unwilling to so act, will appoint, or petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor Servicer. Any successor Servicer shall be an established institution having a net worth of not less than $100,000,000 and whose regular business includes the servicing of comparable motor vehicle receivables having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of not less than $50,000,000.

(b) Noteholders holding not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class (or, if no Notes are Outstanding, the Majority Certificateholders) may waive any Servicer Replacement Event. Upon any such waiver, such Servicer Replacement Event shall cease to exist and be deemed not to have occurred, and any Servicer Replacement Event arising therefrom shall be deemed not to have occurred for every purpose of this Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any prior, subsequent or other Servicer Replacement Event or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

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(c) If replaced, the Servicer agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts at its own expense to effect the orderly and efficient transfer of the servicing of the Receivables to a successor Servicer.

(d) Upon the effectiveness of the assumption by the successor Servicer of its duties pursuant to this Section 7.1, the successor Servicer shall be the successor in all respects to the Servicer in its capacity as Servicer under this Agreement with respect to the Receivables, and shall be subject to all the responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto, except with respect to the obligations of the predecessor Servicer that survive its termination as Servicer, including indemnification obligations as set forth in Section 6.2(e). In such event, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee are hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of the predecessor Servicer, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, any and all documents and other instruments, and to do or accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such termination and replacement of the Servicer, whether to complete the transfer and endorsement of the Receivables and related documents, or otherwise. No Servicer shall resign or be relieved of its duties under this Agreement, as Servicer of the Receivables, until a newly appointed Servicer for the Receivables shall have assumed the responsibilities and obligations of the resigning or terminated Servicer under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for any Servicing Fee or for any differential in the amount of the Servicing Fee paid hereunder and the amount necessary to induce any successor Servicer to act as successor Servicer under this Agreement and the transactions set forth or provided for herein.

(e) In connection with such appointment, the Indenture Trustee may make such arrangements for the compensation of the successor Servicer out of Available Funds as it and such successor Servicer will agree; provided, however, that no such compensation will be in excess of the amount paid to the predecessor Servicer under this Agreement.

SECTION 7.2 Notification to Noteholders. Upon any termination of, or appointment of a successor to, the Servicer pursuant to this Article VII, the Indenture Trustee (or the Relevant Trustee if no Notes are Outstanding) will give prompt written notice thereof to the Owner Trustee, the Issuer, the Administrator, the Asset Representations Reviewer and to the Noteholders and the Certificateholders at their respective addresses of record.

ARTICLE VIII

OPTIONAL PURCHASE

SECTION 8.1 Optional Purchase of Trust Estate. The Servicer shall have the right at its option (the “Optional Purchase”) to purchase (and/or to designate one or more other parties to purchase) the Trust Estate (other than the Reserve Account) from the Issuer on any Payment Date if both of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) as of the last day of the related

 

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Collection Period, the Pool Balance has declined to 10% or less of the Pool Balance as of the Cut-Off Date, and (ii) the sum of the Optional Purchase Price and the Available Funds for such Payment Date would be sufficient to pay the sum of (A) the Servicing Fee for such Payment Date and all unpaid Servicing Fees with respect to prior periods, (B) all fees, expenses and indemnities owed to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee and not previously paid, (C) interest then due on the Notes and (D) the aggregate unpaid Note Balance of all of the Outstanding Notes. To exercise such option, the Servicer (or its designee) shall deposit, subject to Section 4.5, the Optional Purchase Price into the Collection Account on the Redemption Date; provided that, at the Servicer’s option, any Collections deposited into the Collection Account after the last day of the Collection Period immediately preceding the Redemption Date may either be applied to reduce the amount of such deposit or remitted to the Servicer (or its designee) following the exercise of the Optional Purchase. The Servicer shall furnish written notice of its election to exercise the Optional Purchase to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee not later than ten days prior to the date of the Optional Purchase. If the Servicer (or its designee) exercises the Optional Purchase, the Notes shall be redeemed and in each case in whole but not in part on the related Payment Date for the Redemption Price.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 9.1 Amendment.

(a) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be amended by the Seller and the Servicer, without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person subject to the satisfaction of one of the following conditions:

(i) the Seller or the Servicer delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such amendment will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and the Seller or the Servicer notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment.

(b) This Agreement (including Appendix A) may also be amended from time to time by the Seller, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee (when so directed by an Issuer Request), with the consent of the Noteholders evidencing not less than a majority of the Note Balance of the Controlling Class, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders; provided, that no such amendment shall (i) reduce the interest rate or principal amount of any Note or change or delay the Final Scheduled Payment Date of any Note without the consent of the Holder of such Note or (ii) reduce the percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Outstanding Notes, the consent of which is required to consent to any matter without the consent of the Holders of at least the percentage of the Note Balance which was required to consent to such matter before giving effect to such amendment. It will not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders to approve the particular form of any proposed

 

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amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents (and any other consents of Noteholders provided for in this Agreement) and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders will be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe, including the establishment of record dates pursuant to the Depository Agreement.

(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement (including Appendix A) may also be amended from time to time by the Seller and the Servicer, for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Agreement to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person; provided, however, that the Seller and the Servicer shall provide written notification of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee and promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Seller and the Servicer shall furnish a copy of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee.

(d) Prior to the execution of any such amendment, the Servicer shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency and the Owner Trustee; and promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Servicer shall furnish a copy of such amendment to each Rating Agency, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee; provided, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 9.1 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee) or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(e) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (if the Indenture Trustee is then the Relevant Trustee) shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such amendment have been satisfied. The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into or execute on behalf of the Issuer any such amendment which adversely affects the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s (including when performing its duties as Relevant Trustee), as applicable, own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 9.1, this Agreement may only be amended by the Seller and the Servicer if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons), consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Seller or the Servicer or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect.

 

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SECTION 9.2 Protection of Title.

(a) The Seller shall authorize and file such financing statements and cause to be authorized and filed such continuation and other financing statements, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve, maintain and protect the interest of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee under this Agreement in the Purchased Assets (to the extent that the interest of the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee therein can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement). The Seller shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to the Issuer file-stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document filed as provided above, as soon as available following such filing.

(b) The Seller shall notify the Issuer in writing within ten (10) days following the occurrence of (i) any change in the Seller’s organizational structure as a limited liability company and (ii) any change in the Seller’s name. The Seller shall take all action prior to making such change (or shall have made arrangements to take such action substantially simultaneously with such change, if it is not possible to take such action in advance) reasonably necessary to amend all previously filed financing statements or continuation statements described in paragraph (a) above to maintain perfection of the Issuer in the Receivables and shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee within thirty (30) days after such change an Opinion of Counsel either (A) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all financing statements and continuation statements and amendments thereto have been executed and filed that are necessary to preserve and protect the interest of the Issuer in the Receivables or (B) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action shall be necessary to preserve and protect such interest.

(c) The Seller shall give the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee at least five days’ prior written notice of any change of location of the Seller for purposes of Section 9-307 of the UCC and shall have taken all action prior to making such change (or shall have made arrangements to take such action substantially simultaneously with such change, if it is not practicable to take such action in advance) reasonably necessary or advisable to amend all previously filed financing statements or continuation statements described in paragraph (a) above.

(d) The Servicer shall maintain (or shall cause its Sub-Servicer to maintain) in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices accounts and records as to each Receivable accurately and in sufficient detail to permit (i) the reader thereof to know at any time the status of such Receivable, including payments and recoveries made and payments owing (and the nature of each) and (ii) reconciliation between payments or recoveries on (or with respect to) each Receivable and the amounts from time to time deposited in the Collection Account in respect of such Receivable.

(e) The Servicer shall maintain (or shall cause its Sub-Servicer to maintain) its computer systems so that, from time to time after the conveyance under this Agreement of the Receivables, the master computer records (including any backup archives) that refer to a Receivable shall indicate clearly the interest of the Issuer in such Receivable and that such Receivable is owned by the Issuer and has been pledged to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders pursuant to the Indenture. Indication of the Issuer’s and the Indenture Trustee’s interest in a Receivable shall not be deleted from or modified on such computer systems until, and only until, the related Receivable shall have been paid in full or repurchased.

 

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(f) If at any time the Servicer shall propose to sell, grant a security interest in or otherwise transfer any interest in motor vehicle receivables to any prospective purchaser, lender or other transferee, the Servicer shall give to such prospective purchaser, lender or other transferee computer tapes, records or printouts (including any restored from backup archives) that, if they shall refer in any manner whatsoever to any Receivable, shall indicate clearly that such Receivable has been sold and is owned by the Issuer and has been pledged to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders.

SECTION 9.3 Other Liens or Interests. Except for the conveyances and grants of security interests pursuant to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, the Seller shall not sell, pledge, assign or transfer the Receivables or other property transferred to the Issuer to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any interest therein, and the Seller shall defend the right, title and interest of the Issuer in, to and under such Receivables and other property transferred to the Issuer against all claims of third parties claiming through or under the Seller.

SECTION 9.4 Transfers Intended as Sale; Security Interest.

(a) Each of the parties hereto expressly intends and agrees that the transfers contemplated and effected under this Agreement are complete and absolute sales, transfers, assignments and conveyances rather than pledges or assignments of only a security interest and shall be given effect as such for all purposes. It is further the intention of the parties hereto that the Receivables and related Transferred Assets shall not be part of the Seller’s estate in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Seller. The sales and transfers by the Seller of Receivables and related Transferred Assets hereunder are and shall be without recourse to, or representation or warranty (express or implied) by, the Seller, except as otherwise specifically provided herein. The limited rights of recourse specified herein against the Seller are intended to provide a remedy for breach of representations and warranties relating to the condition of the property sold, rather than to the collectability of the Receivables.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Receivables and other Transferred Assets are held to be property of the Seller, or if for any reason this Agreement is held or deemed to create indebtedness or a security interest in the Receivables and other Transferred Assets, then it is intended that:

 

  (i)

This Agreement shall be deemed to be a security agreement within the meaning of Articles 8 and 9 of the New York UCC and the UCC of any other applicable jurisdiction;

 

  (ii)

The conveyance provided for in Section 2.1 shall be deemed to be a grant by the Seller of, and the Seller hereby grants to the Issuer, a security interest in all of its right (including the power to convey title thereto), title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in and to the Receivables and other Transferred Assets, to secure such indebtedness and the performance of the obligations of the Seller hereunder;

 

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  (iii)

The possession by the Issuer, or the Servicer as the Issuer’s agent, of the Receivable Files and any other property as constitute instruments, money, negotiable documents or chattel paper shall be deemed to be “possession by the secured party” or possession by the purchaser or a person designated by such purchaser, for purposes of perfecting the security interest pursuant to the New York UCC and the UCC of any other applicable jurisdiction; and

 

  (iv)

Notifications to persons holding such property, and acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from persons holding such property, shall be deemed to be notifications to, or acknowledgments, receipts or confirmations from, bailees or agents, as applicable, of the Issuer for the purpose of perfecting such security interest under applicable law.

SECTION 9.5 Information Requests. The parties hereto shall provide any information reasonably requested by the Servicer, the Issuer, the Seller or any of their Affiliates, in order to comply with or obtain more favorable treatment under any current or future law, rule, regulation, accounting rule or principle.

SECTION 9.6 Notices, Etc. All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered or mailed by registered or certified first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, hand delivery, prepaid courier service, or by facsimile or by electronic transmission, and addressed in each case as set forth on Schedule I hereto or at such other address as shall be designated in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Any notice required or permitted to be mailed to a Noteholder shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, at the address of such Noteholder as shown in the Note Register. Delivery shall occur only upon receipt or reported tender of such communication by an officer of the recipient entitled to receive such notices located at the address of such recipient for notices hereunder; provided, however, that any notice to a Noteholder mailed within the time and manner prescribed in this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Noteholder shall receive such notice.

SECTION 9.7 Choice of Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL, SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE RULES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW, OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

SECTION 9.8 Headings. The article and section headings hereof have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 9.9 Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

SECTION 9.10 Waivers. No failure or delay on the part of the Servicer, the Seller, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee in exercising any power or right hereunder (to the extent such Person has any power or right hereunder) shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. No notice to or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No waiver or approval by any party hereto under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions. No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder.

SECTION 9.11 Entire Agreement. The Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings. There are no unwritten agreements among the parties.

SECTION 9.12 Severability of Provisions. If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.13 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the parties hereto shall agree.

 

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SECTION 9.14 Acknowledgment and Agreement. By execution below, the Seller expressly acknowledges and consents to the pledge, assignment and Grant of a security interest in the Receivables, the other Transferred Assets and the Issuer’s rights under this Agreement by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders. In addition, the Seller hereby acknowledges and agrees that for so long as the Notes are outstanding, the Indenture Trustee will have the right to exercise all powers, privileges and claims of the Issuer under this Agreement in the event that the Issuer shall fail to exercise the same.

SECTION 9.15 Cumulative Remedies. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

SECTION 9.16 Nonpetition Covenant. Each party hereto agrees that, prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by any Bankruptcy Remote Party (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence or join with any other Person in commencing or institute with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.17 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Agreement or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof;

(b) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 9.6 of this Agreement;

 

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(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(e) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

SECTION 9.18 Limitation of Liability.

(a) It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that (a) this document is executed and delivered by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not individually or personally, but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, (b) each of the representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, warranties, covenants undertakings and agreements by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., individually or personally or as Owner Trustee, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations or warranties made by the Issuer or any other Person in this Agreement or in the Purchase Agreement and (e) under no circumstances shall Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, duty (inlcuding fiduciary duty, if any), representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Agreement or under the Notes or any of the other Transaction Documents or in any of the certificates, notices or agreements delivered pursuant thereto, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer.

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee and Certificate Paying Agent, respectively, and in no event shall it have any liability for the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations of the Issuer under the Notes or any of the other Transaction Documents or in any of the certificates, notices or agreements delivered pursuant thereto, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer; provided that the Indenture Trustee shall be responsible for its actions as Indenture Trustee hereunder and under the Indenture. Under no circumstances shall the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expense of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligations, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under the Transaction Documents. For the purposes of this Agreement, in the performance of its duties or obligations hereunder, the Indenture Trustee shall be subject to, and entitled to the benefits of, the terms and provisions of Article VI of the Indenture.

 

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SECTION 9.19 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and the Owner Trustee shall be an express third party beneficiary hereof and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, no other Person will have any right hereunder.

SECTION 9.20 Regulation AB. The Servicer shall cooperate fully with the Seller and the Issuer to deliver to the Seller and the Issuer (including any of its assignees or designees) any and all statements, reports, certifications, records and any other information necessary in the good faith determination of the Seller or the Issuer to permit the Seller to comply with the provisions of Regulation AB and its reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, together with such disclosures relating to the Servicer and the Receivables, or the servicing of the Receivables, reasonably believed by the Seller to be necessary in order to effect such compliance.

SECTION 9.21 Information to Be Provided by the Indenture Trustee.

(a) Each of the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee shall (i) on or before the fifth Business Day of each month, notify the Seller, in writing, of any Form 10-D Disclosure Item with respect to such Person (or in the case of the Indenture Trustee, any Form 10-D Disclosure Item of which a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has knowledge) together with a description of any such Form 10-D Disclosure Item in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Seller; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to provide such information in the event that there has been no change to the information previously provided by the Indenture Trustee to Seller, and (ii) as promptly as practicable following notice to or actual knowledge by a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee of any changes to such information, provide to the Seller, in writing, such updated information.

(b) As soon as available but no later than March 15 of each calendar year, commencing in March 2022, the Indenture Trustee shall:

(i) deliver to the Seller a report regarding the Indenture Trustee’s assessment of compliance with the Servicing Criteria during the immediately preceding calendar year, as required under paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-18, Rule 15d-18 of the Exchange Act and Item 1122 of Regulation AB. Such report shall be signed by an authorized officer of the Indenture Trustee, and shall address each of the Servicing Criteria specified in Exhibit C as applicable to the Indenture Trustee or such other criteria as mutually agreed upon by the Seller and the Indenture Trustee;

(ii) cause a firm of registered public accountants that is qualified and independent with the meaning of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act to deliver a report for inclusion in the Issuer’s filing of Exchange Act Form 10-K that attests to, and reports on, the assessment of compliance made by the Indenture Trustee and delivered to the Seller pursuant to the preceding paragraph. Such attestation shall be in accordance with Rules 1-02(a)(3) and 2-02(g) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act;

 

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(iii) deliver to the Seller and any other Person that will be responsible for signing the certification (a “Sarbanes Certification”) required by Rules 13a-14(d) and 15d-14(d) under the Exchange Act (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) on behalf of the Issuer or the Seller substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D or such form as mutually agreed upon by the Seller and the Indenture Trustee; and

(iv) notify the Seller in writing of any affiliations or relationships (as described in Item 1119 of Regulation AB) between the Indenture Trustee and any Item 1119 Party, provided, that no such notification need be made if the affiliations or relationships are unchanged from those provided in the notification in the prior calendar year.

The Indenture Trustee acknowledges that the parties identified in clause (iii) above may rely on the certification provided by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to such clause in signing a Sarbanes Certification and filing such with the Commission.

(c) The Indenture Trustee shall, to the extent the Indenture Trustee has received any repurchase or replacement request with respect to any Receivable, no later than the fifth Business Day after the last day of each calendar month, provide notice to the Seller and Santander Consumer (each, a “Santander Party” and, collectively, the “Santander Parties”), in a form to be mutually agreed upon by Santander Consumer and the Indenture Trustee, of (i) all demands communicated to a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee for the repurchase or replacement of any Receivable for breach of the representations and warranties concerning such Receivable and (ii) any actions taken by the Indenture Trustee with respect to such demand communicated to the Indenture Trustee in respect of any Receivables. In addition, the Indenture Trustee shall, upon written request of either Santander Party, at any time such Santander Party reasonably feels necessary, provide notification to the Santander Parties with respect to any actions taken by the Indenture Trustee as soon as practicable and in any event within five Business Days of receipt of such request. In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be deemed to be a “securitizer” as defined in Section 15G(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, nor shall it have any responsibility for making any filing to be made by a securitizer under the Exchange Act or Regulation AB with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 9.22 Form 8-K Filings. Each of the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer shall promptly notify the Seller, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after its occurrence, of any Reportable Event of which the Servicer or a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge (other than a Reportable Event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition thereof as to which the Seller or the Servicer has actual knowledge). Each Person shall be deemed to have actual knowledge of any such event to the extent that it relates to such Person or any action or failure to act by such Person.

SECTION 9.23 Relevant Trustee. Following the payment in full of principal of, and interest on, the Notes, the Certificate Paying Agent shall assume the role of Relevant Trustee hereunder and shall perform the obligations of the Relevant Trustee set forth herein. At least five (5) Business Days prior to the final payment in full of principal of, and interest on, the Notes, the Servicer shall deliver a written notification to the Certificate Paying Agent, which notice shall set forth the date upon which the Certificate Paying Agent will assume the role of

 

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Relevant Trustee (the “Assumption Date”). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations and duties of the Certificate Paying Agent as Relevant Trustee under the Transaction Documents shall be limited to the express duties of the Relevant Trustee, and shall not be deemed to include any duty or obligation of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer, or any other Person. In the performance of its obligations as Relevant Trustee, the Certificate Paying Agent shall be entitled to all of the same rights, protections, indemnities and immunities as the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, which rights, protections, indemnities and immunities are incorporated herein by reference. The parties hereby agree to amend the Transaction Documents prior to the Assumption Date to provide for such terms and conditions as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the assumption of the role of Relevant Trustee by the Certificate Paying Agent.

SECTION 9.24 Dispute Resolution.

(a) If the Seller, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee (in its discretion or at the direction of a Certificateholder pursuant to the Trust Agreement) or the Indenture Trustee (in its discretion or at the direction of a Requesting Investor pursuant to Section 7.5 of the Indenture) (the “Requesting Party”) requests that Santander Consumer repurchase any Receivable pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement and the repurchase request has not been fulfilled or otherwise resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the Requesting Party within 180 days of the receipt of notice of the request by Santander Consumer, the Requesting Party will have the right to refer the matter, at its discretion, to either mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to this Section 9.24; provided, however, that (i) if the Indenture Trustee declines to act in accordance with this Section 9.24 at the direction of a Noteholder or Note Owner due to the failure of such Noteholder or Note Owner to offer the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee against the reasonable costs, expenses, disbursement, advances and liabilities that might be incurred by it, its agents and its counsel in connection with such act, such Noteholder or Note Owner shall be deemed to be a “Requesting Party” or (ii) if the Owner Trustee declines to act in accordance with this Section 9.24 at the direction of a Certificateholder due to the failure of such Certificateholder to offer the Owner Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Owner Trustee against the reasonable costs, expenses, disbursement, advances and liabilities that might be incurred by it, its agents and its counsel in connection with such act, such Certificateholder shall be deemed to be a “Requesting Party.” If the Requesting Party is the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee acting at the direction of a Noteholder, Note Owner or Certificateholder, as applicable, the Indenture Trustee or Owner Trustee, as applicable, as Requesting Party, will act solely at the direction of such Noteholder, Note Owner, or Certificateholder in making all decisions related to mediation or arbitration. Santander Consumer will inform the Requesting Party in writing upon a determination by Santander Consumer that a Receivable subject to a demand to repurchase will be repurchased and the monthly distribution report filed by the Seller on Form 10-D for the Collection Period in which such Receivables were repurchased shall include disclosure of such repurchase. A failure of Santander Consumer to inform the Requesting Party that a Receivable subject to a demand will be repurchased within 180 days of the receipt of notice of the request shall be deemed to be a determination by Santander Consumer that no repurchase of that Receivable due to a breach of Section 3.3 of the Purchase Agreement is required. The monthly distribution report filed by the Seller on Form 10-D for the Collection Period in which a repurchase demand is made and for each subsequent Collection Period until such repurchase demand is resolved or the related Receivable is repurchased, shall include disclosure regarding

 

   40    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


the date of the repurchase demand as well as the status of such repurchase demand for each applicable Receivable. If both the Owner Trustee (on behalf of one or more Certificateholders) and the Indenture Trustee (on behalf of one or more Noteholders or Note Owners) are Requesting Parties, then the Indenture Trustee as Requesting Party shall have the right to make the selection of mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration. If more than one Noteholder or Note Owner has directed the Indenture Trustee in connection with a request to pursue dispute resolution pursuant to this Section 9.24, the Indenture Trustee shall act at the direction of the Noteholders or Note Owners, as applicable, holding a majority of the Note Balance of the Notes held by such directing Noteholders and/or Note Owners. If more than one Certificateholder has directed the Owner Trustee in connection with a request to pursue dispute resolution pursuant to this Section 9.24, the Owner Trustee shall act at the direction of the Certificateholders holding the majority of the voting interests of such directing Certificateholders. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Indenture Trustee nor the Owner Trustee is required to, nor intends to, exercise discretion with respect to any action pursuant to this Section 9.24(a).

(b) The Requesting Party will provide notice in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.6 of its intention to refer the matter to mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration, as applicable, to Santander Consumer, with a copy to the Issuer, the Seller, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee. Santander Consumer agrees that it will participate in the resolution method selected by the Requesting Party. Santander Consumer shall provide notice to the Seller, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, and the Indenture Trustee that Santander Consumer has received a request to mediate or arbitrate a repurchase request. Upon receipt of such notice, the Seller, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee (acting at the direction of a Certificateholder), and the Indenture Trustee (acting at the direction of a Noteholder or Note Owner) shall advise the Requesting Party and Santander Consumer of an intent to join in the mediation or arbitration, which shall result in their being joined as a Requesting Party in the Proceeding. A Requesting Party may not initiate a mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) or arbitration pursuant to this Section 9.24 with respect to a Receivable that is, or has been, the subject of an ongoing or previous mediation or arbitration (whether by that Requesting Party or another Requesting Party) but will have the right, subject to a determination by the parties to the existing mediation or arbitration that such joinder would not prejudice the rights of the participants to such existing mediation or arbitration or unduly delay such Proceeding, to join an existing mediation or arbitration with respect to that Receivable if the mediation or arbitration has not yet concluded. In the case of any such joinder, if the initial Requesting Party is (i) the Indenture Trustee (on behalf of one or more Noteholders or Note Owners), any decisions related to the mediation or arbitration will be made by the Indenture Trustee at the written direction of the Requesting Investor holding a majority of the Note Balance of all of the Notes held by such directing Noteholders and/or Note Owners, and (ii) the Owner Trustee (on behalf of one or more Certificateholders), any decisions related to the mediation or arbitration will be made by the Owner Trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders holding the majority of the voting interests of the directing Certificateholders.

 

   41    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(c) If the Requesting Party selects mediation (including nonbinding arbitration) as the resolution method, the following provisions will apply:

(i) The mediation will be administered by a nationally recognized arbitration and mediation association selected by the Requesting Party pursuant to such association’s mediation procedures in effect at such time.

(ii) The fees and expenses of the mediation will be allocated as mutually agreed by the parties as part of the mediation.

(iii) The mediator will be impartial, knowledgeable about and experienced with the laws of the State of New York that are relevant to the repurchase dispute and will be appointed from a list of neutrals maintained by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”).

(d) If the Requesting Party selects arbitration as the resolution method, the following provisions will apply:

(i) The arbitration will be administered by a nationally recognized arbitration and mediation association jointly selected by the parties, and if the parties are unable to agree on an association, by the AAA, and conducted pursuant to such association’s arbitration procedures in effect at such time.

(ii) The arbitrator will be impartial, knowledgeable about and experienced with the laws of the State of New York that are relevant to the dispute hereunder and will be appointed from a list of neutrals maintained by AAA.

(iii) The arbitrator will make its final determination no later than 90 days after appointment or as soon as practicable thereafter. The arbitrator will resolve the dispute in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and may not modify or change this Agreement in any way. The arbitrator will not have the power to award punitive damages or consequential damages in any arbitration conducted by it, and Santander Consumer shall not be required to pay more than the applicable Repurchase Price with respect to any receivable which Santander Consumer is required to repurchase under the terms of the Purchase Agreement or this Agreement, as applicable. In its final determination, the arbitrator will determine and award the costs of the arbitration (including the fees of the arbitrator, cost of any record or transcript of the arbitration, and administrative fees) and reasonable attorneys’ fees to the parties as determined by the arbitrator in its reasonable discretion. The determination of the arbitrator will be in writing and counterpart copies will be promptly delivered to the parties. The determination may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(iv) No person may bring a putative or certified class action to arbitration.

(e) The following provisions will apply to both mediations (including nonbinding arbitration) and arbitrations:

(i) Any mediation or arbitration will be held in New York, New York or such other location mutually agreed to by the Requesting Party and Santander Consumer;

 

   42    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(ii) Notwithstanding this dispute resolution provision, the parties will have the right to seek provisional relief from a competent court of law, including a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or attachment order, provided such relief would otherwise be available by law; and

(iii) The details and/or existence of any unfulfilled repurchase request, any meetings or discussions regarding any unfulfilled repurchase request, mediations or arbitration proceedings conducted under this Section 9.24, including all offers, promises, conduct and statements, whether oral or written, made in the course of the parties’ attempt to resolve an unfulfilled repurchase request, any information exchanged in connection with any mediation, and any discovery taken in connection with any arbitration (collectively, “Confidential Information”), shall be and remain confidential and inadmissible (except disclosures required by applicable law) for any purpose, including impeachment, in any mediation, arbitration or litigation, or other proceeding (including any proceeding under this Section 9.24) other than as required to be disclosed in accordance with applicable law, regulatory requirements, or court order or to the extent that Santander Consumer, in its sole discretion, elects to disclose such information. Such information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed or discussed with any third party, except that a party may disclose such information to its own attorneys, experts, accountants and other agents and representatives (collectively “Representatives”), as reasonably required in connection with any resolution procedure under this Section 9.24, and to the Asset Representations Reviewer, if an Asset Review has been conducted, if the disclosing party (a) directs such Representatives to keep the information confidential, (b) is responsible for any disclosure by its Representatives of such information and (c) takes at its sole expense all reasonable measures to restrain such Representatives from disclosing such information. If any party receives a subpoena or other request for information from a third party (other than a governmental regulatory body) for Confidential Information, the recipient will promptly notify the other party and will provide the other party with the opportunity to object to the production of its Confidential Information or seek other appropriate protective remedies, consistent with the applicable requirements of law and regulation. If, in the absence of a protective order, such party or any of its representatives are compelled as a matter of law, regulation, legal process or by regulatory authority to disclose any portion of the Confidential Information, such party may disclose to the party compelling disclosure only the part of such Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Indenture Trustee is the Requesting Party, the Indenture Trustee may disclose Confidential Information with respect to an Asset Review to the Requesting Investor which directed the Indenture Trustee in connection with such Asset Review.

SECTION 9.25 Cooperation with Voting. Each of Santander Consumer, the Seller and the Issuer hereby acknowledges and agrees that it shall cooperate with the Indenture Trustee to facilitate any vote by the Instituting Noteholders pursuant to the terms of Section 7.6 of the Indenture.

 

   43    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


SECTION 9.26 European Risk Retention. Santander Consumer hereby covenants and agrees in connection with the Securitization Regulations that:

(a) Santander Consumer, as “originator” (as such term is defined for the purposes of each of the Securitization Regulations), will retain upon issuance of the Notes and on an ongoing basis for as long as any Notes remain outstanding, a material net economic interest (the “SR Retained Interest”) of not less than 5% in the securitization transaction described in the Prospectus, in the form of retention of a first loss tranche in accordance with the text of paragraph (d) of Article 6(3) of the EU Securitization Regulation and paragraph (d) of Article 6(3) of the UK Securitization Regulation, in each case as in effect and applicable on the Closing Date, by holding all the membership interests in the Seller (or one or more other wholly-owned special purpose subsidiaries of Santander Consumer), which in turn will retain on an ongoing basis for as long as any Notes remain outstanding a pro-rata portion of the aggregate Percentage Interests in the Certificates, such portion representing at least 5% of the aggregate nominal value of the Receivables;

(b) Santander Consumer will not (and will not permit the Seller or any of its other affiliates to) subject the SR Retained Interest to any credit risk mitigation or hedging, or sell, transfer or otherwise surrender all or part of the rights, benefits or obligations arising from the SR Retained Interest, except to the extent permitted in accordance with the SR Rules;

(c) Santander Consumer will not change the manner in which it retains or the method of calculating the SR Retained Interest while any of the Notes are outstanding, except to the extent permitted by the SR Rules; and

(d) Santander Consumer will provide written ongoing confirmation of its continued compliance with its obligations in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c), (i) in or concurrently with the delivery of each Servicer’s Certificate and the statement set forth in Section 4.6, (ii) following a notification of the occurrence of any Event of Default and (iii) from time to time upon request by any Noteholder in connection with any material change in the structural features of the securitization transaction described in the Prospectus that could materially impact the performance of the Notes or any material change in the risk characteristics of the Notes or the Receivables.

[SIGNATURES FOLLOW]

 

   44    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Sale and Servicing Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.

 

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC, as Seller
By:  

     

Name:   Mark McCastlain
Title:   Vice President

 

   S-1    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1,
as Issuer
By:   Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.
  not in its individual capacity
  but solely as Owner Trustee
By:       
Name:  
Title:  

 

   S-2    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,
as Servicer
By:                                    
Name: Corey Henry
Title: Vice President

 

   S-3    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
not in its individual capacity
but solely as Indenture Trustee
By:  

                              

Name:  
Title:  

 

   S-4    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

not in its individual capacity

but solely as Certificate Paying Agent only with respect to Section 9.23

By:                           

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

   S-5    Sale and Servicing Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


SCHEDULE I

NOTICE ADDRESSES

If to the Issuer:

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1

c/o Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.

as Owner Trustee

919 North Market Street, Suite 1600

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Attention: Corporate Trust Service

with copies to the Administrator and the Indenture Trustee

If to Santander Consumer, the Servicer or the Administrator:

Santander Consumer USA Inc.

1601 Elm Street, Suite 800

Dallas, Texas 75201

Facsimile: (972) 755-8334

Attention: Santander Capital Markets

Email: DRIVE@santanderconsumerusa.com

If to the Seller:

Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC

1601 Elm Street, Suite 800

Dallas, Texas 75201

Facsimile: (972) 755-8334

Attention: Santander Capital Markets

Email: DRIVE@santanderconsumerusa.com

If to the Indenture Trustee, Certificate Paying Agent or Certificate Registrar:

Wilmington Trust, National Association

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001

Facsimile: (302) 636-4140

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration – Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1

 

   I-1   

Schedule I to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


If to the Owner Trustee:

Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.

919 North Market Street, Suite 1600

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Attention: Corporate Trust Services/Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1

If to Moody’s:

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

7 World Trade Center

250 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10007

If to S&P:

S&P Global Ratings

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

Attention: Asset Backed Surveillance Department

If to the Asset Representations Reviewer:

Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC

2638 South Falkenburg Road

Riverview, Florida 33578

Attention: SVP

Email: ARRNotices@clayton.com

with a copy to:

Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC

720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 200

Glendale, Colorado 80246

Attention: Legal Department

Email: legal@covius.com

 

   I-2   

Schedule I to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT PURSUANT TO SALE AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

[_______], 2021

For value received, in accordance with the Sale and Servicing Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of April 21, 2021, by and between Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Seller”), Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Santander Consumer”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association (the “Indenture Trustee”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement, the Seller does hereby irrevocably sell, transfer, assign and otherwise convey to the Issuer on the Closing Date, without recourse (subject to the obligations in the Agreement) all right, title and interest of the Seller, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under the Receivables set forth on the schedule of Receivables delivered by the Seller to the Issuer on the date hereof, the Collections after the Cut-Off Date, the Receivable Files and the Related Security relating thereto, together with all of the Seller’s rights under the Purchase Agreement and all proceeds of the foregoing, which sale shall be effective as of the Cut-Off Date.

The foregoing sale does not constitute and is not intended to result in an assumption by the Issuer of any obligation of the Seller or the Originator to the Obligors, the Dealers, insurers or any other Person in connection with the Receivables or the other assets and properties conveyed hereunder or any agreement, document or instrument related thereto.

This assignment is made pursuant to and upon the representations, warranties and agreements on the part of the undersigned contained in the Agreement and is governed by the Agreement.

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

   A-1   

Exhibit A to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


IN WITNESS HEREOF, the undersigned has caused this assignment to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC
By:  

                                      

Name:
Title:

 

   A-2   

Exhibit A to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


EXHIBIT B

PERFECTION REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

In addition to the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Agreement, the Seller hereby represents, warrants, and covenants to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee as follows on the Closing Date:

General

1. The Sale and Servicing Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Receivables and the other Transferred Assets in favor of the Issuer, which security interest is prior to all other Liens, and is enforceable as such as against creditors of and purchasers from the Seller.

2. The Receivables constitute “tangible chattel paper,” “electronic chattel paper,” “accounts,” “instruments” or “general intangibles,” within the meaning of the UCC. If a Receivable constitutes “electronic chattel paper,” Santander Consumer has “control” of such electronic chattel paper within the meaning of Section 9-105 of the applicable UCC.

3. Each Receivable is secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party, or all necessary actions with respect to such Receivable have been taken or will be taken to perfect a first priority security interest in the related Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator (or its assignee), as secured party.

Creation

4. Immediately prior to the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of a Receivable by the Seller to the Issuer, the Seller owned and had good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (except any Lien which will be released prior to assignment of such Receivable under the Sale and Servicing Agreement), and immediately after the sale, transfer, assignment and conveyance of such Receivable to the Issuer, the Issuer will have good and marketable title to such Receivable free and clear of any Lien created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens).

5. The Seller has received all consents and approvals to the sale of the Receivables hereunder to the Issuer required by the terms of the Receivables that constitute instruments.

Perfection

6. The Seller has caused or will have caused, within ten days after the effective date of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the sale of the Receivables from the Seller to Issuer, and the security interest in the Receivables granted to the Issuer hereunder; and the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, has in its possession the

 

   B-1   

Exhibit B to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


original copies of such instruments or tangible chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables, and all financing statements referred to in this paragraph contain a statement that: “A purchase of or security interest in any collateral described in this financing statement will violate the rights of the Secured Party/Purchaser”.

7. With respect to Receivables that constitute instruments or tangible chattel paper, either:

(i) All original executed copies of each such instrument or tangible chattel paper have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

(ii) Such instruments or tangible chattel paper are in the possession of the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee has received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer, in its capacity as custodian, is holding such instruments or tangible chattel paper solely on behalf and for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer; or

(iii) The Servicer received possession of such instruments or tangible chattel paper after the Indenture Trustee received a written acknowledgment from the Servicer that the Servicer is acting solely as agent of the Indenture Trustee, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee, as pledgee of the Issuer.

Priority

8. Neither the Seller nor Santander Consumer has authorized the filing of, or is aware of any financing statements against either the Seller or Santander Consumer that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by Santander Consumer to the Seller under the Purchase Agreement, (ii) relating to the conveyance of the Receivables by the Seller to the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, (iii) relating to the security interest granted by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture or (iv) that has been terminated.

9. Neither the Seller nor Santander Consumer is aware of any material judgment, ERISA or tax lien filings against either the Seller or Santander Consumer.

10. Neither the Seller nor Santander Consumer nor a custodian or vaulting agent thereof holding any Receivable that is electronic chattel paper has communicated an “authoritative copy” (as such term is used in Section 9-105 of the UCC) of any loan agreement that constitutes or evidences such Receivable to any Person other than the Servicer.

11. None of the instruments, tangible chattel paper or electronic chattel paper that constitute or evidence the Receivables has any marks or notations indicating that they have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Seller, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee.

Survival of Perfection Representations

12. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Exhibit B shall be continuing, and remain in full force and effect until such time as all obligations under the Transaction Documents and the Notes have been finally and fully paid and performed.

 

   B-2   

Exhibit B to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


No Waiver

13. The Seller and the Servicer shall provide the Rating Agencies with prompt written notice of any material breach of the perfection representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Exhibit B, and shall not, without satisfying the Rating Agency Condition, waive a breach of any of such perfection representations, warranties or covenants.

 

   B-3   

Exhibit B to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


EXHIBIT C

SERVICING CRITERIA TO BE ADDRESSED IN

INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S AND SERVICER’S ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE

The assessment of compliance to be delivered by the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, as applicable, shall address, at a minimum, the criteria identified below as “Applicable Indenture Trustee Servicing Criteria” or “Applicable Servicer Servicing Criteria”, as applicable:

 

Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Indenture
Trustee
Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Servicer
Servicing
Criteria

  

Inapplicable
Servicing
Criteria

Reference

  

Criteria

              
   General Servicing Considerations         
1122(d)(1)(i)    Policies and procedures are instituted to monitor any performance or other triggers and events of default in accordance with the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(1)(ii)    If any material servicing activities are outsourced to third parties, policies and procedures are instituted to monitor the third party’s performance and compliance with such servicing activities.       X   
1122(d)(1)(iii)    Any requirements in the transaction agreements to maintain a back-up servicer for the pool assets are maintained.       X   
1122(d)(1)(iv)    A fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy is in effect on the party participating in the servicing function throughout the reporting period in the amount of coverage required by and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the transaction agreements.          X
1122(d)(1)(v)    Aggregation of information, as applicable, is mathematically accurate and the information conveyed accurately reflects the information.       X   
   Cash Collection and Administration         
1122(d)(2)(i)    Payments on pool assets are deposited into the appropriate custodial bank accounts and related bank clearing accounts no more than two business days following receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(2)(ii)    Disbursements made via wire transfer on behalf of an obligor or to an investor are made only by authorized personnel.    X    X   
1122(d)(2)(iii)    Advances of funds or guarantees regarding collections, cash flows or distributions, and any interest or other fees charged for such advances, are made, reviewed and approved as specified in the transaction agreements.          X
1122(d)(2)(iv)    The related accounts for the transaction, such as cash reserve accounts or accounts established as a form of overcollateralization, are separately maintained (e.g., with respect to commingling of cash) as set forth in the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(2)(v)    Each custodial account is maintained at a federally insured depository institution as set forth in the transaction agreements. For purposes of this criterion, “federally insured depository institution” with respect to a foreign financial institution means a foreign financial institution that meets the requirements of Rule 13k-1(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act.       X   
1122(d)(2)(vi)    Unissued checks are safeguarded so as to prevent unauthorized access.          X

 

   C-1   

Exhibit C to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Indenture
Trustee
Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Servicer
Servicing
Criteria

  

Inapplicable
Servicing
Criteria

Reference

  

Criteria

              
1122(d)(2)(vii)    Reconciliations are prepared on a monthly basis for all asset-backed securities related bank accounts, including custodial accounts and related bank clearing accounts. These reconciliations are (A) mathematically accurate; (B) prepared within 30 calendar days after the bank statement cutoff date, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements; (C) reviewed and approved by someone other than the person who prepared the reconciliation; and (D) contain explanations for reconciling items. These reconciling items are resolved within 90 calendar days of their original identification, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.       X   
   Investor Remittances and Reporting         
1122(d)(3)(i)    Reports to investors, including those to be filed with the Commission, are maintained in accordance with the transaction agreements and applicable Commission requirements. Specifically, such reports (A) are prepared in accordance with timeframes and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements; (B) provide information calculated in accordance with the terms specified in the transaction agreements; (C) are filed with the Commission as required by its rules and regulations; and (D) agree with investors’ or the trustee’s records as to the total unpaid principal balance and number of pool assets serviced by the Servicer.       X   
1122(d)(3)(ii)    Amounts due to investors are allocated and remitted in accordance with timeframes, distribution priority and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements.    X1    X   
1122(d)(3)(iii)    Disbursements made to an investor are posted within two business days to the Servicer’s investor records, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    X    X   
1122(d)(3)(iv)    Amounts remitted to investors per the investor reports agree with cancelled checks, or other form of payment, or custodial bank statements.    X    X   
   Pool Asset Administration         
1122(d)(4)(i)    Collateral or security on pool assets is maintained as required by the transaction agreements or related asset pool documents.       X   
1122(d)(4)(ii)    Pool assets and related documents are safeguarded as required by the transaction agreements       X   
1122(d)(4)(iii)    Any additions, removals or substitutions to the asset pool are made, reviewed and approved in accordance with any conditions or requirements in the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(4)(iv)    Payments on pool assets, including any payoffs, made in accordance with the related pool asset documents are posted to the Servicer’s obligor records maintained no more than two business days after receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements, and allocated to principal, interest or other items (e.g., escrow) in accordance with the related asset pool documents.       X   
1122(d)(4)(v)    The Servicer’s records regarding the accounts and the accounts agree with the Servicer’s records with respect to an obligor’s unpaid principal balance.       X   

 

1 

Solely with regard to timeframes and that distributions were made in accordance with the instructions of the Servicer.

 

   C-2   

Exhibit C to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Indenture
Trustee
Servicing Criteria

  

Applicable
Servicer
Servicing
Criteria

  

Inapplicable
Servicing
Criteria

Reference

  

Criteria

              
1122(d)(4)(vi)    Changes with respect to the terms or status of an obligor’s account (e.g., loan modifications or re-agings) are made, reviewed and approved by authorized personnel in accordance with the transaction agreements and related pool asset documents.       X   
1122(d)(4)(vii)    Loss mitigation or recovery actions (e.g., forbearance plans, modifications and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosures and repossessions, as applicable) are initiated, conducted and concluded in accordance with the timeframes or other requirements established by the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(4)(viii)    Records documenting collection efforts are maintained during the period a pool asset is delinquent in accordance with the transaction agreements. Such records are maintained on at least a monthly basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements, and describe the entity’s activities in monitoring delinquent pool assets including, for example, phone calls, letters and payment rescheduling plans in cases where delinquency is deemed temporary (e.g., illness or unemployment).       X   
1122(d)(4)(ix)    Adjustments to interest rates or rates of return for pool assets with variable rates are computed based on the related pool asset documents.          X
1122(d)(4)(x)    Regarding any funds held in trust for an obligor (such as escrow accounts): (A) such funds are analyzed, in accordance with the obligor’s Account documents, on at least an annual basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements; (B) interest on such funds is paid, or credited, to obligors in accordance with applicable Account documents and state laws; and (C) such funds are returned to the obligor within 30 calendar days of full repayment of the related Accounts, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.          X
1122(d)(4)(xi)    Payments made on behalf of an obligor (such as tax or insurance payments) are made on or before the related penalty or expiration dates, as indicated on the appropriate bills or notices for such payments, provided that such support has been received by the servicer at least 30 calendar days prior to these dates, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.          X
1122(d)(4)(xii)    Any late payment penalties in connection with any payment to be made on behalf of an obligor are paid from the servicer’s funds and not charged to the obligor, unless the late payment was due to the obligor’s error or omission.          X
1122(d)(4)(xiii)    Disbursements made on behalf of an obligor are posted within two business days to the obligor’s records maintained by the servicer, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.          X
1122(d)(4)(xiv)    Delinquencies, charge-offs and uncollectible accounts are recognized and recorded in accordance with the transaction agreements.       X   
1122(d)(4)(xv)    Any external enhancement or other support, identified in Item 1114(a)(1) through (3) or Item 1115 of Regulation AB, is maintained as set forth in the transaction agreements.          X

 

   C-3   

Exhibit C to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL CERTIFICATION

 

Re:

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

Wilmington Trust, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), certifies to Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC (the “Seller”), and its officers, with the knowledge and intent that they will rely upon this certification, that:

(1) It has reviewed the report on assessment of the Indenture Trustee’s compliance provided in accordance with Rules 13a-18 and 15d-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Item 1122 of Regulation AB (the “Servicing Assessment”) that was delivered by the Indenture Trustee to the Seller pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of April 21, 2021, by and between Santander Consumer USA Inc., the Seller, the Indenture Trustee and Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 (collectively, the “Indenture Trustee Information”);

(2) To the best of its knowledge, the Servicing Assessment, taken as a whole, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period of time covered by the Servicing Assessment; and

(3) To the best of its knowledge, all of the information required to be provided by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Sections 9.21 and 9.22 of the Agreement has been provided to the Seller.

 

Wilmington Trust, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee
Date: ________________

 

   D-1   

Exhibit D to the

Sale and Servicing Agreement


APPENDIX A

DEFINITIONS

The following terms have the meanings set forth, or referred to, below:

144A Notes” means any Note retained by the Depositor or an Affiliate thereof on the Closing Date.

60-Day Delinquent Receivables” means, as of any date of determination, all Receivables (other than Repurchased Receivables and Defaulted Receivables) that are sixty (60) or more days delinquent as of such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a Collection Period, as of the last day of the Collection Period immediately preceding such date), as determined in accordance with the Servicer’s Customary Servicing Practices.

Accrued Class A Note Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the Class A Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for such Payment Date and the Class A Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall for such Payment Date.

Accrued Class B Note Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the Class B Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for such Payment Date and the Class B Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall for such Payment Date.

Accrued Class C Note Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the Class C Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for such Payment Date and the Class C Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall for such Payment Date.

Accrued Class D Note Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the sum of the Class D Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for such Payment Date and the Class D Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall for such Payment Date.

Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3(a) of the Indenture.

Administration Agreement” means the Administration Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Administrator, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

Administrator” means Santander Consumer, or any successor Administrator under the Administration Agreement.

Affiliate” means, for any specified Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person and “affiliated” has a meaning correlative to the foregoing. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the power, directly or indirectly, to cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person.

Applicable Tax State means, as of any date, each of the following: (a) the State in which the Issuer is located, and (b) the States of Texas and Illinois.

 

      Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Asset Representations Review Agreement” means the Asset Representations Review Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Issuer, the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer.

Asset Representations Reviewer” means Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor Asset Representations Reviewer under the Asset Representations Review Agreement.

Asset Review” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Asset Representations Review Agreement.

Assumption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.23 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Indenture Trustee to act on behalf of the Indenture Trustee to authenticate and deliver the Notes.

Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper of general circulation in the City of New York, printed in the English language and customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Authorized Officer” means (a) with respect to the Issuer, (i) any officer of the Owner Trustee who is authorized to act for the Owner Trustee in matters relating to the Issuer (including any agent of the Owner Trustee acting under a power of attorney) and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers delivered by the Owner Trustee to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter) or (ii) so long as the Administration Agreement is in effect, any officer of the Administrator who is authorized to act for the Administrator in matters relating to the Issuer pursuant to the Administration Agreement and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers delivered by the Administrator to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter) and (b) with respect to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer, any officer of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, as applicable, who is authorized to act for the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, as applicable, in matters relating to the Transaction Documents and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers delivered by each of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer, as applicable, to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter).

Available Funds” means, for any Payment Date and the related Collection Period, an amount equal to the sum of the following amounts: (i) all Collections received by the Servicer during such Collection Period, (ii) the sum of the Repurchase Prices deposited into the Collection Account with respect to each Receivable that will be a Repurchased Receivable on such Payment Date, (iii) the Reserve Account Excess Amount for such Payment Date and (iv) the Optional Purchase Price deposited into the Collection Account in connection with the exercise of the Optional Purchase.

Available Funds Shortfall Amount” means, as of any Payment Date, the amount, if any, by which the sum of the amounts required to be paid pursuant to clauses first through tenth of Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement exceeds the Available Funds for such Payment Date.

 

   A-2    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Banco Santander, S.A.” means Banco Santander, S.A., and its successors and assigns.

Bankruptcy Code” means the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. 101 et seq., as amended.

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, (i) the filing of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of such Person in an involuntary case under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of such Person, or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of such Person’s affairs, and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days or (ii) the commencement by such Person of a voluntary case under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by such Person to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by such Person to the appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of such Person, or the making by such Person of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure by such Person generally to pay its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of action by such Person in furtherance of any of the foregoing.

Bankruptcy Remote Party” means each of the Seller, the Issuer, any other trust created by the Seller or any limited liability company or corporation wholly-owned by the Seller.

Benefit Plan” means (i) any “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (ii) a “plan” as described by Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code or (iii) any entity or account deemed to hold the “plan assets” of any of the foregoing.

Book-Entry Certificates” means the Certificates held by a Clearing Agency or its nominee and with respect to which beneficial ownership and transfers thereof shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 3.3 of the Trust Agreement.

Book-Entry Notes” means a beneficial interest in the Notes, ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 2.10 of the Indenture.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the states of Delaware, Illinois, Texas or New York, or in the state in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee is located, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or government decree to be closed.

Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Trust Agreement evidencing a beneficial ownership interest in the Issuer. For the avoidance of doubt, the references in the Transaction Documents to a “Certificate” or a “Certificateholder,” unless the context otherwise requires, shall be deemed to be references to “Certificates” or “Certificateholders” if more than one Certificate has been issued.

 

   A-3    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Certificate Distribution Account” means the account designated as such, established and maintained pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Certificate of Title” means, with respect to any Financed Vehicle, the certificate of title or other documentary evidence of ownership of such Financed Vehicle as issued by the department, agency or official of the jurisdiction (whether in paper or electronic form) in which such Financed Vehicle is titled and which is responsible for accepting applications for, and maintaining records regarding, certificates of title and liens thereon.

Certificate Owner” means, with respect to any Book-Entry Certificate, the Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book-Entry Certificate, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency or a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).

Certificate Paying Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association or any other Person appointed as the successor Certificate Paying Agent pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Trust Agreement.

Certificate Register” has the meaning specified in Section 3.6 of the Trust Agreement.

Certificate Registrar” has the meaning specified in Section 3.6 of the Trust Agreement.

Certificateholder” means, as of any date, the Person in whose name a Certificate is registered on the Certificate Register on such date.

Class” means a group of Notes whose form is identical except for variation in denomination, principal amount or owner, and references to “each Class” thus mean each of the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes.

Class A Note Balance” means, at any time, the sum of the Class A-1 Note Balance, the Class A-2 Note Balance, and the Class A-3 Note Balance at such time.

Class A Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of (i) the Class A Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for the preceding Payment Date and (ii) any Class A Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall on such preceding Payment Date, over (B) the amount in respect of interest that was actually paid to Noteholders of Class A Notes on such preceding Payment Date, plus interest on the amount of interest due but not paid to Noteholders of Class A Notes on such preceding Payment Date, to the extent permitted by law, at the respective Interest Rates borne by such Class A Notes for the related Interest Period.

 

   A-4    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Class A Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the aggregate interest accrued for the related Interest Period on the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, and the Class A-3 Notes at the respective Interest Rate for such Class on the Note Balance of the Notes of each such Class on the Closing Date, with respect to the first Payment Date, and on the immediately preceding Payment Date, after giving effect to all payments of principal to the Noteholders of the Notes of such Class on or prior to such preceding Payment Date, with respect to each subsequent Payment Date.

Class A Notes” means, collectively, the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, and the Class A-3 Notes.

Class A-1 Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in April 2022.

Class A-1 Interest Rate” means 0.12351% per annum (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed during the applicable Interest Period, but assuming a 360-day year).

Class A-1 Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class A-1 Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class A-1 Notes.

Class A-1 Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class A-1 Note is registered on the Note Register.

Class A-1 Notes” means the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class A-1 Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

Class A-2 Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in December 2023.

Class A-2 Interest Rate” means 0.36% per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months).

Class A-2 Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class A-2 Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class A-2 Notes.

Class A-2 Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class A-2 Note is registered on the Note Register.

Class A-2 Notes” means, the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class A-2 Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

Class A-3 Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in November 2024.

Class A-3 Interest Rate” means 0.44% per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months).

Class A-3 Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class A-3 Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class A-3 Notes.

 

   A-5    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Class A-3 Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class A-3 Note is registered on the Note Register.

Class A-3 Notes” means the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class A-3 Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

Class B Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in July 2025.

Class B Interest Rate” means 0.65% per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months).

Class B Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class B Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class B Notes.

Class B Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class B Note is registered on the Note Register.

Class B Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of (i) the Class B Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for the preceding Payment Date and (ii) any Class B Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall on such preceding Payment Date, over (B) the amount in respect of interest that was actually paid to Noteholders of Class B Notes on such preceding Payment Date, plus interest on the amount of interest due but not paid to Noteholders of Class B Notes on such preceding Payment Date, to the extent permitted by law, at the Class B Interest Rate for the related Interest Period.

Class B Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the aggregate interest accrued for the related Interest Period on the Class B Notes at the Class B Interest Rate on the Class B Note Balance on the Closing Date, with respect to the first Payment Date, and on the immediately preceding Payment Date, after giving effect to all payments of principal to the Class B Noteholders on or prior to such preceding Payment Date, with respect to each subsequent Payment Date.

Class B Notes” means the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class B Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

Class C Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in June 2027.

Class C Interest Rate” means 1.02% per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months).

Class C Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class C Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class C Notes.

Class C Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class C Note is registered on the Note Register.

 

   A-6    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Class C Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of (i) the Class C Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for the preceding Payment Date and (ii) any Class C Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall on such preceding Payment Date, over (B) the amount in respect of interest that was actually paid to Noteholders of Class C Notes on such preceding Payment Date, plus interest on the amount of interest due but not paid to Noteholders of Class C Notes on such preceding Payment Date, to the extent permitted by law, at the Class C Interest Rate for the related Interest Period.

Class C Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the aggregate interest accrued for the related Interest Period on the Class C Notes at the Class C Interest Rate on the Class C Note Balance on the Closing Date, with respect to the first Payment Date, and on the immediately preceding Payment Date, after giving effect to all payments of principal to the Class C Noteholders on or prior to such preceding Payment Date, with respect to each subsequent Payment Date.

Class C Notes” means the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class C Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

Class D Final Scheduled Payment Date” means the Payment Date occurring in January 2029.

Class D Interest Rate” means 1.45% per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months).

Class D Note Balance” means, at any time, the Initial Class D Note Balance reduced by all payments of principal made prior to such time on the Class D Notes.

Class D Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Class D Note is registered on the Note Register.

Class D Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the excess, if any, of (A) the sum of (i) the Class D Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest for the preceding Payment Date and (ii) any Class D Noteholders’ Interest Carryover Shortfall on such preceding Payment Date, over (B) the amount in respect of interest that was actually paid to Noteholders of Class D Notes on such preceding Payment Date, plus interest on the amount of interest due but not paid to Noteholders of Class D Notes on such preceding Payment Date, to the extent permitted by law, at the Class D Interest Rate for the related Interest Period.

Class D Noteholders’ Monthly Accrued Interest” means, with respect to any Payment Date, the aggregate interest accrued for the related Interest Period on the Class D Notes at the Class D Interest Rate on the Class D Note Balance on the Closing Date, with respect to the first Payment Date, and on the immediately preceding Payment Date, after giving effect to all payments of principal to the Class D Noteholders on or prior to such preceding Payment Date, with respect to each subsequent Payment Date.

Class D Notes” means the Class of Auto Loan Asset Backed Notes designated as Class D Notes, issued in accordance with the Indenture.

 

   A-7    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Clearing Agency” means an organization registered as a “clearing agency” pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act and shall initially be DTC.

Clearing Agency Participant” means a broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution or other Person for which from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency.

Closing Date” means April 21, 2021.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and any successor law thereto, and the regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder.

Collateral” has the meaning set forth in the Granting Clause of the Indenture.

Collection Account” means the trust account established and maintained pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Collection Period” means the period commencing on the first day of each calendar month and ending on the last day of such calendar month (or, in the case of the initial Collection Period, the period commencing on the close of business on the Cut-Off Date and ending on April 30, 2021). As used herein, the “related” Collection Period with respect to any date of determination or a Payment Date shall be deemed to be the Collection Period which immediately precedes such date of determination or Payment Date.

Collections means, to the extent received by the Servicer after the Cut-Off Date, the sum of (A) with respect to any Receivable, (i) any monthly payment by or on behalf of the Obligor thereunder, (ii) any full or partial prepayment of such Receivable, and (iii) any other amounts received by the Servicer which, in accordance with the Customary Servicing Practices, would customarily be applied to the payment of accrued interest or to reduce the Principal Balance of the Receivable, including rebates of premiums with respect to the cancellation or termination of any Insurance Policy, extended warranty or service contract that was financed by such Receivable and (B) Net Liquidation Proceeds; provided, however, that the term “Collections” in no event will include (1) for any Payment Date, any amounts in respect of any Receivable the Repurchase Price of which has been included in the Available Funds on a prior Payment Date or (2) any Supplemental Servicing Fees.

Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.24(e)(iii) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Contract” means, with respect to any Receivable, the motor vehicle retail installment sale contract and/or note and security agreement, the installment loan agreement, any amendments thereto and any related documentary draft, if applicable, evidencing such Receivable.

 

   A-8    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Contract Rate” means, with respect to a Receivable, the rate per annum at which interest accrues under the Contract evidencing such Receivable. Such rate may be less than the “Annual Percentage Rate” disclosed in the Receivable.

Controlling Class” means, with respect to any Notes Outstanding, the Class A Notes (voting together as a single Class) as long as any Class A Notes are Outstanding, and thereafter the Class B Notes as long as any Class B Notes are Outstanding, and thereafter the Class C Notes as long as any Class C Notes are Outstanding, and thereafter the Class D Notes as long as any Class D Notes are Outstanding.

Corporate Trust Office” means:

(a) as used with respect to Indenture Trustee, the principal office of the Indenture Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered which office at date of the execution of the Indenture is located at Wilmington Trust, National Association, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, or at such other address as the Indenture Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Noteholders, the Administrator, the Servicer, the Owner Trustee and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Indenture Trustee (the address of which the successor Indenture Trustee will notify the Noteholders, the Administrator, the Servicer, the Owner Trustee and the Issuer);

(b) as used with respect to Owner Trustee, the corporate trust office of the Owner Trustee located at Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., 919 North Market Street, Suite 1600, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, Attention Corporate Trust Services/Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, or at such other address as the Owner Trustee may designate by notice to the Certificateholders and the Seller, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Owner Trustee (the address of which the successor Owner Trustee will notify the Certificateholders and the Seller); and

(c) as used with respect to the Certificate Registrar, the principal office of the Certificate Registrar at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at date of the execution of the Trust Agreement is located at Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, or at such other address as the Certificate Registrar may designate from time to time by notice to the Certificateholders, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Certificate Registrar (the address of which the successor Certificate Registrar will notify the Certificateholders, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Issuer).

Cram Down Loss” means, with respect to any Receivable (other than a Defaulted Receivable) as to which any court in any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar Proceeding issues an order reducing the principal amount to be paid on such Receivable or otherwise modifies any payment terms with respect thereto, an amount equal to the amount of the principal reduction ordered by such court. A “Cram Down Loss” will be deemed to have occurred on the date of issuance of such court’s order.

 

   A-9    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Customary Servicing Practices” means the customary servicing practices of the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer with respect to all comparable motor vehicle receivables that the Servicer or such Sub-Servicer, as applicable, services for itself and others, as such customary servicing practices may be changed from time to time, it being understood that the Servicer and the Sub-Servicers may not have the same “Customary Servicing Practices.

Cut-Off Date” means March 31, 2021.

DBRS means DBRS, Inc., or any successor that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Dealer” means a motor vehicle dealership.

Debt-For-Tax Opinion” means an Opinion of Counsel, of nationally recognized tax counsel, delivered to the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee stating that the Notes specified therein will be debt for United States federal income tax purposes.

Default” means any occurrence that is, or with notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.

Defaulted Receivable” means, with respect to any Collection Period, a Receivable as to which (a) a related monthly payment became 120 days past due during such Collection Period and the Servicer has not repossessed the related Financed Vehicle, (b) the Servicer has either repossessed and liquidated the related Financed Vehicle or repossessed and held the related Financed Vehicle in its repossession inventory for 90 days, whichever occurs first, or (c) the Servicer has charged-off in full the related Principal Balance or has determined that such Principal Balance should be charged-off in full on the servicing records of the Servicer in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices.

Deficiency Balance” means, with respect to any Receivable, any deficiency balance, charged-off amount, Principal Balance, accrued interest and/or fees and any Related Security; provided, that such amounts and Related Security relate to a Receivable which is a Defaulted Receivable.

Definitive Certificate” means a definitive fully registered Certificate issued pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Trust Agreement.

Definitive Note” means a definitive fully registered Note issued pursuant to Section 2.12 of the Indenture.

Delinquency Percentage” means, for any Payment Date and the related Collection Period, an amount equal to the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (i) the aggregate Principal Balance of all 60-Day Delinquent Receivables as of the last day of such Collection Period to (ii) the Pool Balance as of the last day of such Collection Period.

Delinquency Trigger” means, for any Payment Date and the related Collection Period, 35.00%.

 

   A-10    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Delivery” when used with respect to Trust Account Property means:

(a) with respect to (I) bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, and negotiable certificates of deposit and other obligations that constitute “instruments” as defined in Section 9-102(a)(47) of the UCC and are susceptible of physical delivery, transfer of actual possession thereof to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian by physical delivery to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian endorsed to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian or endorsed in blank, and (II) with respect to a “certificated security” (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(4) of the UCC) transfer of actual possession thereof (i) by physical delivery of such certificated security to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian endorsed to, or registered in the name of, the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian or endorsed in blank, or to another person, other than a “securities intermediary” (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(14) of the UCC), who acquires possession of the certificated security on behalf of the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian or, having previously acquired possession of the certificate, acknowledges that it holds for the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian or (ii) if such certificated security is in registered form, by delivery thereof to a “securities intermediary”, endorsed to or registered in the name of the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian, and the making by such “securities intermediary” of entries on its books and records identifying such certificated securities as belonging to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian and the sending by such “securities intermediary” of a confirmation of the purchase of such certificated security by the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian (all of the foregoing, “Physical Property”), and, in any event, any such Physical Property in registered form shall be in the name of the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian; and such additional or alternative procedures as may hereafter become appropriate to effect the complete transfer of ownership of any such Trust Account Property to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian, consistent with changes in applicable law or regulations or the interpretation thereof;

(b) with respect to any securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association or the other government agencies, instrumentalities and establishments of the United States identified in Appendix A to Federal Reserve Bank Operating Circular No. 7 as in effect from time to time that is a “book-entry security” (as such term is defined in Federal Reserve Bank Operating Circular No. 7) held in a securities account and eligible for transfer through the Fedwire® Securities Service operated by the Federal Reserve System pursuant to Federal book-entry regulations, the following procedures, all in accordance with applicable law, including applicable Federal regulations and Articles 8 and 9 of the UCC: book-entry registration of such Trust Account Property to an appropriate securities account maintained with a Federal Reserve Bank by a “participant” (as such term is defined in Federal Reserve Bank Operating Circular No. 7) that is a “depository institution” (as defined in Section 19(b)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act) pursuant to applicable Federal regulations, and issuance by such depository institution of a deposit notice or other written confirmation of such book-entry registration to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian of the purchase by the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian of such book-entry securities; the making by such depository institution of entries in its books and records identifying such book entry security held through the Federal Reserve System pursuant to Federal book-entry regulations or a security entitlement thereto as belonging to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian and indicating that such depository institution holds such Trust Account Property solely as agent for the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian; and such additional or alternative procedures as may hereafter become appropriate to effect complete transfer of ownership of any such Trust Account Property to the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian, consistent with changes in applicable law or regulations or the interpretation thereof; and

 

   A-11    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


(c) with respect to any item of Trust Account Property that is an “uncertificated security” (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(18) of the UCC) and that is not governed by clause (b) above, (i) registration on the books and records of the issuer thereof in the name of the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian, or (ii) registration on the books and records of the issuer thereof in the name of another person, other than a securities intermediary, who acknowledges that it holds such uncertificated security for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee or its nominee or custodian.

Depositor” means the Seller in its capacity as Depositor under the Trust Agreement.

Depository Agreement” means the agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, executed by the Issuer in favor of DTC, as initial Clearing Agency, relating to the Notes and the Certificates, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Determination Date” means the second Business Day preceding the related Payment Date, beginning May 13, 2021.

Dollar” and “$” mean lawful currency of the United States.

Domestic Corporation” means an entity that is treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes and is a U.S. Tax Person.

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, and its successors.

EEA” means the European Economic Area.

Eligible Account” means a segregated trust account with the corporate trust department of a depository institution whose deposits are insured by the FDIC acting in its fiduciary capacity organized under the laws of the United States or any one of the states thereof or the District of Columbia (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank), having corporate trust powers and acting as trustee for funds deposited in such account, so long as the long-term unsecured debt of such depository institution shall have a credit rating from S&P of at least “BBB” and from each of Moody’s, Fitch (if rated by Fitch) and DBRS (if rated by DBRS) in one of its generic rating categories which signifies investment grade. Any such trust account may be maintained with the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or any of their respective Affiliates, if such accounts meet the requirements of the preceding sentence.

Eligible Investments” means any one or more of the following types of investments:

(a) direct obligations of, and obligations fully guaranteed as to timely payment by, the United States;

 

   A-12    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


(b) demand deposits, time deposits or certificates of deposit of any depository institution (including any Affiliate of the Seller, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee) or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank) and subject to supervision and examination by Federal or state banking or depository institution authorities (including depository receipts issued by any such institution or trust company as custodian with respect to any obligation referred to in clause (a) above or a portion of such obligation for the benefit of the holders of such depository receipts); provided that at the time of the investment or contractual commitment to invest therein (which shall be deemed to be made again each time funds are reinvested following each Payment Date), the commercial paper or other short-term senior unsecured debt obligations (other than such obligations the rating of which is based on the credit of a Person other than such depository institution or trust company) of such depository institution or trust company shall have a credit rating from Moody’s of at least “Prime-1,” from S&P of at least “A-1,” from Fitch of at least “F1+” if rated by Fitch and from DBRS of at least “R-1(high)” if rated by DBRS;

(c) commercial paper (including commercial paper of any Affiliate of the Seller, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee) having, at the time of the investment or contractual commitment to invest therein, a credit rating from Moody’s of at least “Prime-1,” from S&P of at least “A-1,” from Fitch of at least “F1+” if rated by Fitch and from DBRS of at least “R-1(high)” if rated by DBRS;

(d) investments in money market funds (including funds for which the Seller, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee or Owner Trustee or any of their respective Affiliates is investment manager or advisor) having a credit rating in the highest rating category by each nationally recognized statistical rating organization then rating any class of the Notes and such money market funds;

(e) bankers’ acceptances issued by any depository institution or trust company referred to in clause (b) above; and

(f) repurchase obligations with respect to any security that is a direct obligation of, or fully guaranteed by, the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof the obligations of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in either case entered into with a depository institution or trust company (acting as principal) referred to in clause (b) above.

Each of the Eligible Investments may be purchased from the Relevant Trustee or through an Affiliate of the Relevant Trustee. Each Eligible Investment must mature or be liquidated on the Business Day immediately preceding the next Payment Date.

Eligible Receivable” means a Receivable meeting all of the criteria set forth on Schedule II to the Purchase Agreement as of the Closing Date.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and any successor law thereto, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

EU Securitization Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 laying down a general framework for securitization and creating a specific framework for simple, transparent and standardized securitization and amending certain other European Union directives and regulations.

 

   A-13    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


EU SR Rules” means the EU Securitization Regulation, together with all relevant implementing regulations in relation thereto, all regulatory technical standards and implementing technical standards in relation thereto, or applicable in relation thereto pursuant to any transitional arrangements made pursuant to the EU Securitization Regulation and, in each case, any relevant guidance and directions published in relation thereto by the European Banking Authority, the European Securities and Markets Authority or the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (or, in each case, any predecessor or any other applicable regulatory authority) or by the European Commission, in each case, as amended and in effect from time to time.

EUWA means the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended.

Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 of the Indenture.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Act Reports” means any reports on Form 10-D, Form 8-K and Form 10-K filed or to be filed by the Seller with respect to the Issuer under the Exchange Act.

FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any regulations or official interpretations thereunder or official interpretations thereof and any current or future agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any published intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such sections of the Code, and any applicable fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or official practices adopted pursuant to such published intergovernmental agreement.

FATCA Withholding” means any withholding or deduction required pursuant to FATCA.

Final Scheduled Payment Date” means, with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-1 Final Scheduled Payment Date, (ii) the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-2 Final Scheduled Payment Date, (iii) the Class A-3 Notes, the Class A-3 Final Scheduled Payment Date, (iv) the Class B Notes, the Class B Final Scheduled Payment Date, (v) the Class C Notes, the Class C Final Scheduled Payment Date and (vi) the Class D Notes, the Class D Final Scheduled Payment Date.

Financed Vehicle” means an automobile, light-duty truck, SUV or van, together with all accessions thereto, securing an Obligor’s indebtedness under the applicable Receivable.

First Allocation of Principal” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the Class A Note Balance as of such Payment Date (before giving effect to any principal payments made on the Class A Notes on such Payment Date) over (b) the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period; provided, however, that the First Allocation of Principal for any Payment Date on and after the Final Scheduled Payment Date for any Class of Class A Notes shall not be less than the amount that is necessary to reduce the Note Balance of that Class of Class A Notes to zero.

 

   A-14    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or any successor that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Form 10-D Disclosure Item” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any legal Proceedings pending against such Person or of which any property of such Person is then subject, or (b) any Proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities against such Person or of which any property of such Person would be subject, in each case that would be material to the Noteholders.

Fourth Allocation of Principal” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount equal to (1) the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the Class A Note Balance, the Class B Note Balance, the Class C Note Balance and the Class D Note Balance as of such Payment Date (before giving effect to any principal payments made on the Notes on such Payment Date) over (b) the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period minus (2) the sum of the First Allocation of Principal, the Second Allocation of Principal and the Third Allocation of Principal for such Payment Date; provided, however, that the Fourth Allocation of Principal on and after the Final Scheduled Payment Date for the Class D Notes shall not be less than the amount that is necessary to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the Class D Notes to zero (after the application of the First Allocation of Principal, the Second Allocation of Principal and the Third Allocation of Principal).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the USA, applied on a materially consistent basis.

Governmental Authority” means any (a) Federal, state, municipal, foreign or other governmental entity, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, (b) administrative or regulatory authority (including any central bank or similar authority) or (c) court or judicial authority.

Grant” means mortgage, pledge, bargain, sell, warrant, alienate, remise, release, convey, assign, transfer, create, grant a lien upon and a security interest in and right of set-off against, deposit, set over and confirm pursuant to the Indenture. A Grant of the Collateral or of any other agreement or instrument shall include all rights, powers and options (but none of the obligations) of the Granting party thereunder, including the immediate and continuing right to claim for, collect, receive and give receipt for principal and interest payments in respect of the Collateral and all other moneys payable thereunder, to give and receive notices and other communications, to make waivers or other agreements, to exercise all rights and options, to bring Proceedings in the name of the Granting party or otherwise and generally to do and receive anything that the Granting party is or may be entitled to do or receive thereunder or with respect thereto. Other forms of the verb “to Grant” shall have correlative meanings.

Hague Securities Convention” means the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect of Securities held with an Intermediary (concluded July 5, 2006).

Holder” means, as the context may require, the Certificateholder or a Noteholder or both.

 

   A-15    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Issuer and Indenture Trustee, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

Indenture Trustee” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but as indenture trustee under the Indenture, or any successor trustee under the Indenture.

Independent” means, when used with respect to any specified Person, that such Person (i) is in fact independent of the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Administrator and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons, (ii) does not have any direct financial interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Issuer, any such other obligor upon the Notes, the Administrator or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons and (iii) is not connected with the Issuer, any such other obligor upon the Notes, the Administrator or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director or Person performing similar functions.

Independent Certificate” means a certificate or opinion to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee under the circumstances described in, and otherwise complying with, the applicable requirements of Section 11.1 of the Indenture, made by an independent appraiser or other expert appointed by an Issuer Order, and such opinion or certificate shall state that the signer has read the definition of “Independent” in this Appendix A and that the signer is Independent within the meaning thereof.

Initial Certificate Transfer Opinion” means an opinion rendered by nationally recognized tax counsel (i) upon the initial transfer by the Depositor of a Certificate that results in the Issuer being treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and (ii) while any Note retained by the Issuer or a Person that is considered the same Person as the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes is outstanding that (x) such Note will be debt for United States federal income tax purposes or (y) the transfer by the Depositor of such Certificate will not cause the Issuer to be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation.

Initial Class A-1 Note Balance” means $170,000,000.

Initial Class A-2 Note Balance” means $512,000,000.

Initial Class A-3 Note Balance” means $218,670,000.

Initial Class B Note Balance” means $199,290,000.

Initial Class C Note Balance” means $279,590,000.

Initial Class D Note Balance” means $219,600,000.

Initial Note Balance” means, for any Class, the Initial Class A-1 Note Balance, the Initial Class A-2 Note Balance, the Initial Class A-3 Note Balance, the Initial Class B Note Balance, the Initial Class C Note Balance or the Initial Class D Note Balance, as applicable, or with respect to the Notes generally, the sum of the foregoing.

 

   A-16    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Initial Reserve Account Deposit Amount” means an amount equal to $19,348,468.55.

Instituting Noteholders” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) of the Indenture.

Insurance Policy” means (i) any theft and physical damage insurance policy maintained by the Obligor under a Receivable, providing coverage against loss or damage to or theft of the related Financed Vehicle, and (ii) any credit life or credit disability insurance maintained by an Obligor in connection with any Receivable.

Interest Period” means, with respect to any Payment Date, (a) with respect to the Class A-1 Notes, from and including the Closing Date (in the case of the first Payment Date) or from and including the most recent Payment Date to but excluding that Payment Date (for example, for a Payment Date in June, the Interest Period is from and including the Payment Date in May to but excluding the Payment Date in June) and (b) for the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes, from and including the 15th day of the calendar month preceding such Payment Date (or from and including the Closing Date in the case of the first Payment Date) to but excluding the 15th day of the month in which such Payment Date occurs.

Interest Rate” means (a) with respect to the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-1 Interest Rate, (b) with respect to the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-2 Interest Rate, (c) with respect to the Class A-3 Notes, the Class A-3 Interest Rate, (d) with respect to the Class B Notes, the Class B Interest Rate, (e) with respect to the Class C Notes, the Class C Interest Rate or (f) with respect to the Class D Notes, the Class D Interest Rate.

Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Issuer” means Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust established pursuant to the Trust Agreement, until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor and, for purposes of any provision contained in the Transaction Documents, each other obligor on the Notes.

Issuer Order” and “Issuer Request” means a written order or request of the Issuer signed in the name of the Issuer by any one of its Authorized Officers and delivered to the Indenture Trustee.

Item 1119 Party” means the Seller, Santander Consumer, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee, the Asset Representations Reviewer, any underwriter of the Notes and any other material transaction party identified by the Seller or Santander Consumer to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee in writing.

Lien” means, for any asset or property of a Person, a lien, security interest, mortgage, pledge or encumbrance in, of or on such asset or property in favor of any other Person, except any Permitted Lien.

Liquidation Expenses” means, with respect to any Defaulted Receivable and any Receivable for which the related Financed Vehicle has been repossessed and reinstated (or attempted to be repossessed), any expenses (including, without limitation, any auction, painting, repair or refurbishment expenses in respect of the related Financed Vehicle) incurred by the Servicer in connection with the collection of such Receivable or the repossession or liquidation of the related Financed Vehicle.

 

   A-17    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Liquidation Proceeds” means, with respect to any Defaulted Receivable, (a) insurance proceeds received by the Servicer with respect to the Insurance Policies, (b) amounts received by the Servicer in connection with such Receivable pursuant to the exercise of rights under that Receivable and (c) the monies collected by the Servicer (from whatever source, including proceeds of a sale of a Financed Vehicle, a Deficiency Balance recovered from the Obligor after the charge-off of such Receivable or as a result of any recourse against the related Dealer, if any) on such Receivable other than any monthly payments by or on behalf of the Obligor thereunder or any full or partial prepayment of such Receivable, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a) through (c), net of any outstanding related Liquidation Expenses and any payments required by law to be remitted to the Obligor; provided, however, that the Repurchase Price for any Receivable shall not constitute “Liquidation Proceeds”.

Majority Certificateholders” means Certificateholders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Percentage Interests.

Monthly Remittance Condition” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Net Liquidation Proceeds” means, for any Collection Period, the sum of all Liquidation Proceeds received during such Collection Period less all Liquidation Expenses incurred during such Collection Period.

Note” means a Class A-1 Note, Class A-2 Note, Class A-3 Note, Class B Note, Class C Note or Class D Note in each case substantially in the forms of Exhibit A-1 or A-2, as applicable, to the Indenture.

Note Balance” means, with respect to any date of determination, for any Class, the Class A-1 Note Balance, the Class A-2 Note Balance, the Class A-3 Note Balance, the Class B Note Balance, the Class C Note Balance or the Class D Note Balance, as applicable, or with respect to the Notes generally, the sum of all of the foregoing.

Note Factor” means, for any Payment Date and each Class of Notes, a six-digit decimal equal to the Note Balance of such Class of Notes as of the end of the related Collection Period divided by the Note Balance of such Class of Notes as of the Closing Date. The Note Factor will be 1.000000 as of the Closing Date; thereafter, the Note Factor will decline to reflect reductions in the Note Balance of such Class of Notes.

Note Owner” means, with respect to a Book-Entry Note, the Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book-Entry Note, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency or a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).

 

   A-18    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Note Register” and “Note Registrar” have the respective meanings set forth in Section 2.4 of the Indenture.

Noteholder” means, as of any date, the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Register on such date.

Noteholder Direction” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a) of the Indenture.

Notes” means, collectively, the Class A-1 Notes, the Class A-2 Notes, the Class A-3 Notes, the Class B Notes, the Class C Notes and the Class D Notes.

Obligor” means, for any Receivable, each Person obligated to pay such Receivable.

Officer’s Certificate” means (i) with respect to the Issuer, a certificate signed by any Authorized Officer of the Issuer and (ii) with respect to the Seller, the Administrator or the Servicer, a certificate signed by the chairman of the board, the president, any executive vice president, any vice president, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer or the controller of the Seller, the Administrator or the Servicer, as applicable.

Opinion of Counsel” means one or more written opinions of counsel who may, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Indenture or any other applicable Transaction Document, be employees of or counsel to the Issuer, the Servicer, the Seller or the Administrator, and which opinion or opinions comply with any applicable requirements of the Transaction Documents and are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the recipient(s). Opinions of Counsel need address matters of law only and may be based upon stated assumptions as to relevant matters of fact.

Optional Purchase” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Optional Purchase Price” means, on any Payment Date, the greater of (a) the aggregate Outstanding Note Balance plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon at the applicable Interest Rate up to but excluding that Payment Date (after giving effect to all distributions pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement on such Payment Date) and (b) the fair market value of the Trust Estate (other than the Reserve Account).

Originator” means, with respect to any Receivable, Santander Consumer.

Other Assets” means any assets (or interests therein) (other than the Trust Estate) conveyed or purported to be conveyed by the Seller to another Person or Persons other than the Issuer, whether by way of a sale, capital contribution or by virtue of the granting of a lien.

Outstanding” means, as of any date, all Notes (or all Notes of an applicable Class) theretofore authenticated and delivered under the Indenture except:

 

   A-19    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


(i) Notes (or Notes of an applicable Class) theretofore cancelled by the Note Registrar or delivered to the Note Registrar for cancellation;

(ii) Notes (or Notes of an applicable Class) or portions thereof the payment for which money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the related Noteholders (provided, however, that if such Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to the Indenture or provision therefor, satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, has been made); and

(iii) Notes (or Notes of an applicable Class) in exchange for or in lieu of other Notes (or Notes of such Class) that have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Indenture unless proof satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee is presented that any such Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser;

provided that in determining whether Noteholders holding the requisite Note Balance have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, vote or waiver hereunder or under any Transaction Document, Notes owned by the Issuer, the Seller, any Certificateholder, the Servicer, the Administrator or any of their respective Affiliates shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding unless all of the Notes are then owned by the Issuer, the Seller, any Certificateholder, the Servicer, the Administrator or any of their respective Affiliates, except that, in determining whether the Indenture Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, vote or waiver, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee thereof establishes to the satisfaction of the Indenture Trustee such pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Notes and that such pledgee is not the Issuer, the Seller, any Certificateholder, the Servicer, the Administrator or any of their respective Affiliates.

Owner Trustee” means Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee under the Trust Agreement, and any successor Owner Trustee thereunder.

Ownership Trigger Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Paying Agent” means the Indenture Trustee or any other Person that meets the eligibility standards for the Indenture Trustee set forth in Section 6.11 of the Indenture and is authorized by the Issuer to make the payments of principal of or interest on the Notes on behalf of the Issuer.

Payment Date” means the 15th day of each calendar month; provided, however, whenever a Payment Date would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, the Payment Date shall be the next Business Day. The initial Payment Date will be May 17, 2021. As used herein, the “related” Payment Date with respect to a Collection Period shall be deemed to be the Payment Date which immediately follows such Collection Period.

Payment Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a) of the Indenture.

 

   A-20    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Percentage Interest” means, with respect to a Certificate, the individual percentage interest of such Certificate (calculated as the percentage that the notional principal amount of such Certificate represents of the aggregate notional principal amount of all Certificates) which shall be specified on the face thereof and which shall represent the percentage of certain distributions of the Issuer beneficially owned by such Certificateholder. The sum of the Percentage Interests for all of the Certificates shall be 100%.

Permitted Liens” means (a) any liens created by the Transaction Documents; (b) any liens for taxes not yet due and payable or the amount of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate Proceedings; and (c) any liens of mechanics, suppliers, vendors, materialmen, laborers, employees, repairmen and other like liens securing obligations which are not due and payable or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate Proceedings.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof), unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Physical Property” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Delivery” above.

Plan” means an “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA whether or not subject to Title I of ERISA, a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, or an entity or account deemed to hold plan assets of any of the foregoing.

Pool Balance” means, at any time, the aggregate Principal Balance of the Receivables (other than Defaulted Receivables) at such time.

Pool Factor” means, for any Payment Date, a six-digit decimal equal to the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period divided by the aggregate Principal Balance of the Receivables as of the Cut-Off Date. The Pool Factor will be 1.000000 as of the Closing Date; thereafter, the Pool Factor will decline to reflect reductions in the Pool Balance.

Predecessor Note” means, with respect to any particular Note, every previous Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; provided, however, for the purpose of this definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 2.5 of the Indenture in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note.

Principal Balance” means, as of any time, for any Receivable, the outstanding principal balance of such Receivable determined in accordance with the Customary Servicing Practices.

Proceeding” means any suit in equity, action at law or other judicial or administrative proceeding.

Prospectus” means the final prospectus dated April 13, 2021 relating to the Notes.

 

   A-21    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between Santander Consumer and the Seller, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Purchased Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of the Purchase Agreement.

Qualified Institutional Buyer” has the meaning specified in Rule 144A.

Rating Agency” means each of S&P and Moody’s.

Rating Agency Condition” means, with respect to any event or circumstance and each Rating Agency, either (a) written confirmation (which may be in the form of a letter, a press release or other publication, or a change in such Rating Agency’s published ratings criteria to this effect) by such Rating Agency that the occurrence of such event or circumstance will not cause such Rating Agency to downgrade, qualify or withdraw its rating assigned to any of the Notes or (b) that such Rating Agency shall have been given notice of such event or circumstance at least ten days prior to the occurrence of such event or circumstance (or, if ten days’ advance notice is impracticable, as much advance notice as is practicable and is acceptable to such Rating Agency) and such Rating Agency shall not have issued any written notice that the occurrence of such event or circumstance will itself cause such Rating Agency to downgrade, qualify or withdraw its rating assigned to the Notes.

Ratings Trigger Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Receivable” means any Contract with respect to a new or used automobile, light-duty truck, SUV or van which shall appear on the Schedule of Receivables and all Related Security in connection therewith which has not been released from the lien of the Indenture.

Receivable Files” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Record Date” means, unless otherwise specified in any Transaction Document, with respect to any Payment Date or Redemption Date, (i) for any Definitive Notes and for any Definitive Certificates, the close of business on the last Business Day of the calendar month immediately preceding the calendar month in which such Payment Date or Redemption Date occurs and (ii) for any Book-Entry Notes and for any Book-Entry Certificates, the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such Payment Date or Redemption Date.

Records” means, for any Receivable, all contracts, books, records and other documents or information (including computer programs, tapes, disks, software and related property and rights, to the extent legally transferable) relating to such Receivable or the related Obligor.

Redemption Date” means, in the case of a redemption of the Notes pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture, the Payment Date specified by the Administrator or the Issuer pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Indenture.

 

   A-22    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Redemption Price” means an amount equal to the sum of (a) the unpaid Note Balance of all Notes redeemed, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest thereon at the applicable Interest Rate for the Notes being so redeemed, up to but excluding the Redemption Date.

Registered Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Register on the related Record Date.

Regular Allocation of Principal” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount not less than zero equal to (1) the excess, if any, of (a) the Note Balance of the Notes as of such Payment Date (before giving effect to any principal payments made on the Notes on such Payment Date) over (b) (i) the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period less (ii) the Targeted Overcollateralization Amount minus (2) the sum of the First Allocation of Principal, the Second Allocation of Principal, the Third Allocation of Principal and the Fourth Allocation of Principal for such Payment Date.

Regulation AB” means Subpart 229.1100 – Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1125, as such regulation may be amended from time to time and subject to such clarification and interpretation as have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518. 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531 (January 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided in writing by the Commission or its staff from time to time.

Related Security” means, for any Receivable, (i) the security interest in the related Financed Vehicle, (ii) any rights to any proceeds from claims on any related Insurance Policy or refunds in connection with extended service agreements relating to such Receivable (if such Receivable became a Defaulted Receivable after the Cut-Off Date), (iii) any other property securing such Receivable and (iv) all proceeds of the foregoing.

Relevant Trustee” means (i) prior to the payment in full of principal of and interest on the Notes, the Indenture Trustee and (ii) following the payment in full of principal of and interest on the Notes, Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as Certificate Paying Agent; provided, however, that with respect to any property that is under the joint or separate control of a co-trustee or separate trustee under the Trust Agreement or the Indenture, respectively, “Relevant Trustee” shall refer to either or both of the Certificate Paying Agent and such co-trustee or separate trustee or to either or both of the Indenture Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee, as the case may be.

Reportable Event” means any event required to be reported on Form 8-K, and in any event, the following:

(a) entry into a material definitive agreement related to the Issuer, the Notes, the Receivables or an amendment to a Transaction Document, even if the Seller is not a party to such agreement (e.g., a servicing agreement with a servicer contemplated by Item 1108(a)(2) of Regulation AB);

(b) termination of a Transaction Document (other than by expiration of the agreement on its stated termination date or as a result of all parties completing their obligations under such agreement), even if the Seller is not a party to such agreement (e.g., a servicing agreement with a servicer contemplated by Item 1108(a)(2) of Regulation AB);

 

   A-23    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


(c) with respect to the Servicer only, the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event;

(d) an Event of Default;

(e) the resignation, removal, replacement, or substitution of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee; and

(f) with respect to the Indenture Trustee only, a required distribution to holders of the Notes is not made as of the required Payment Date under the Indenture.

Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.24(e)(iii) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Repurchase Price” means, with respect to any Repurchased Receivable, a price equal to the outstanding Principal Balance of such Receivable plus any unpaid accrued interest related to such Receivable accrued to and including the end of the Collection Period preceding the date that such Repurchased Receivable was purchased by Santander Consumer or the Servicer, as applicable.

Repurchased Receivable” means a Receivable purchased by Santander Consumer pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement or by the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Requesting Investor” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5 of the Indenture.

Requesting Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Reserve Account” means the account designated as such, established and maintained pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Reserve Account Draw Amount” means, for any Payment Date, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Available Funds Shortfall Amount, if any, for such Payment Date and (b) the amount of cash or other immediately available funds on deposit in the Reserve Account (excluding any net investment earnings) on such Payment Date; provided, however, that if such Payment Date is the Redemption Date, the “Reserve Account Draw Amount” shall mean an amount equal to the amount of cash or other immediately available funds on deposit in the Reserve Account on the Redemption Date.

Reserve Account Excess Amount” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the amount of cash or other immediately available funds in the Reserve Account (excluding any net investment earnings) on that Payment Date, after giving effect to all deposits to and withdrawals from the Reserve Account on such Payment Date, over (b) the Specified Reserve Account Balance with respect to such Payment Date.

 

   A-24    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Responsible Officer” means, (a) with respect to the Indenture Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Indenture Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Indenture Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of the Indenture, (b) with respect to the Owner Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Owner Trustee including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant treasurer, assistant secretary, or any other officer customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers, and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and, in each instance, having direct responsibility for the administration of the Trust Agreement, and (c) with respect to the Servicer, the Administrator or Seller, any officer of such Person having direct responsibility for the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Restricted Notes” means any Note for which no Debt-For-Tax Opinion has been rendered on or after the later of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) the most recent date on which such Note was beneficially owned by the Issuer or the single beneficial owner of the Issuer for United States federal income tax purposes.

Review Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(b) of the Indenture.

Review Report” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.07 of the Asset Representations Review Agreement.

Review Satisfaction Date” means, with respect to any Asset Review, the first date on which (a) the Delinquency Percentage for any Payment Date exceeds the Delinquency Trigger and (b) a Noteholder Direction with respect to such Asset Review has occurred.

Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act and any successor rule thereto.

Rule 144A Information” means the information specified pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) of the Securities Act (or any successor provision thereto).

S&P” means S&P Global Ratings, or any successor that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

Sale and Servicing Agreement” means the Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Seller, the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Santander Consumer” means Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation, and its successors and assigns.

 

   A-25    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Sarbanes Certification” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.21(b)(iii) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and any successor law thereto.

Schedule of Receivables” means the electronic data file of the Receivables transferred to the Issuer on the Closing Date on file with the Servicer.

SCRA Obligor” means an Obligor who is a “servicemember” in “military service” or is a “dependent” of a “servicemember” (in each case, within the meaning of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act).

Second Allocation of Principal” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount equal to (1) the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the Class A Note Balance and the Class B Note Balance as of such Payment Date (before giving effect to any principal payments made on the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes on such Payment Date) over (b) the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period minus (2) the First Allocation of Principal for such Payment Date; provided, however, that the Second Allocation of Principal on and after the Final Scheduled Payment Date for the Class B Notes shall not be less than the amount that is necessary to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the Class B Notes to zero (after the application of the First Allocation of Principal).

Section 385 Controlled Partnership” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.385-1(c)(1) for a “controlled partnership”.

Section 385 Expanded Group” means the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.385-1(c)(4) for an “expanded group”.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Securitization Regulations” means the EU Securitization Regulation and the UK Securitization Regulation.

Seller” means Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Servicer” means Santander Consumer, initially, and any replacement Servicer appointed pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Servicer Replacement Event” means any one or more of the following that shall have occurred and be continuing:

(a) any failure by the Servicer to deliver or cause to be delivered any required payment to the Indenture Trustee for distribution to the Noteholders, which failure continues unremedied for five Business Days after discovery thereof by a Responsible Officer of the Servicer or receipt by the Servicer of written notice thereof from the Indenture Trustee or Noteholders evidencing at least 25% of the Note Balance, voting together as a single Class;

 

   A-26    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


(b) any failure by the Servicer to duly observe or perform in any respect any other of its covenants or agreements in the Sale and Servicing Agreement (other than a breach of the covenant set forth in Section 3.14 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement), which failure materially and adversely affects the rights of the Issuer or the Noteholders, and which continues unremedied for 90 days after discovery thereof by a Responsible Officer of the Servicer or receipt by the Servicer of written notice thereof from the Indenture Trustee or Noteholders evidencing at least a majority of the aggregate Note Balance of all Outstanding Notes; provided, that no Servicer Replacement Event will result from the breach by the Servicer of any covenant for which the purchase of the affected Receivable is specified as the sole remedy pursuant to Section 3.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; or

(c) the Servicer suffers a Bankruptcy Event;

provided, however, that (A) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (a) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the five Business Day grace period referred to in such clause (a) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days and (B) if any delay or failure of performance referred to in clause (b) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the 90 day grace period referred to in such clause (b) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days. The existence or occurrence of any “material instance of noncompliance” (within the meaning of Item 1122 of Regulation AB) shall not create any presumption that any event in clauses (a) or (b) above has occurred.

Servicer’s Certificate” means the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Servicing Criteria” means the “servicing criteria” set forth in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB.

Servicing Fee” means, for any Payment Date, the product of (A) one-twelfth, (B) the Servicing Fee Rate and (C) the Pool Balance as of the first day of the related Collection Period (or, in the case of the first Payment Date, as of the Cut-Off Date).

Servicing Fee Rate” means 4.00% per annum.

Severely Distressed Receivable” means, as of any date of determination, a Receivable (other than a Repurchased Receivable) (i) that is 60 or more days delinquent or, if less than 60 days delinquent, the related Obligor has experienced a hardship and, in the judgment of the Servicer in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, it is reasonably foreseeable that the Obligor will be unable to pay the Principal Balance of, and accrued and unpaid interest and fees on, such Receivable in accordance with its terms, (ii) that is a Defaulted Receivable, (iii) for which the Obligor is the subject of a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding, (iv) for which the related Financed Vehicle has been repossessed (or for which the Servicer has initiated repossession proceedings), (v) for which the related Financed Vehicle has been subject to theft or suffered destruction or damage that would be determined to be beyond repair in accordance with Customary Servicing Practices or (vi) for which the maturity date is in less than six months and, in the judgment of the Servicer in accordance with its Customary Servicing Practices, it is reasonably foreseeable that the Obligor will be unable to pay the Principal Balance of, and accrued and unpaid interest and fees on, such Receivable by the maturity date.

 

   A-27    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Similar Law” means any federal, state, local or other law that is substantially similar to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

Simple Interest Method” means the method of calculating interest due on a motor vehicle receivable on a daily basis based on the actual outstanding principal balance of the receivable on that date.

Simple Interest Receivable” means any motor vehicle receivable pursuant to which the payments due from the Obligors during any month are allocated between interest, principal and other charges based on the actual date on which a payment is received and for which interest is calculated using the Simple Interest Method.

Specified Reserve Account Balance” means, for any Payment Date, an amount equal to 1.00% of the Pool Balance as of the Cut-Off Date; provided, however, on any Payment Date after the Notes are no longer Outstanding following payment in full of the principal and interest on the Notes, the “Specified Reserve Account Balance” shall be $0.

Sponsor” means Santander Consumer.

SR Retained Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.26 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

SR Rules” means the EU SR Rules and the UK SR Rules.

Statutory Trust Statute” means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. Code § 3801 et seq.

Subject Receivables” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Asset Representations Review Agreement.

Sub-Servicer” means any Affiliate of the Servicer or any sub-contractor to whom any or all duties of the Servicer (including, without limitation, its duties as custodian) under the Transaction Documents have been delegated in accordance with Section 6.5 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Supplemental Servicing Fees” means any and all (i) late fees, (ii) extension fees, (iii) non-sufficient funds charges and (iv) any and all other administrative fees or similar charges allowed by applicable law with respect to any Receivable.

Targeted Overcollateralization Amount” means, for any Payment Date, the sum of 25.15% of the Pool Balance as of the last day of the related Collection Period and 3.50% of the Pool Balance as of the Cut-Off Date.

Tax Information” means information and/or properly completed and signed tax certifications sufficient to eliminate the imposition of or to determine the amount of any withholding of tax, including FATCA Withholding, imposed on payments to the provider, and to allow the recipient to comply with any reporting or other obligations under any applicable tax law, including but not limited to Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable, and any required supporting documentation.

 

   A-28    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


Test Fail” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Asset Representations Review Agreement.

Third Allocation of Principal” means, with respect to any Payment Date, an amount equal to (1) the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the Class A Note Balance, the Class B Note Balance and the Class C Note Balance as of such Payment Date (before giving effect to any principal payments made on the Class A Notes, the Class B Notes and the Class C Notes on such Payment Date) over (b) the Pool Balance as of the end of the related Collection Period minus (2) the sum of the First Allocation of Principal and the Second Allocation of Principal for such Payment Date; provided, however, that the Third Allocation of Principal on and after the Final Scheduled Payment Date for the Class C Notes shall not be less than the amount that is necessary to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the Class C Notes to zero (after the application of the First Allocation of Principal and the Second Allocation of Principal).

TIA” or “Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as in force on the date hereof, unless otherwise specifically provided.

Transaction Documents” means the Indenture, the Notes, the Depository Agreement, the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Trust Agreement and the Asset Representations Review Agreement, as the same may be amended or modified from time to time.

Transferred Assets” means (a) the Purchased Assets, (b) all of the Seller’s rights under the Purchase Agreement, including the rights to enforce the repurchase obligations of Santander Consumer for breaches of the representations and warranties of Santander Consumer set forth in Schedule II to the Purchase Agreement and (c) all proceeds of the foregoing.

Trust Account Property” means the Trust Accounts, all amounts and investments held from time to time in any Trust Account (whether in the form of deposit accounts, Physical Property, book-entry securities, uncertificated securities or otherwise), and all proceeds of the foregoing.

Trust Accounts” means the Collection Account and the Reserve Account.

Trust Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, between the Seller and the Owner Trustee, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

Trust Estate” means all money, accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles, goods, instruments, investment property and other property of the Issuer, including without limitation (i) the Receivables acquired by the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Related Security relating thereto and Collections thereon after the Cut-Off Date, (ii) all Receivable Files, (iii) the rights of the Issuer to the funds on deposit from time to time in the Trust Accounts and any other account or accounts (other than the Certificate Distribution Account) established pursuant to the Indenture or Sale and Servicing Agreement and all cash, investment property and

 

   A-29    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


other property from time to time credited thereto and all proceeds thereof (including investment earnings, net of losses and investment expenses, on amounts on deposit therein, other than as provided in Section 3.7 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement), (iv) the rights of the Seller, as buyer, under the Purchase Agreement, (v) the rights of the Issuer under the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Administration Agreement and (vi) all proceeds of the foregoing.

UCC” means, unless the context otherwise requires, the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the relevant jurisdiction, as amended from time to time.

UK Securitization Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 as it forms part of UK domestic law by operation of the EUWA, and as amended by the Securitisation (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

UK SR Rules” means the UK Securitization Regulation, together with (a) all applicable binding technical standards made under the UK Securitization Regulation, (b) any EU regulatory technical standards or implementing technical standards relating to the EU Securitization Regulation (including such regulatory technical standards or implementing technical standards which are applicable pursuant to any transitional provisions of the EU Securitization Regulation) forming part of UK domestic law by operation of the EUWA), (c) all relevant guidance, policy statements or directions relating to the application of the UK Securitization Regulation (or any binding technical standards) published by the FCA and/or the PRA (or their successors), (d) any guidelines relating to the application of the EU Securitization Regulation which are applicable in the UK, (e) any other transitional, saving or other provision relevant to the UK Securitization Regulation by virtue of the operation of the EUWA and (f) any other applicable laws, acts, statutory instruments, rules, guidance or policy statements published or enacted relating to the UK Securitization Regulation, in each case, as may be further amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

Underwriter” or “Underwriters” means, collectively, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Santander Investment Securities Inc.

Underwriting Agreement” means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2021, among J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on its own behalf and as representative of the several underwriters named therein, Santander Consumer and the Depositor.

United States” or “USA” means the United States of America (including all states, the District of Columbia, territories and political subdivisions thereof).

Unrelated Amounts” means (a) amounts deposited by the Servicer into the Collection Account but later determined by the Servicer to be mistaken or returned deposits or postings, (b) amounts deposited by the Servicer into the Collection Account as Collections but which were later determined by the Servicer to not constitute Collections with respect to the Receivables and (c) amounts received by the Servicer with respect to a Receivable that the Servicer is prohibited from depositing into the Collection Account or otherwise remitting to the Issuer by law or court order, the direction of a regulatory authority or regulatory guidance.

 

   A-30    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)


U.S. Tax Person” means a Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, generally including:

(a) a citizen or resident of the United States;

(b) a corporation or partnership organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State or the District of Columbia;

(c) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for United States tax purposes, regardless of its source; or

(d) a trust if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. Tax Persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or a trust that has elected to be treated as a U.S. Tax Person.

Verification Documents” means, with respect to any Note Owner, a certification from such Note Owner certifying that such Person is in fact, a Note Owner, as well as one additional piece of documentation reasonably satisfactory to the recipient, such as a trade confirmation, account statement, letter from a broker or dealer or other similar document.

The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms. Unless otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, in accordance with GAAP. Amounts to be calculated hereunder shall be continuously recalculated at the time any information relevant to such calculation changes.

 

   A-31    Definitions (DRIVE 2021-1)
EX-10.3 6 d161327dex103.htm EX-10.3 EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

between

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1,

as Issuer,

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,

as Administrator

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Indenture Trustee

Dated as of April 21, 2021

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       Page  

1.

  Duties of the Administrator      1  

2.

  Records      3  

3.

  Compensation; Payment of Fees and Expenses      3  

4.

  Independence of the Administrator      3  

5.

  No Joint Venture      3  

6.

  Other Activities of the Administrator      3  

7.

  Representations and Warranties of the Administrator      4  

8.

  Administrator Termination Events; Termination of the Administrator      4  

9.

  Action upon Termination or Removal      6  

10.

  Liens      6  

11.

  Notices      6  

12.

  Amendments      6  

13.

  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      8  

14.

  Headings      8  

15.

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      8  

16.

  Entire Agreement      9  

17.

  Severability of Provisions      9  

18.

  Not Applicable to Santander Consumer in Other Capacities; Merger of Administrator      9  

19.

  Benefits of the Administration Agreement      10  

20.

  Delegation of Duties      10  

21.

  Assignment      10  

22.

  Nonpetition Covenant      10  

23.

  Limitation of Liability      10  

24.

  Other Interpretive Provisions      11  

 

-i-


THIS ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, this “Agreement”) dated as of April 21, 2021, is between DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC., an Illinois corporation, as administrator (“Santander Consumer” or the “Administrator”), and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned such terms in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 21, 2021 (the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”) by and between Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, as seller, the Issuer, the Administrator, as servicer, and the Indenture Trustee.

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC (the “Seller”) and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. (the “Owner Trustee”) have entered into the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of April 21, 2021 (the “Trust Agreement”).

WHEREAS, the Issuer has issued the Notes pursuant to the Indenture and has entered into certain agreements in connection therewith, including, (i) the Sale and Servicing Agreement, (ii) the Indenture and (iii) the Depository Agreement (the Trust Agreement and each of the agreements referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) are referred to herein collectively as the “Issuer Documents”);

WHEREAS, to secure payment of the Notes, the Issuer has pledged the Collateral to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Issuer Documents, the Issuer is required to perform certain duties;

WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to have the Administrator administer the affairs of the Issuer and perform certain of the duties of the Issuer and to provide such additional services consistent with this Agreement and the Issuer Documents as the Issuer may from time to time request;

WHEREAS, the Administrator has the capacity to provide the services required hereby and is willing to perform such services for the Issuer on the terms set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms and covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of the Administrator.

(a) Duties with Respect to the Issuer Documents. The Administrator shall perform all of its duties as Administrator specifically enumerated herein and in the Issuer Documents and administer and perform all of the duties and obligations of the Issuer under the Issuer Documents and no additional duties shall be read to be included herein; provided, however, that the Administrator shall have no obligation to make any payment

 

      Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


required to be made by the Issuer under any Issuer Document. In addition, the Administrator shall consult with the Issuer regarding its duties and obligations under the Issuer Documents. The Administrator shall monitor the performance of the Issuer and shall advise the Issuer when action is necessary to comply with the Issuer’s duties and obligations under the Issuer Documents. Other than such items to be performed by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.6 of the Indenture, the Administrator shall perform such calculations, and shall prepare for execution by the Issuer or shall cause the preparation by other appropriate persons of all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, certificates, notices and opinions as it shall be the duty of the Issuer to prepare, file or deliver pursuant to the Issuer Documents. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Administrator shall take all appropriate action that is the duty of the Issuer to take pursuant to the Issuer Documents, and shall prepare, execute, file and deliver on behalf of the Issuer all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, certificates, notices and opinions as it shall be the duty of the Issuer to prepare, execute, file or deliver pursuant to the Issuer Documents or otherwise by law.

(b) Notices to Rating Agencies. The Administrator shall give notice to each Rating Agency of (i) any merger or consolidation of the Owner Trustee pursuant to Section 10.4 of the Trust Agreement; (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.9 of the Indenture; (iii) any resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.8 of the Indenture; (iv) any Default or Event of Default of which it has been provided notice pursuant to Section 6.5 of the Indenture; (v) the termination of, and/or appointment of a successor to, the Servicer pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement; and (vi) any supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 9.1 or 9.2 of the Indenture; which notice shall be given in the case of each of clauses (i) through (vi) promptly upon the Administrator being notified thereof by the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, as applicable.

(c) Dissolution of the Issuer. Upon dissolution of the Issuer, the Administrator shall wind up the business and affairs of the Issuer in accordance with Section 9.2 of the Trust Agreement.

(d) No Action by Administrator. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated to, and shall not, take any action that the Issuer directs the Administrator not to take or which would result in a violation or breach of the Issuer’s covenants, agreements or obligations under any of the Issuer Documents.

(e) Non-Ministerial Matters; Exceptions to Administrator Duties.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to matters that in the reasonable judgment of the Administrator are non-ministerial, the Administrator shall not take any action unless, within a reasonable time before the taking of such action, the Administrator shall have notified the Issuer of the proposed action and the Issuer shall not have withheld consent or provided an alternative direction. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, “non-ministerial matters” shall include, without limitation:

 

   2    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(A) the initiation of any claim or lawsuit by the Issuer and the compromise of any action, claim or lawsuit brought by or against the Issuer;

(B) the appointment of successor Note Registrars, successor Paying Agents, successor Indenture Trustees, a successor Administrator or successor Servicers, or the consent to the assignment by the Note Registrar, Paying Agent or Indenture Trustee of its obligations under the Indenture; and

(C) the removal of the Indenture Trustee.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated to, and shall not, (x) make any payments to the Noteholders or Certificateholders under the Transaction Documents, (y) except as provided in the Transaction Documents, sell the Trust Estate or (z) take any other action that the Issuer directs the Administrator not to take on its behalf.

2. Records. The Administrator shall maintain appropriate books of account and records relating to services performed hereunder, which books of account and records shall be accessible for inspection upon reasonable written request by the Issuer, the Seller and the Indenture Trustee at any time during normal business hours.

3. Compensation; Payment of Fees and Expenses. As compensation for the performance of the Administrator’s obligations under this Agreement, the Administrator shall be entitled to receive $2,500 annually, which shall be solely an obligation of the Servicer; provided, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, such compensation shall in no event exceed the Servicing Fee for the related annual period. The Administrator shall pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities hereunder.

4. Independence of the Administrator. For all purposes of this Agreement, the Administrator shall be an independent contractor and shall not be subject to the supervision of the Issuer with respect to the manner in which it accomplishes the performance of its obligations hereunder. Unless expressly authorized by the Issuer, the Administrator shall have no authority to act for or to represent the Issuer in any way (other than as permitted hereunder) and shall not otherwise be deemed an agent of the Issuer.

5. No Joint Venture. Nothing contained in this Agreement (i) shall constitute the Administrator, the Issuer or the Owner Trustee as members of any partnership, joint venture, association, syndicate, unincorporated business or other separate entity, (ii) shall be construed to impose any liability as such on the Administrator, the Issuer or the Owner Trustee or (iii) shall be deemed to confer on the Administrator, the Issuer or the Owner Trustee any express, implied or apparent authority to incur any obligation or liability on behalf of the other.

6. Other Activities of the Administrator. Nothing herein shall prevent the Administrator or its Affiliates from engaging in other businesses or, in its sole discretion, from acting in a similar capacity as an Administrator for any other Person even though such Person may engage in business activities similar to those of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee.

 

   3    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


7. Representations and Warranties of the Administrator. The Administrator represents and warrants to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee as follows:

(a) Existence and Power. The Administrator is a corporation validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. The Administrator has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Administrator to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents or affect the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Collateral.

(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Administrator of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Administrator and do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) its organizational documents or (iii) any material agreement to which the Administrator is a party by which its properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, organizational documents or agreements which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or the Administrator’s ability to perform its obligations under, the Transaction Documents).

(c) No Consent Required. No approval or authorization by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Administrator of any Transaction Document other than (i) UCC filings, (ii) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings that have previously been made and (iii) approvals, authorizations or filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the enforceability or collectability of the Receivables or any other part of the Collateral or would not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Administrator to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents.

(d) Binding Effect. Each Transaction Document to which the Administrator is a party constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Administrator enforceable against the Administrator in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable, the rights of creditors of corporations from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.

8. Administrator Termination Events; Termination of the Administrator.

(a) Subject to clause (d) below, the Administrator may resign its duties hereunder by providing the Issuer with at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice.

 

   4    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(b) Subject to Section 3.15 of the Indenture, the Issuer may remove the Administrator without cause by providing the Administrator with at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice.

(c) The occurrence of any one of the following events (each, an “Administrator Termination Event”) shall also entitle the Issuer, subject to Section 21 hereof, to terminate and replace the Administrator:

(i) any failure by the Administrator to duly observe or perform in any respect any other of its covenants or agreements in this Agreement, which failure materially and adversely affects the rights of the Issuer or the Noteholders, and which continues unremedied for 90 days after discovery thereof by a Responsible Officer of the Administrator or receipt by the Administrator of written notice thereof from the Indenture Trustee or Noteholders evidencing a majority of the Note Balance of the Outstanding Notes, voting together as a single class; or

(ii) the Administrator suffers a Bankruptcy Event;

provided, however, that if any delay or failure of performance referred to under clause (c)(i) above shall have been caused by force majeure or other similar occurrence, the 90 day grace period referred to in such clause (c)(i) shall be extended for an additional 60 calendar days.

(d) If an Administrator Termination Event shall have occurred, the Issuer may, subject to Section 21 hereof, by notice given to the Administrator and the Owner Trustee, terminate all or a portion of the rights and powers of the Administrator under this Agreement, including the rights of the Administrator to receive the annual fee for services hereunder for all periods following such termination; provided, however that such termination shall not become effective until such time as the Issuer, subject to Section 21 hereof, shall have appointed a successor Administrator in the manner set forth below. Upon any such termination or upon a resignation of the Administrator in accordance with Section 8(a) hereof, all rights, powers, duties and responsibilities of the Administrator under this Agreement shall vest in and be assumed by any successor Administrator appointed by the Issuer, subject to Section 21 hereof, pursuant to a management agreement between the Issuer and such successor Administrator, containing substantially the same provisions as this Agreement (including with respect to the compensation of such successor Administrator), and the successor Administrator is hereby irrevocably authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Administrator, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, all documents and other instruments, and to do or accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect such vesting and assumption. Further, in such event, the Administrator shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the orderly and efficient transfer of the administration of the Issuer to the new Administrator. No resignation or removal of the Administrator shall be effective until a successor Administrator shall have been appointed by the Issuer.

(e) The Issuer, subject to Section 21 hereof, may waive in writing any Administrator Termination Event by the Administrator in the performance of its obligations hereunder and its consequences. Upon any such waiver of a past Administrator Termination Event, such Administrator Termination Event shall cease to exist, and any Administrator Termination Event arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been remedied for every purpose of this Agreement. No such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Administrator Termination Event or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

   5    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


9. Action upon Termination or Removal. Promptly upon the effective date of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8, or the removal or resignation of the Administrator pursuant to Section 8, the Administrator shall be entitled to be paid by the Servicer all fees accruing to it to the date of such termination or removal.

10. Liens. The Administrator will not directly or indirectly create, suffer or allow to exist any Lien on the Collateral other than Permitted Liens.

11. Notices. All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered or mailed by registered or certified first class United States mail, postage prepaid, hand delivery, prepaid courier service, or by facsimile or by electronic transmission, and addressed in each case as specified on Schedule I to the Sale and Servicing Agreement or at such other address as shall be designated by any of the specified addressees in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Delivery shall occur only upon receipt or reported tender of such communication by an officer of the recipient entitled to receive such notices located at the address of such recipient for notices hereunder.

12. Amendments.

(a) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be amended by the Administrator without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person subject to the satisfaction of one of the following conditions:

(i) the Administrator delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such amendment will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and the Administrator notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment.

(b) This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Issuer, the Administrator and the Indenture Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Controlling Class, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders. It will not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents (and any other consents of Noteholders provided for in this Agreement) and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders will be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe, including the establishment of record dates pursuant to the Depository Agreement.

 

   6    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Administrator for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Agreement to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person, provided, however, the Administrator shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee and promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Administrator shall furnish a copy of such amendment to the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee.

(d) Prior to the execution of any amendment pursuant to this Section 12, the Administrator shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency and the Owner Trustee; and promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Administrator shall furnish a copy of such amendment to each Rating Agency, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee; provided, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 12 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(e) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such amendment have been satisfied. The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which adversely affects the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s, as applicable, own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 12, this Agreement may only be amended by the Administrator if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons) consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Administrator or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect.

 

   7    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


13. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL, SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE RULES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS, OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(i) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Agreement or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof;

(ii) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(iii) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 11 of this Agreement;

(iv) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(v) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

14. Headings. The article and section headings hereof have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Agreement.

15. Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law,

 

   8    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

16. Entire Agreement. The Transaction Documents contain a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral and written understandings. There are no unwritten agreements among the parties with respect to the transactions described in the Transaction Documents.

17. Severability of Provisions. If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement.

18. Not Applicable to Santander Consumer in Other Capacities; Merger of Administrator.

(a) Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any obligation Santander Consumer may have in any other capacity.

(b) Any entity (i) into which the Administrator may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, to which it may sell or transfer its business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole or any entity resulting from any merger, sale, transfer, conversion or consolidation to which the Administrator shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to the business of the Administrator or (ii) more than 50% of the voting stock or voting power and 50% or more of the economic equity of which is owned directly or indirectly by Banco Santander, S.A. and which executes an agreement of assumption to perform every obligation of the Administrator under this Agreement, shall be the successor to the Administrator under this Agreement, in each case, without the execution or filing of any paper of any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

   9    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


19. Benefits of the Administration Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall give to any Person other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the Owner Trustee, any separate trustee or co-trustee appointed under Section 6.10 of the Indenture and the Noteholders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Owner Trustee is a third party beneficiary of this Agreement and is entitled to the rights and benefits hereunder and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto.

20. Delegation of Duties. The Administrator may, at any time without notice or consent, delegate (a) any or all of its duties under the Transaction Documents to any of its Affiliates or (b) specific duties to sub-contractors or other professional services firms (including accountants, outside legal counsel or similar concerns) who are in the business of performing such duties; provided, that no such delegation shall relieve the Administrator of its responsibility with respect to such duties and the Administrator shall remain obligated hereunder as if the Administrator alone were performing such duties.

21. Assignment. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and consents to the mortgage, pledge, assignment and grant of a security interest by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders of all of the Issuer’s rights under this Agreement. In addition, the Administrator hereby acknowledges and agrees that for so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Indenture Trustee will have the right to exercise all waivers and consents, rights, remedies, powers, privileges and claims of the Issuer under this Agreement in the event the Issuer shall fail to exercise the same.

22. Nonpetition Covenant. Each party hereto agrees that, prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by any Bankruptcy Remote Party (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence, join with any other Person in commencing or institute with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction.

23. Limitation of Liability. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that (a) this document is executed and delivered by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not individually or personally, but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, (b) each of the representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, warranties, covenants undertakings and agreements by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., individually

 

   10    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Issuer or any other Person in this Agreement and (e) under no circumstances shall Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, duty (including fiduciary duty, if any), representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Agreement or under the Notes or any of the other Transaction Documents or in any of the certificates, notices or agreements delivered pursuant thereto, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer.

24. Other Interpretive Provisions. For purposes of this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP; provided, that, to the extent that the definitions in this Agreement and GAAP conflict, the definitions in this Agreement shall control; (b) terms defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the relevant jurisdiction and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are used as defined in that Article; (c) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (d) references to any Article, Section, Schedule, Appendix or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules, Appendices and Exhibits in or to this Agreement and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (e) the term “including” and all variations thereof means “including without limitation”; (f) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, references to any law or regulation refer to that law or regulation as amended from time to time and include any successor law or regulation; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s successors and assigns; and (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.

[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]

 

   11    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1
By:   WELLS FARGO DELAWARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
  not in its individual capacity
  but solely as Owner Trustee
By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

   S-1    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,
as Administrator
By:  

                     

Name: Corey Henry
Title: Vice President

 

   S-2    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION, not individually but solely as

Indenture Trustee

By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

   S-3    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)


Joinder of Servicer:

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC., as Servicer, joins in this Agreement solely for purposes of Section 3.

 

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,
as Servicer
By:  

                     

Name:   Corey Henry
Title:   Vice President

 

   S-4    Administration Agreement (DRIVE 2021-1)
EX-10.4 7 d161327dex104.htm EX-10.4 EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

TRUST AGREEMENT

between

SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC,

as the Seller

and

WELLS FARGO DELAWARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as the Owner Trustee

Dated as of April 21, 2021

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I    DEFINITIONS

     1  

SECTION 1.1.

  Capitalized Terms      1  

SECTION 1.2.

  Other Interpretive Provisions      1  

ARTICLE II    ORGANIZATION

     2  

SECTION 2.1.

  Name      2  

SECTION 2.2.

  Office      2  

SECTION 2.3.

  Purposes and Powers      2  

SECTION 2.4.

  Appointment of the Owner Trustee      3  

SECTION 2.5.

  Initial Capital Contribution of Trust Estate      3  

SECTION 2.6.

  Declaration of Trust      3  

SECTION 2.7.

  Organizational Expenses; Liabilities of the Holders      4  

SECTION 2.8.

  Title to the Trust Estate      4  

SECTION 2.9.

  Representations and Warranties of the Seller      4  

SECTION 2.10.

  Situs of Issuer      5  

SECTION 2.11.

  Covenants of the Certificateholders      5  

SECTION 2.12.

  Federal Income Tax Allocations      5  

ARTICLE III    CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATES

     6  

SECTION 3.1.

  Initial Ownership      6  

SECTION 3.2.

  Authorization of the Certificates      6  

SECTION 3.3.

  Book-Entry Certificates      6  

SECTION 3.4.

  Notices to Clearing Agency      8  

SECTION 3.5.

  Definitive Certificates      8  

SECTION 3.6.

  Registration of the Certificates      9  

SECTION 3.7.

  Transfer of the Certificates      10  

SECTION 3.8.

  Appointment of the Certificate Paying Agent      18  

SECTION 3.9.

  Maintenance of Office or Agency      19  

SECTION 3.10.

  Relevant Trustee      20  

SECTION 3.11.

  Statement to Certificateholders      20  

ARTICLE IV    ACTIONS BY OWNER TRUSTEE

     21  

SECTION 4.1.

  Prior Notice to Certificateholders with Respect to Certain Matters      21  

SECTION 4.2.

  Action by Certificateholders with Respect to Certain Matters      21  

SECTION 4.3.

  Action by Certificateholders with Respect to Bankruptcy      21  

SECTION 4.4.

  Restrictions on Certificateholders’ Power      22  

SECTION 4.5.

  Acts of Certificateholders; Majority Control      22  

ARTICLE V     APPLICATION OF TRUST FUNDS; CERTAIN DUTIES

     23  

SECTION 5.1.

  Application of Trust Funds      23  

SECTION 5.2.

  Method of Payment      23  

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 5.3.

  Tax Matters      23  

SECTION 5.4.

  Certificate Distribution Account      24  

SECTION 5.5.

  Withholding      25  

SECTION 5.6.

  Preservation of Information; Communications to Certificateholders      25  

SECTION 5.7.

  Rule 144A Information      26  

ARTICLE VI    AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OWNER TRUSTEE

     26  

SECTION 6.1.

  General Authority      26  

SECTION 6.2.

  General Duties      27  

SECTION 6.3.

  Action upon Instruction      27  

SECTION 6.4.

  No Duties Except as Specified in this Agreement or in Instructions      28  

SECTION 6.5.

  No Action Except under Specified Documents or Instructions      29  

SECTION 6.6.

  Restrictions      29  

ARTICLE VII    CONCERNING OWNER TRUSTEE

     29  

SECTION 7.1.

  Acceptance of Trusts and Duties      29  

SECTION 7.2.

  Furnishing of Documents      32  

SECTION 7.3.

  Notice of Events of Default and Servicer Replacement Event      32  

SECTION 7.4.

  Representations and Warranties      32  

SECTION 7.5.

  Reliance; Advice of Counsel      33  

SECTION 7.6.

  Not Acting in Individual Capacity      34  

SECTION 7.7.

  The Owner Trustee May Own Notes      34  

SECTION 7.8.

  Compliance with Patriot Act      34  

ARTICLE VIII    COMPENSATION OF OWNER TRUSTEE

     35  

SECTION 8.1.

  The Owner Trustee’s Compensation      35  

SECTION 8.2.

  Indemnification      35  

SECTION 8.3.

  Payments to the Owner Trustee      36  

ARTICLE IX    TERMINATION OF TRUST AGREEMENT

     36  

SECTION 9.1.

  Dissolution of Issuer      36  

SECTION 9.2.

  Termination of Trust Agreement      37  

SECTION 9.3.

  Limitations on Termination      37  

ARTICLE X     SUCCESSOR OWNER TRUSTEES AND ADDITIONAL OWNER TRUSTEES

     38  

SECTION 10.1.

  Eligibility Requirements for the Owner Trustee      38  

SECTION 10.2.

  Resignation or Removal of the Owner Trustee      38  

SECTION 10.3.

  Successor Owner Trustee      39  

SECTION 10.4.

  Merger or Consolidation of the Owner Trustee      39  

SECTION 10.5.

  Appointment of Co-Trustee or Separate Trustee      40  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE XI    MISCELLANEOUS

     41  

SECTION 11.1.

  Amendments      41  

SECTION 11.2.

  No Legal Title to Trust Estate in Certificateholders      42  

SECTION 11.3.

  Limitations on Rights of Others      42  

SECTION 11.4.

  Notices      43  

SECTION 11.5.

  Severability      43  

SECTION 11.6.

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      43  

SECTION 11.7.

  Successors and Assigns      44  

SECTION 11.8.

  No Petition      44  

SECTION 11.9.

  Information Request      45  

SECTION 11.10.

  Headings      45  

SECTION 11.11.

  GOVERNING LAW      45  

SECTION 11.12.

  Waiver of Jury Trial; Submission to Jurisdiction      46  

SECTION 11.13.

  Form 10-D and Form 10-K Filings      46  

SECTION 11.14.

  Form 8-K Filings      46  

SECTION 11.15.

  Information to Be Provided by the Owner Trustee      47  

SECTION 11.16.

  Wells Fargo Roles      47  

SECTION 11.17.

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      47  

Exhibit A – Form of Certificate

Exhibit B – Form of Registration of Certificate Transfer Direction Letter

 

 

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This AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT is made as of April 21, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, this “Agreement” or this “Trust Agreement”) between SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the Seller (the “Seller”), and WELLS FARGO DELAWARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., a national banking association (“Wells Fargo”), as the owner trustee (in such capacity and not in its individual capacity, the “Owner Trustee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Seller and the Owner Trustee entered into that certain trust agreement dated as of January 8, 2021 (the “Original Trust Agreement”) and filed a certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, pursuant to which the Issuer (as defined below) was created; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the issuance of the Notes, the parties have agreed to amend and restate the Original Trust Agreement;

NOW THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual agreements herein contained, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1. Capitalized Terms. Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect, the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”) between the Issuer, the Seller, the Servicer, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Indenture Trustee.

SECTION 1.2. Other Interpretive Provisions. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. For purposes of this Agreement and all such certificates and other documents, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) accounting terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP (provided, that, to the extent that the definitions in this Agreement and GAAP conflict, the definitions in this Agreement shall control); (b) terms defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the State of Delaware and not otherwise defined in this Agreement are used as defined in that Article; (c) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (d) references to any Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this Agreement, and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (e) the term “including” and all variations thereof means “including without limitation”; (f) references to any law or regulation refer to that law or regulation as amended from time to time and include any successor law or regulation; and (g) references to any Person include that Person’s successors and assigns.

 

     

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ARTICLE II

ORGANIZATION

SECTION 2.1. Name. The trust created under the Original Trust Agreement and continued hereby shall be known as “Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1” (the “Issuer”), in which name the Owner Trustee, the Administrator or the Servicer (to the extent set forth in the Transaction Documents) may conduct the business of such trust, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of such trust and sue and be sued.

SECTION 2.2. Office. The office of the Issuer shall be in care of the Owner Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office or at such other address as the Owner Trustee may designate by written notice to the Certificateholders, the Seller and the Administrator.

SECTION 2.3. Purposes and Powers. The purpose of the Issuer is, and the Issuer shall have the power and authority, to engage in the following activities:

(a) to issue the Notes pursuant to the Indenture and the Certificates pursuant to this Agreement, and to sell, transfer and exchange the Notes and the Certificates and to pay interest on and principal of the Notes and to make distributions to the Certificateholders;

(b) to acquire the property and assets set forth in the Sale and Servicing Agreement from the Seller pursuant to the terms thereof, to make deposits to and withdrawals from the Collection Account and the Reserve Account and to pay the organizational, start-up and transactional expenses of the Issuer;

(c) to assign, Grant, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey the Trust Estate pursuant to the Indenture and to hold, manage and distribute to the Certificateholders any portion of the Trust Estate released from the lien of, and remitted to the Issuer pursuant to, the Indenture;

(d) to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party;

(e) to engage in those activities, including entering into agreements, that are necessary, suitable or convenient to accomplish the foregoing or are incidental thereto or connected therewith, including entering into an accession agreement; and

(f) subject to compliance with the Transaction Documents, to engage in such other activities as may be required in connection with conservation of the Trust Estate and the making of distributions to the Certificateholders and payments to the Noteholders.

 

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Each of the Owner Trustee and the Administrator, as applicable, is hereby authorized to engage in the foregoing activities on behalf of the Issuer. Neither the Issuer nor any Person acting on behalf of the Issuer shall engage in any activity other than in connection with the foregoing or other than as required or authorized by the terms of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

SECTION 2.4. Appointment of the Owner Trustee. The Seller hereby appoints the Owner Trustee as trustee of the Issuer effective as of the date hereof, to have all the rights, powers and duties set forth herein. The Owner Trustee accepts such appointment.

SECTION 2.5. Initial Capital Contribution of Trust Estate. As of the date of the Original Trust Agreement, the Seller sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed and set over to the Owner Trustee the sum of $1. The Owner Trustee hereby acknowledges receipt in trust from the Seller, as of such date, of the foregoing contribution, which shall constitute the initial Trust Estate and shall be deposited in the Collection Account.

SECTION 2.6. Declaration of Trust. The Owner Trustee hereby declares that it will hold the Trust Estate in trust upon and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the use and benefit of the Certificateholders, subject to the obligations of the Issuer under the Transaction Documents. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Issuer constitute a statutory trust under the Statutory Trust Statute and that this Agreement constitute the governing instrument of such statutory trust. It is the intention of the parties hereto that, solely for United States federal income or state and local income, franchise and value added tax purposes, so long as there is a single beneficial owner of the Certificates, the Issuer will be disregarded as an entity separate from such beneficial owner and the Notes will be characterized as debt. The parties agree that, unless otherwise required by appropriate tax authorities, the Issuer will not file or cause to be filed annual or other necessary returns, reports or other forms consistent with the characterization of the Issuer as an entity separate from its owner. In the event that the Issuer is deemed to have more than one beneficial owner for United States federal income tax purposes, the Issuer will file returns, reports and other forms consistent with the characterization of the Issuer as a partnership (that is not treated as a publicly traded partnership), and this Agreement may be amended to include such provisions as may be required under Subchapter K of the Code. No election will be made by or on behalf of the Issuer to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. Effective as of the date hereof, the Owner Trustee shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth herein and, to the extent not inconsistent herewith, in the Statutory Trust Statute with respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Issuer. It is the intention of the parties hereto that except as expressly stated herein, the affairs of the Trust shall be managed by the Administrator pursuant to the Administration Agreement. The Owner Trustee has heretofore filed the Certificate of Trust with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required by Section 3810(a) of the Statutory Trust Statute, such filing hereby being ratified and approved in all respects. Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Statutory Trust Statute to the contrary, it is the intention of the parties hereto that (i) the Issuer constitute a “business trust” within the meaning of Section 101(9)(A)(v) of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) the Issuer be and remain a separate legal entity under Delaware law.

 

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SECTION 2.7. Organizational Expenses; Liabilities of the Holders.

(a) The Servicer shall pay organizational expenses of the Issuer as they may arise.

(b) No Certificateholder (including the Seller if the Seller becomes a Certificateholder) shall have any personal liability for any liability or obligation of the Issuer.

SECTION 2.8. Title to the Trust Estate. Legal title to all the Trust Estate shall be vested at all times in the Issuer as a separate legal entity.

SECTION 2.9. Representations and Warranties of the Seller. The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Owner Trustee that:

(a) Existence and Power. The Seller is a Delaware limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has, in all material respects, full power and authority required to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the Underwriting Agreement. The Seller has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Seller to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents and the Underwriting Agreement.

(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Seller of each Transaction Document to which it is a party and the Underwriting Agreement (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Seller and (ii) do not violate or constitute a default under (A) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (B) its organizational documents or (C) any material agreement to which the Seller is a party or by which its properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, organizational instruments, agreements or documents which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or the Seller’s ability to perform its obligations under, the Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the Underwriting Agreement).

(c) No Consent Required. No approval, authorization or other action by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Seller of any Transaction Document other than UCC filings and other than (i) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings which have previously been made and (ii) approvals, authorizations or filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Seller to perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

 

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(d) Binding Effect. Each of the Transaction Documents to which the Seller is a party and the Underwriting Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller enforceable against the Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable the rights of creditors of limited liability companies from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity or other similar laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity.

(e) No Proceedings. There are no actions, orders, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller, threatened against the Seller before or by any Governmental Authority that (i) assert the invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, (ii) seek to prevent the issuance of the Notes or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or (iii) seek any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Seller of its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents.

(f) To the best of the Seller’s knowledge, as of the date hereof, no amounts are required to be deducted or withheld pursuant to FATCA with respect to payments to be made to the Certificateholders hereunder or under the Sale and Servicing Agreement. If the Seller has actual knowledge that withholding tax under FATCA applies with respect to one or more payments on a Certificate, the Seller will notify the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Certificate Paying Agent of such fact.

SECTION 2.10. Situs of Issuer. The Issuer shall be located in the State of Delaware (it being understood that the Issuer may have bank accounts located and maintained outside of Delaware).

SECTION 2.11. Covenants of the Certificateholders. Each Certificateholder, by becoming an owner of a Certificate and beneficial owner of the Issuer, hereby acknowledges and agrees (a) that the Certificateholder is subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Certificate and this Agreement, to which the Certificateholder agrees to be bound; and (b) that it shall not take any position in such Certificateholder’s tax returns inconsistent with Section 2.6 herein and Section 2.14 of the Indenture.

SECTION 2.12. Federal Income Tax Allocations. If the Certificates have more than one beneficial owner for United States federal income tax purposes, then for United States federal income tax purposes each item of income, gain, loss, credit and deduction for a month shall be allocated to the Certificateholders as of the first Record Date following the end of such month in proportion to their Percentage Interests on such Record Date. The Seller (or the Administrator in accordance with the Administration Agreement and Section 5.3) is authorized, in its sole discretion, (i) to modify the allocations in this paragraph if necessary or appropriate for the allocations to fairly reflect the economic income, gain or loss to the Certificateholders or otherwise comply with the requirements of the Code and (ii) to determine whether or not to make any available tax elections such as an election under Sections 1278 or 754 of the Code.

 

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ARTICLE III

CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATES

SECTION 3.1. Initial Ownership. Upon the formation of the Issuer and until the issuance of the Certificates, the Seller shall be the sole beneficiary of the Issuer, and upon the issuance of the Certificates, the Seller will no longer be a beneficiary of the Issuer, except to the extent that the Seller is a Certificateholder.

SECTION 3.2. Authorization of the Certificates. Concurrently with the sale of the Transferred Assets to the Issuer pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement, at the direction of the Seller, (a) one or more Book-Entry Certificates shall be executed by the Owner Trustee on behalf of the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Certificate Registrar in the name of Cede & Co. or (b) one or more Definitive Certificates shall be executed by the Owner Trustee on behalf of the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Certificate Registrar to or upon the written order of the Seller. The Certificates shall in the aggregate represent 100% of the Percentage Interest in the Issuer and shall be fully paid and nonassessable. The signature of the Owner Trustee on behalf of the Issuer on the Certificates may be manual or facsimile.

SECTION 3.3. Book-Entry Certificates.

(a) The Certificates, upon original issuance, may be issued, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, representing the Certificates to be delivered to the Certificate Registrar, as initial agent for the Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Issuer. The Book-Entry Certificates shall be issued in an aggregate nominal principal amount of $100,000 (which shall be deemed to be the equivalent of 100,000 units), and all beneficial interests in the Book-Entry Certificates shall be owned, in the minimum principal amount of $5,000 and integral multiples of $1 in excess thereof. The Issuer shall not issue any Certificate that would cause the aggregate nominal principal amount of all Certificates to exceed $100,000, or 100,000 units, without the prior written consent of all Certificateholders. No distributions of moneys to the Certificateholders under the Transaction Documents shall be deemed to reduce the nominal principal amount of any Certificate prior to payment in full of all Notes; provided, however, that the final aggregate $100,000 distributed to the Certificateholders under the Transaction Documents upon final distribution of the Trust Estate and termination of the Issuer pursuant to Sections 9.1 and 9.2 shall be deemed to repay the aggregate nominal principal amount of the Certificates in full; provided, further, that any failure to pay in full the nominal principal amount of a Certificate on such final distribution date shall not result in any recourse to, claim against or liability of any Person for such shortfall. Any amounts payable to the Certificateholders on or in respect of the Certificates under the Transaction Documents shall be paid and allocated to the various Certificateholders ratably based on their respective Percentage Interests. Unless the Seller directs otherwise pursuant to Section 3.2, such Certificates shall initially be registered on the Certificate Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC as the initial Clearing Agency, and no Certificateholder will receive a Definitive Certificate representing such Certificateholder’s interest in such Certificate, except as provided in Section 3.5. Unless and until definitive, fully registered Certificates (the “Definitive Certificates”) have been issued to the applicable Certificateholders pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.5:

 

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(i) the provisions of this Section shall be in full force and effect;

(ii) the Certificate Registrar, the Certificate Paying Agent, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Agreement (including the distribution or payment of amounts distributable or payable under the Transaction Documents and the giving of instructions or directions hereunder) as the sole Certificateholders, and shall have no obligation to the Certificate Owners;

(iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section conflict with any other provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall control;

(iv) the rights of Certificate Owners shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between or among such Certificate Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants or Persons acting through Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 3.5, the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments due under the Transaction Documents with regard to the Certificates to such Clearing Agency Participants;

(v) whenever this Agreement requires or permits actions to be taken based upon instructions or directions of Certificateholders evidencing a specified percentage of the Percentage Interest, the Clearing Agency shall deliver instructions to the Owner Trustee only to the extent that it has received instructions to such effect from Certificate Owners and/or Clearing Agency Participants or Persons acting through Clearing Agency Participants owning or representing, respectively, such required percentage of the beneficial interest in the Certificates;

(vi) owners of a beneficial interest in a Book-Entry Certificate will not be entitled to have any portion of a Book-Entry Certificate registered in their names and will not be considered to be the Certificate Owners or Certificateholders of any Certificates under this Agreement; and

(vii) payments on a Book-Entry Certificate will be made to the Clearing Agency, or its nominee, as the registered owner thereof, and none of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Book-Entry Certificate or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, so long as a Book-Entry Certificate remains outstanding and is held by or on behalf of the Clearing Agency, transfers of a Book-Entry Certificate, in whole or in part, shall only be made in accordance with Section 3.3(a). Subject to clauses (i) through (iii) of Section 3.3(a), transfers of a Book-Entry Certificate shall be limited to transfers of such Book-Entry Certificate in whole, but not in part, to a nominee of the Clearing Agency or to a successor of the Clearing Agency or such successor’s nominee.

In the event that a Book-Entry Certificate is exchanged for one or more Definitive Certificates pursuant to Section 3.5, such Certificates may be exchanged for one another only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and with such procedures as may be from time to time adopted by the Issuer and the Certificate Registrar.

SECTION 3.4. Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever a notice or other communication to the Certificateholders is required under this Agreement, unless and until Definitive Certificates shall have been issued to Certificate Owners pursuant to Section 3.5, the Owner Trustee, the Certificate Registrar or the Certificate Paying Agent, as applicable, shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to the Certificateholders to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligation to the Certificate Owners.

SECTION 3.5. Definitive Certificates.

(a) If (i) the Seller advises the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Certificates, and the Seller is unable to locate a qualified successor or (ii) the Seller at its option advises the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency, then the Clearing Agency shall notify all Certificate Owners and the Certificate Paying Agent of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of Definitive Certificates representing the Certificates to Certificate Owners requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Certificate Registrar of the typewritten Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by re-registration instructions, the Owner Trustee shall execute and the Certificate Registrar shall register, authenticate and deliver the Definitive Certificates representing the Certificates in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. None of the Issuer, Certificate Registrar, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Certificates representing the Certificates, the Owner Trustee, the Certificate Registrar, the Certificate Paying Agent and the Indenture Trustee shall recognize such Holders of the Definitive Certificates, as reflected on the Certificate Register, as the applicable Certificateholders.

 

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(b) Subject to the transfer restrictions contained herein and in the Certificates, any Holder of a Definitive Certificate may transfer all or any portion of the Percentage Interest (subject to the requirements set forth in Sections 3.3 and 3.7) evidenced by such Certificate upon surrender thereof to the Certificate Registrar accompanied by the documents required by this Section 3.5. Such transfer may be made by a registered Certificateholder in person or by his attorney duly authorized in writing upon surrender of the Certificate to the Certificate Registrar accompanied by (a) a written instrument of transfer in the form of the “Assignment” attached to the Form of Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit A and with such signature guarantees and evidence of authority of the Persons signing the instrument of transfer as the Certificate Registrar may reasonably require, (b) an executed direction letter regarding registration of such transfer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, and (c) the documents required by Section 3.7(c) hereof. Promptly upon the receipt of such documents and receipt by the Certificate Registrar of the transferor’s Certificate, the Certificate Registrar shall record the name of such transferee as a Certificateholder and its Percentage Interest in the Certificate Register and the Owner Trustee shall execute, and the Certificate Registrar shall authenticate and deliver to such Certificateholder, a Certificate evidencing such Percentage Interest. In the event a transferor transfers only a portion of its Percentage Interest, the Owner Trustee shall execute, and the Certificate Registrar shall register, authenticate and deliver to such transferor, a new Certificate evidencing such transferor’s new Percentage Interest and the Owner Trustee shall execute, and the Certificate Registrar shall register, authenticate and deliver to such transferee, a new Certificate evidencing such transferee’s Percentage Interest. Subsequent to each transfer of a beneficial interest and upon the issuance of the new Certificate or Certificates, the Certificate Registrar shall cancel and destroy in accordance with its customary practices the Certificate surrendered to it in connection with such transfer. The Owner Trustee, the Certificate Registrar and the Indenture Trustee shall treat, for all purposes whatsoever (other than as required by Section 3.7 or under applicable law), the Person in whose name any Certificate is registered as the owner of the Percentage Interest evidenced by such Certificate without regard to any notice to the contrary.

Definitive Certificates will not be eligible for clearing or settlement through DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream.

SECTION 3.6. Registration of the Certificates. Wilmington Trust, National Association, as an agent of the Issuer, in its capacity as “Certificate Registrar” (the “Certificate Registrar”) shall maintain at its Corporate Trust Office, or at the office of any agent appointed by it and approved in writing by the Certificateholders at the time of such appointment, a register (the “Certificate Register”) for the registration and transfer of any Certificate. Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Certificate, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Certificate Registrar or any agent of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name any Certificate is registered (as of the applicable Record Date) as the owner of such Certificate for the purpose of receiving distributions on such Certificate and for all other purposes whatsoever. For the avoidance of doubt, a Certificate is not negotiable, and the records maintained by the Certificate Registrar in the Certificate Register with respect to each Certificate and its related registered owner are intended to cause the Certificates to be issued in registered form, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 5f.103-1(c), and shall record (a) the Percentage Interest evidenced by each Certificate and (b) all distributions made to each Certificateholder with respect to the Issuer’s assets. The entries in the Certificate Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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SECTION 3.7. Transfer of the Certificates.

(a) A Certificateholder may assign, convey or otherwise transfer all or any of its right, title and interest in the related Certificate, subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 3.5 and this Section 3.7.

By accepting and holding a Certificate (or any interest therein), the holder thereof (and, if the holder is a Plan, its fiduciary) shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that it is not, and is not purchasing the Certificate (or any interest therein) on behalf of or with any assets of, a Benefit Plan or Plan that is subject to Similar Law. Subject to the transfer restrictions contained herein and in the Certificate, each Certificateholder may transfer all or any portion of the Percentage Interest evidenced by such Certificate upon delivery to the Certificate Registrar of the documents required by Section 3.5 and this Section 3.7 and, in the case of a Definitive Certificate, surrender of such Definitive Certificate to the Certificate Registrar. Such transfer may be made by a registered Certificateholder in person or by his attorney duly authorized in writing upon (i) in the case of a Definitive Certificate, surrender of such Certificate to the Certificate Registrar accompanied by (x) a written instrument of transfer in the form of the “Assignment” attached to the Form of Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit A and with such signature guarantees and evidence of authority of the Persons signing the instrument of transfer as the Certificate Registrar may reasonably require and (y) an executed direction letter regarding registration of such transfer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, and (ii) delivery of the documents required by clause (c) hereof. Promptly upon the receipt of such documents and, in the case of a Definitive Certificate, receipt by the Certificate Registrar of the transferor’s Certificate, the Certificate Registrar shall record the name of such transferee as a Certificateholder and its Percentage Interest in the Certificate Register and, in the case of a Definitive Certificate, the Owner Trustee shall execute, and the Certificate Registrar shall authenticate and deliver, to such Certificateholder a Certificate evidencing such Percentage Interest. As a condition precedent to any registration of transfer under this Section 3.7, the Certificate Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover the payment of any tax or taxes or other governmental charges required to be paid in connection with such transfer. In the event a transferor transfers only a portion of its Percentage Interest, the Owner Trustee shall execute, and the Certificate Registrar shall register, authenticate and deliver to such transferor, a new Certificate evidencing such transferor’s new Percentage Interest. Subsequent to a transfer and upon the issuance of a new Definitive Certificate or Definitive Certificates, the Certificate Registrar shall cancel and destroy the Definitive Certificate surrendered to it in connection with such transfer. Unless otherwise provided under applicable law, the Owner Trustee, the Certificate Registrar and the Indenture Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name any Certificate is registered as the sole owner of the beneficial interest in the Issuer evidenced by such Certificate, without regard to any notice to the contrary.

(b) Each Certificateholder and, if different, each Certificate Owner, shall deliver Tax Information to the Owner Trustee, the Administrator and the Certificate Paying Agent on or prior to the date on which such Certificateholder or Certificate Owner becomes a Certificateholder or Certificate Owner under this Agreement and from time to time thereafter if such Tax Information becomes incorrect or obsolete, as otherwise prescribed by applicable law or upon the request of the Owner Trustee, the Administrator or the Certificate Paying Agent.

 

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(c) By accepting and holding a Certificate (or any interest therein), each transferee of a Certificate (other than a U.S. corporate Affiliate of the Seller, or disregarded entity thereof) shall be deemed to have acknowledged, represented and agreed as follows:

(1) It (and any Person for which it holds Certificates as agent or nominee) has neither acquired nor will it transfer any Certificate it purchases (or any interest therein) or cause any such Certificate (or any interest therein) to be marketed on or through an “established securities market” within the meaning of Section 7704(b)(1) of the Code, including, without limitation, an over-the-counter market or an interdealer quotation system that regularly disseminates firm buy or sell quotations.

(2) If it (and any Person for which it holds Certificates as agent or nominee, collectively for purposes of this paragraph (2), a “transferee”) is a partnership, Subchapter S corporation or grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes (or a disregarded entity the single owner of which is any of the foregoing), it is not being used with a principal purpose of the arrangement involving such entity’s beneficial interest in any Restricted Notes or Certificates to permit any partnership to satisfy the 100 partner limitation of Treasury Regulation section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) necessary for such partnership not to be classified as a publicly traded partnership under the Code.

(3) [Reserved.]

(4) It (and any Person for which it holds Certificates as agent or nominee) understands that no subsequent transfer of the Certificates (or any interest therein) is permitted unless such transfer is of a Certificate with a Percentage Interest of more than 5% (or of an interest in a Certificate representing a Percentage Interest of more than 5%).

(5) Each registered owner of and, if different, each owner of a beneficial interest in, a Certificate is a “United States person” (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and shall deliver to the Owner Trustee, the Administrator, the Indenture Trustee and the Certificate Paying Agent two properly completed and duly executed originals of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or applicable successor form) certifying that it is a United States person and not subject to backup withholding, or other information or documentation requested by the Administrator, the Indenture Trustee, the Certificate Paying Agent or the Owner Trustee to determine, in its sole discretion, that payments on such Certificates will not be subject to withholding under U.S. tax law. Further, in the event of any subsequent transfer of a Certificate (or any interest therein), such owner of a beneficial interest shall comply with Section 1446(f) of the Code (including with respect to deducting and withholding from the purchase price paid in respect of such Certificate unless the transferee obtained a certificate providing for an exemption from such withholding).

 

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(6) (A) It shall provide to the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer and the Depositor any further information required by the Issuer to comply with Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, including Section 6226(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and (B) if it is not the beneficial owner of a Certificate, such beneficial owner shall provide to the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer and the Depositor any further information required by the Issuer to comply with Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, including Section 6226(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and, to the extent the Issuer determines such appointment necessary for it to make an election under Section 6226(a) of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law), hereby appoints the transferee as its agent for purposes of receiving any notifications or information pursuant to the notice requirements under Section 6226(a)(2) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law).

(7) No transfer of a Certificate (or interest therein) shall be permitted (nor shall a Certificate be so held) if (i) it causes the Issuer to be a Section 385 Controlled Partnership (i.e., 80 percent or more of the Issuer’s ownership interests are owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more members of a Section 385 Expanded Group) that has an expanded group partner (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.385-3(g)(12)) which is a Domestic Corporation and (ii) either (x) a member of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes or (y) a Section 385 Controlled Partnership of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes (in the case of clause (x), unless such member, or in the case of clause (y), unless each member of the Section 385 Expanded Group that is a partner in the Section 385 Controlled Partnership, is a member of the consolidated group (as described in Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-1(h)) which includes such Domestic Corporation). No transfer of a Certificate (or interest therein) shall be permitted (nor shall a Certificate be so held) if (i) it results in the Issuer becoming an entity disregarded as separate from a Domestic Corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) either (x) a member of a Section 385 Expanded Group that includes such Domestic Corporation owns any Notes or (y) a Section 385 Controlled Partnership of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes (in the case of clause (x), unless such member, or in the case of clause (y), unless each member of the Section 385 Expanded Group that is a partner in the Section 385 Controlled Partnership, is a member of the consolidated group (as described in Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-1(h)) which includes such Domestic Corporation). For purposes of determining the Issuer’s ownership interests in this paragraph, any Restricted Notes shall be taken into account either as debt interests or ownership interests based on whichever treatment, if any, would result in the Issuer as a Section 385 Controlled Partnership or a disregarded entity for purposes of applying this paragraph’s restriction (it being understood that if the Restricted Notes are taken into account as ownership interests for this purpose then the Restricted Notes are not also considered Notes for the Note ownership restriction of this paragraph).

(8) It (and any Person for which it holds Certificates as agent or nominee) understands that any attempted transfer that contravenes any provisions of Section 3.5(b), Section 3.7(c) or Section 3.7(h) shall be a void transfer ab initio.

 

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(9) The transferee is either (a) an Affiliate of the Seller or is acquiring its interest in the Certificates as part of the initial distribution or any redistribution of the Certificates by the Seller or one of its Affiliates or (b) (1) is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, (2) is aware that the sale of the Certificates (other than a sale of the Certificates by the Seller or any of its Affiliates as part of the initial distribution or any redistributions of the Certificates by the Seller or any of its Affiliates) to it is being made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A, and (3) is acquiring the Certificates for its own account or for one or more accounts, each of which is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, and as to each of which the owner exercises sole investment discretion.

(10) The transferee understands that the Certificates will bear a legend that complies with Section 3.7(e).

(11) The transferee understands that the Certificates are being offered only in a transaction not involving any public offering in the United States within the meaning of the Securities Act, none of the Certificates have been or will be registered under the Securities Act, and, if in the future the transferee decides to offer, resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Certificates, such Certificates may only be offered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred in accordance with this Trust Agreement. The transferee acknowledges that no representation is being made by the Issuer as to the availability of any exemption under the Securities Act or any applicable State securities laws for resale of the Certificates.

(12) The transferee understands that an investment in the Certificates involves certain risks, including the risk of loss of all or a substantial part of its investment under certain circumstances. The transferee has had access to such financial and other information concerning the Issuer and the Certificates as it deemed necessary or appropriate in order to make an informed investment decision with respect to its purchase of the Certificates. The transferee has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that the transferee is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Certificates, and the transferee and any accounts for which it is acting are each able to bear the economic risk of its investment.

(13) The transferee will not make any general solicitation by means of general advertising or in any other manner, or take any other action that would constitute a distribution of the Certificates under the Securities Act or that would render the disposition of the Certificates a violation of Section 5 of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws or require registration pursuant thereto, and will not authorize any Person to act on its behalf, in such manner with respect to the Certificates.

(14) The transferee is not acquiring the Certificates with a view to the resale, distribution or other disposition thereof in violation of the Securities Act.

(15) The transferee will provide notice to each Person to whom it proposes to transfer any interest in the Certificates of the transfer restrictions and representations set forth in this Trust Agreement, including the Exhibits hereto.

 

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(16) The transferee is not acquiring the Certificates (or any interest therein) with the assets of (a) an “employee benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” defined in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code, that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code, (c) an entity or account whose underlying assets are deemed to include assets of any of the foregoing or (d) any Plan that is subject to Similar Law.

(17) The transferee understands that if (a) a transfer or attempted or purported transfer of any Certificate or interest therein was consummated in compliance with the provisions of this Trust Agreement on the basis of a materially incorrect certification from the Transferor or purported transferee or (b) the Certificateholder of any Certificate or interest therein is in material breach of any representation or agreement set forth in any certificate or any deemed representation or agreement of such Certificateholder, the Certificate Registrar, upon actual knowledge of such circumstances, will not register such attempted or purported transfer and, if a transfer has been registered, such transfer shall be absolutely null and void ab initio and shall not operate to transfer any rights to the purported transferee (such purported transferee, a “Disqualified Transferee”) and the last preceding Certificateholder of such Certificateholder that was not a Disqualified Transferee shall be restored to all rights as a Certificateholder thereof retroactively to the date of the purported transfer of such Certificate by such Certificateholder.

(18) The transferee acknowledges that in connection with the transfer of the Certificates (a) none of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Seller, the Indenture Trustee, nor the Owner Trustee is acting as a fiduciary or financial or investment adviser for the transferee, (b) the transferee is not relying (for purposes of making any investment decision or otherwise) upon any advice, counsel or representations (whether written or oral) of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Seller, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee other than in the most current offering memorandum for such Certificates and any representations expressly set forth in a written agreement with such party, (c) none of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Seller, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee or any placement agent has given to the transferee (directly or indirectly through any other person) any assurance, guarantee or representation whatsoever as to the expected or projected success, profitability, return, performance, result, effect, consequence or benefit (including legal, regulatory, tax, financial, accounting or otherwise) of its purchase or the documentation for the Certificates, (d) the transferee has consulted with its own legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial, and accounting advisers to the extent it has deemed necessary, and it has made its own investment decisions (including decisions regarding the suitability of any transaction pursuant to this Trust Agreement) based upon its own judgment and upon any advice from such advisers as it has deemed necessary and not upon any view expressed by the Issuer, the Servicer, the Seller, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee, (e) the transferee has determined that the rates, prices or amounts and other terms of the purchase and sale of the Certificates reflect those in the relevant market for similar transactions, (f) the transferee is purchasing the Certificates with a full understanding of all of the terms, conditions and risks thereof (economic and otherwise), and is capable of assuming and willing to assume (financially and otherwise) these risks, and (g) the transferee is a sophisticated investor familiar with transactions similar to its investment in the Certificates.

 

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(d) Each purchaser, beneficial owner and subsequent transferee of Certificates or an interest therein will be required or deemed to acknowledge that the Issuer may provide any information concerning its investment in the Certificates to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In addition, each purchaser, beneficial owner and subsequent transferee of Certificates or an interest therein will be required or deemed to understand and acknowledge that the Issuer and each of the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and the Certificate Paying Agent on its behalf has the right, hereunder, to withhold on any beneficial owner of an interest in a Certificate that fails to comply with the foregoing requirements.

(e) Each Certificate shall bear a legend in substantially the following form, unless the Seller determines otherwise in accordance with applicable law:

“THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE ISSUER HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”). THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WHO IS EITHER PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A OR (2) TO THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND BY THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AS PART OF THE INITIAL DISTRIBUTION OR ANY REDISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES BY THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. EACH PURCHASER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO, AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE OWNER TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE HOLDER OF SUCH CERTIFICATE OR PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN

 

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THE TRUST AGREEMENT, THE ISSUER AND THE OWNER TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

BY ACQUIRING THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN), EACH PURCHASER AND TRANSFEREE (AND IF THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS A PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW), ITS FIDUCIARY) IS DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT SUCH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS NOT ACQUIRING THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WITH THE ASSETS OF A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING, A “BENEFIT PLAN INVESTOR”), OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO A LAW THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAW”). FOR PURPOSES OF THE FOREGOING, “PLAN” MEANS AN “EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA WHETHER OR NOT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA, A “PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE, OR AN ENTITY OR ACCOUNT DEEMED TO HOLD THE PLAN ASSETS OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE SHALL REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT IT IS A U.S. PERSON. EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO, AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE OWNER TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE OF SUCH CERTIFICATE OR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT, THE ISSUER AND THE OWNER TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

 

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TRANSFERS OF THIS CERTIFICATE MUST GENERALLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE TAX TRANSFER DOCUMENTATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS PROVIDED IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE OF THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE TO THE OWNER TRUSTEE, THE ADMINISTRATOR, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE AND THE CERTIFICATE PAYING AGENT A CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS (E.G., IRS FORM W-9), SIGNED UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, OR OTHER INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION REQUESTED BY THE OWNER TRUSTEE, THE ADMINISTRATOR, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE OR THE CERTIFICATE PAYING AGENT TO DETERMINE THAT PAYMENTS ON THIS CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO WITHHOLDING UNDER U.S. TAX LAW.”

(f) If (1) a transfer or attempted or purported transfer of any Certificate or interest therein was consummated in compliance with the provisions of this Section 3.7 on the basis of a materially incorrect certification from the transferor or purported transferee, or (2) the Certificateholder of any Certificate or interest therein is in material breach of any representation or agreement set forth in any Certificate or any deemed representation or agreement of such Certificateholder, the Certificate Registrar, upon actual knowledge of such circumstances, will not register such attempted or purported transfer and, if a transfer has been registered, such transfer shall be absolutely null and void ab initio and shall not operate to transfer any rights to the purported transferee (such purported transferee, a “Disqualified Transferee”) and the last preceding Certificateholder of such Certificateholder that was not a Disqualified Transferee shall be restored to all rights as a Certificateholder thereof retroactively to the date of the purported transfer of such Certificate by such Certificateholder.

(g) If (i) any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the Certificate Registrar, or (ii) the Certificate Registrar receives evidence to its satisfaction that any Certificate has been destroyed, lost or stolen, and upon proof of ownership satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar together with such security or indemnity as may be requested by the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Certificate Registrar to save them harmless, the Owner Trustee shall execute on behalf of the Issuer, and the Certificate Registrar shall authenticate and deliver, a new Certificate for the same Percentage Interest as the Certificate so mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, of like tenor and bearing a different issue number, with such notations, if any, as the Certificate Registrar shall determine. Upon the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 3.7, the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Certificate Registrar or the Owner Trustee may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of the Certificate and any other reasonable expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Certificate Registrar and the Owner Trustee) connected therewith. Any duplicate Certificate issued pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute complete and indefeasible evidence of ownership in the Issuer, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate shall be found at any time.

(h) No transfer of a Certificate (or any interest therein) is permitted unless such transfer is of a Certificate with a Percentage Interest of 5% or more (or of an interest in a Certificate representing a Percentage Interest of 5% or more).

 

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(i) No transfer of a Certificate (or interest therein) shall be permitted (nor shall a Certificate be so held) if (i) it causes the Issuer to be a Section 385 Controlled Partnership (i.e., 80 percent or more of the Issuer’s ownership interests are owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more members of a Section 385 Expanded Group) that has an expanded group partner (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.385-3(g)(12)) which is a Domestic Corporation and (ii) either (x) a member of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes or (y) a Section 385 Controlled Partnership of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes (in the case of clause (x), unless such member, or in the case of clause (y), unless each member of the Section 385 Expanded Group that is a partner in the Section 385 Controlled Partnership, is a member of the consolidated group (as described in Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-1(h)) which includes such Domestic Corporation). No transfer of a Certificate (or interest therein) shall be permitted (nor shall a Certificate be so held) if (i) it results in the Issuer becoming an entity disregarded as separate from a Domestic Corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) either (x) a member of a Section 385 Expanded Group that includes such Domestic Corporation owns any Notes or (y) a Section 385 Controlled Partnership of such Section 385 Expanded Group owns any Notes (in the case of clause (x), unless such member, or in the case of clause (y), unless each member of the Section 385 Expanded Group that is a partner in the Section 385 Controlled Partnership, is a member of the consolidated group (as described in Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-1(h)) which includes such Domestic Corporation). For purposes of determining the Issuer’s ownership interests in this paragraph, any Restricted Notes shall be taken into account either as debt interests or ownership interests based on whichever treatment, if any, would result in the Issuer as a Section 385 Controlled Partnership or a disregarded entity for purposes of applying this paragraph’s restriction (it being understood that if the Restricted Notes are taken into account as ownership interests for this purpose then the Restricted Notes are not also considered Notes for the Note ownership restriction of this paragraph).

(j) In the case of the first transfer of a Certificate that will result in the Issuer being deemed to have more than one beneficial owner for United States federal income tax purposes, the Seller shall be entitled to request an Initial Certificate Transfer Opinion.

(k) The Certificate Registrar and the Owner Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Trust Agreement or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Certificate (or interest therein) other than, to the extent that Definitive Certificates are issued, to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Trust Agreement, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

SECTION 3.8. Appointment of the Certificate Paying Agent. To the extent Definitive Certificates have been issued, the Certificate Paying Agent shall make distributions to Certificateholders from the Certificate Distribution Account pursuant to Section 5.2 and shall report the amounts of such distributions to the Owner Trustee and the Servicer; provided, however, that no such reports shall be required so long as the Seller or an affiliate of the Seller is

 

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the sole Certificateholder. Any Certificate Paying Agent shall have the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Certificate Distribution Account for the purpose of making the distributions referred to above. The Issuer may revoke such power and remove the Certificate Paying Agent if the Issuer determines in its sole discretion that the Certificate Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect. The Certificate Paying Agent shall initially be Wilmington Trust, National Association, and any co-paying agent chosen by the Certificate Paying Agent. Wilmington Trust, National Association shall be permitted to resign as Certificate Paying Agent upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Owner Trustee. If Wilmington Trust, National Association shall no longer be the Certificate Paying Agent, the Issuer shall appoint a successor to act as Certificate Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company). The Issuer shall cause such successor Certificate Paying Agent or any additional Certificate Paying Agent appointed by the Issuer to execute and deliver an instrument in which such successor Certificate Paying Agent or additional Certificate Paying Agent shall agree with the Issuer that as Certificate Paying Agent, such successor Certificate Paying Agent or additional Certificate Paying Agent shall hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Certificateholders in trust for the benefit of the Certificateholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Certificateholders. If a successor Certificate Paying Agent does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Certificate Paying Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Certificate Paying Agent, the Administrator and the Seller, acting jointly, or the Majority Certificateholders may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Certificate Paying Agent (with all costs, fees and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by the Indenture Trustee, in its capacity as Certificate Paying Agent, in connection with such petition to be paid by the Issuer). The Certificate Paying Agent shall return all unclaimed funds to the Owner Trustee and upon removal of a Certificate Paying Agent such Certificate Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the Owner Trustee. The rights, protections, indemnities and immunities of the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement shall apply to Wilmington Trust, National Association in its roles as Certificate Paying Agent, Certificate Registrar and Relevant Trustee for so long as it shall act as Certificate Paying Agent, Certificate Registrar and/or Relevant Trustee and, to the extent applicable, to any other paying agent, certificate registrar or authenticating agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Agreement to the Certificate Paying Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise.

SECTION 3.9. Maintenance of Office or Agency. As long as any of the Certificates remain outstanding, the Issuer shall maintain an office or agency where Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Certificates and this Agreement may be served. The Issuer hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Certificate Registrar for the purposes of surrendering Certificates for registration or exchange of Certificates, and the Corporate Trust Office of the Owner Trustee for all other purposes. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Certificateholders, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee of the location, and of any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee with the address thereof, such surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the applicable Corporate Trust Office, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Owner Trustee as its agent to receive all such surrenders, notices and demands.

 

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SECTION 3.10. Relevant Trustee. Following the payment in full of principal of, and interest on, the Notes and receipt of written notification from the Servicer, the Certificate Paying Agent shall assume the role of Relevant Trustee and shall perform the express obligations of the Relevant Trustee under the Sale and Servicing Agreement. All of the same rights, protections, indemnities and immunities of Wilmington Trust, National Association hereunder (individually and as Certificate Paying Agent) shall be equally applicable to Wilmington Trust, National Association in its role as Relevant Trustee under the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 3.11. Statement to Certificateholders. To the extent the Certificate Paying Agent has assumed the role of Relevant Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 3.10;

(a) The Certificate Paying Agent may make all reports or notices required to be provided by the Relevant Trustee under Section 4.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement available via its internet website; provided, however, that the Certificate Paying Agent shall, if requested by the Administrator, deliver any such reports or notices in writing or via email to the Administrator. Any information that is disseminated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.11 shall not be required to be disseminated in any other form or manner. The Certificate Paying Agent will make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of such documents and will assume no responsibility therefor.

(b) The Certificate Paying Agent’s internet website shall be initially located at http://wilmingtontrustconnect.com or at such other address as shall be specified by the Certificate Paying Agent from time to time in writing to the Certificateholders, the Servicer, the Issuer or any Paying Agent. In connection with providing access to the Certificate Paying Agent’s internet website, the Certificate Paying Agent may require registration and the acceptance of a disclaimer. The Certificate Paying Agent shall not be liable for the dissemination of information in accordance with this Agreement. The Certificate Paying Agent shall notify Certificateholders in writing of any changes in the address or means of access to the eRoom where the reports are accessible.

(c) Upon receipt by the Certificate Paying Agent from the Seller of any reports or general loan data, the Certificate Paying Agent will make such reports or data available to the Certificateholders via its internet website as specified pursuant to clause (b) above; provided, that the Certificate Paying Agent shall not be required to forward any such reports to any Certificateholder who is the Seller or an Affiliate of the Seller. The Certificate Paying Agent shall have no duty or obligations to review, verify or confirm the reports or any information contained therein, and shall have no liability in connection therewith.

 

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ARTICLE IV

ACTIONS BY OWNER TRUSTEE

SECTION 4.1. Prior Notice to Certificateholders with Respect to Certain Matters. With respect to the following matters, unless the Administrator notifies the Owner Trustee that the Indenture, the Purchase Agreement or the Sale and Servicing Agreement, as applicable, provides that the consent of the Certificateholders shall not be required, the Owner Trustee shall not take action unless at least 10 days before the taking of such action (or if 10 days’ advance notice is impracticable, as much advance notice as is practicable), the Owner Trustee shall have notified the Certificateholders in writing of the proposed action and within 10 days of such notice (or such shorter time as specified in such notice) none of the Certificateholders shall have notified the Owner Trustee in writing that such Certificateholder has withheld consent or provided alternative direction:

(a) the amendment of the Indenture by a supplemental indenture in circumstances where the consent of any Noteholder is required;

(b) the amendment of the Indenture by a supplemental indenture in circumstances where the consent of any Noteholder is not required and such amendment materially adversely affects the interests of the Certificateholders;

(c) the amendment, change or modification of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, or the Administration Agreement, except to cure any ambiguity or defect or to amend or supplement any provision in a manner that would not materially adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders; or

(d) the appointment pursuant to the Indenture of a successor Indenture Trustee or the consent to the assignment by the Note Registrar or the Indenture Trustee of its obligations under the Indenture or this Agreement, as applicable.

SECTION 4.2. Action by Certificateholders with Respect to Certain Matters. The Owner Trustee shall not have the power, except upon the direction of the Majority Certificateholders, to (a) except as expressly provided in the Transaction Documents, sell the Collateral after the termination of the Indenture in accordance with its terms, (b) remove the Administrator under the Administration Agreement pursuant to Section 8 thereof or (c) appoint a successor Administrator under the Administration Agreement pursuant to Section 8 thereof. The Owner Trustee shall take the actions referred to in the preceding sentence only upon written instructions signed by the Majority Certificateholders.

SECTION 4.3. Action by Certificateholders with Respect to Bankruptcy.

(a) The Issuer shall not, without the prior written consent of the Owner Trustee and 100% of the Certificateholders, commence a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Issuer. In considering whether to give or withhold written consent to the Bankruptcy Event by the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, with the consent of the Certificateholders, shall consider the interests of the Noteholders in addition to the interests of the Issuer and whether the Issuer is insolvent. The Owner Trustee shall have no duty to give such written consent to a Bankruptcy Event by the Issuer if the Owner Trustee shall not have been furnished (at the expense of the Person that requested such letter be furnished to the Owner Trustee) a letter from an independent accounting firm of national reputation stating that in the opinion of such firm the Issuer is then insolvent. The Owner Trustee shall not be personally liable to any Noteholder or Certificateholder on account of the Owner Trustee’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Section 4.3 and no Noteholder or Certificateholder shall have any claim for breach of fiduciary duty or otherwise against the Owner Trustee for giving or withholding its consent to any such Bankruptcy Event.

 

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(b) The parties hereto stipulate and agree that no Certificateholder has the power to commence any Bankruptcy Event on the part of the Issuer or to direct the Owner Trustee to commence any Bankruptcy Event on the part of the Issuer except as provided in Section 4.3(a).

SECTION 4.4. Restrictions on Certificateholders Power. The Certificateholders shall not direct the Owner Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action if such action or inaction would be contrary to any obligation of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee under this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents or would be contrary to Section 2.3, nor shall the Owner Trustee be obligated to follow any such direction, if given.

SECTION 4.5. Acts of Certificateholders; Majority Control.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Agreement to be given or taken by Certificateholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Certificateholders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing; and except as herein otherwise expressly provided such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Owner Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Certificateholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Agreement and (subject to Article VI) conclusive in favor of the Owner Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Section 4.5.

(b) The fact and date of the execution by any person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any manner that the Owner Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) The ownership of Certificates shall be proved by the Certificate Register.

(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by any Certificateholder shall bind the Holder of every Certificate issued upon the registration thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Owner Trustee or the Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Certificate.

(e) Except as otherwise provided herein, to the extent that there is more than one Certificateholder, any action which may be taken or consent or instructions which may be given by the Certificateholders under this Agreement may be taken by the Majority Certificateholders at the time of such action. To the extent set forth in Section 9.24(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, and subject to Sections 6.3(a) and 7.1 hereof, the Owner Trustee may act at the written direction of one or more Certificateholders holding in the aggregate less than 50% of the Percentage Interests. To the extent the Owner Trustee is required to act at the direction of Certificateholders other than the Majority Certificateholders, and receives conflicting directions from Certificateholders holding equal Percentage Interests, it shall act in accordance with the earliest-received such direction.

 

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ARTICLE V

APPLICATION OF TRUST FUNDS; CERTAIN DUTIES

SECTION 5.1. Application of Trust Funds. Deposits into the Certificate Distribution Account shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, the Sale and Servicing Agreement and this Agreement. On each Payment Date, to the extent Definitive Certificates have been issued, the Certificate Paying Agent shall withdraw from the Certificate Distribution Account and distribute to the Certificateholders, pro rata based on the Percentage Interest of each Certificateholder, all funds received in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and this Agreement. Subject to the lien of the Indenture and Section 5.5 of this Agreement, the Certificate Paying Agent shall promptly distribute to the Certificateholders all other amounts (if any) received by the Certificate Paying Agent on behalf of the Issuer in respect of the Trust Estate (pro rata based on the Percentage Interest of each such Certificateholder). After the termination of the Indenture in accordance with its terms, the Certificate Paying Agent, in accordance with the written direction of the Administrator pursuant to Section 9.1(a), shall distribute all amounts received (if any) by the Issuer, the Certificate Paying Agent and the Owner Trustee in respect of the Trust Estate to or at the direction of the Certificateholders subject to Section 3808(e) of the Statutory Trust Statute.

SECTION 5.2. Method of Payment. Subject to the Indenture and the Sale and Servicing Agreement, distributions required to be made to the Certificateholders on any Payment Date and all amounts received by the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee on any other date that are payable to the Certificateholders pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall be made to the Certificateholders by wire transfer, in immediately available funds, to the account of each Certificateholder designated by the Certificateholder to the Certificate Paying Agent and the Indenture Trustee in writing.

SECTION 5.3. Tax Matters.

(a) The Administrator shall prepare, or, at the request and expense of the Administrator, the Owner Trustee shall prepare (or cause to be prepared) and the Administrator shall sign on behalf of the Issuer, the Issuer’s tax returns, if any, unless applicable law requires a Certificateholder or the Owner Trustee to sign such documents.

(b) The Administrator shall prepare and deliver, or, at the request of the Administrator, the Certificate Paying Agent shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to each Certificateholder, as may be required by the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations, such information as may be required (including Schedule K-1, if applicable) to enable each Certificateholder to prepare its United States federal and state income tax returns.

 

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(c) In the event that the Issuer is classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes, the Depositor (or a U.S. affiliate of the Depositor if the Depositor is ineligible) is hereby designated as the partnership representative under Section 6223(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) to the extent allowed under the law (and as the tax matters partner for any applicable state or local tax purposes). The Issuer shall (or the Depositor shall cause the Issuer to, or the Depositor shall instruct the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer to), to the extent eligible, make the election under Section 6221(b) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) with respect to determinations of adjustments at the partnership level and take any other action such as disclosures and notifications necessary to effectuate such election (including working with the Depositor to designate any designated individual required under the law). If the election described in the preceding sentence is not available, to the extent applicable, the Issuer shall (or the Depositor shall cause the Issuer to, or the Depositor shall instruct the Administrator on behalf of the Issuer to) make the election under Section 6226(a) of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) with respect to the alternative to payment of imputed underpayment by partnership and take any other action such as filings, disclosures and notifications necessary to effectuate such election. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer, Depositor and Administrator are each authorized, in its sole discretion, to make any available election related to Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law) and take any action it deems necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of the Code and conduct the Issuer’s affairs under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law). Each Certificateholder and, if different, each beneficial owner of a Certificate, shall promptly provide the Issuer, Depositor and Administrator any requested information, documentation or material to enable the Issuer to make any of the elections described in this clause (c) and otherwise comply with Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (and any corresponding provision of state law). Each Certificate Owner and, if different, each beneficial owner of a Certificate shall hold the Issuer and its affiliates harmless for any expenses or losses (i) resulting from a beneficial owner of a Certificate not properly taking into account or paying its allocated adjustment or liability under Section 6226 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law) or (ii) suffered that are attributable to the management or defense of an audit under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law) or otherwise due to actions it takes with respect to and to comply with the rules under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state law).

SECTION 5.4. Certificate Distribution Account. The Certificate Distribution Account shall be established as a non-interest bearing trust account pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. Funds on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account shall be held uninvested. The Certificateholders shall possess all beneficial right, title and interest in and to all funds on deposit from time to time in the Certificate Distribution Account and all proceeds thereof. Except as otherwise provided herein, in the Indenture or in the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Certificate Distribution Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Certificate Paying Agent for the benefit of the Certificateholders. If, at any time, the Certificate Distribution Account ceases to be an Eligible Account, the Servicer on behalf of the Issuer, shall, within ten (10) Business Days (or such longer period) after becoming aware of the fact, establish a new Certificate Distribution Account as an Eligible Account and shall direct the Certificate Paying Agent to transfer any cash then on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account to such new Certificate Distribution Account.

 

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SECTION 5.5. Withholding.

(a) If any withholding tax is imposed on the Issuer’s payment, distribution or allocation of income to a Certificateholder, such tax shall reduce the amount otherwise distributable to the Certificateholder in accordance with this Section 5.5; provided that the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent shall not have an obligation to withhold any such amount if and for so long as the Seller or a U.S. Affiliate of the Seller is the sole Certificateholder. The Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent is hereby authorized and directed to retain from amounts otherwise distributable to the Certificateholders sufficient funds for the payment of any tax that is legally owed by the Issuer (but such authorization shall not prevent the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent from contesting any such tax in appropriate proceedings and withholding payment of such tax, if permitted by law, pending the outcome of such proceedings). The amount of any withholding tax imposed with respect to a Certificateholder shall be treated as cash distributed to such Certificateholder at the time it is withheld by the Issuer and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. If there is a possibility that withholding tax is payable with respect to a payment, distribution or allocation of income, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent may in its sole discretion withhold such amounts in accordance with this Section 5.5.

(b) With respect to any and all payments to a Certificateholder, (i) the Certificateholder will provide to the applicable withholding agent (including the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent), any documentation or certification required or reasonably appropriate for the such withholding agent to satisfy its obligations with respect to FATCA, if any, and to determine whether any withholding tax may be required to be withheld pursuant to FATCA; and (ii) the Certificateholder acknowledges and agrees that the applicable withholding agent (including, if applicable, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent) shall have the right to deduct and withhold any required U.S. withholding tax, including any withholding tax pursuant to FATCA, on any amounts payable with respect to the Certificates (without any corresponding gross-up or other indemnification) if any such Certificateholder or beneficial owner either is subject to withholding under FATCA, fails to comply with the documentation requirements in clause (i), or otherwise fails to establish a complete exemption from such withholding tax to the reasonable satisfaction of the applicable withholding agent (including, if applicable, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Paying Agent).

SECTION 5.6. Preservation of Information; Communications to Certificateholders.

(a) The Certificate Registrar shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Certificateholders received in its capacity as the Certificate Registrar and provide a copy thereof to the Owner Trustee and Certificate Paying Agent; provided, however, that so long as the Certificate Paying Agent is the Certificate Registrar, no list separate from the Certificate Register shall be required to be provided to the Certificate Paying Agent.

 

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(b) The Certificateholders may communicate with other Certificateholders with respect to their rights under this Agreement or under the Certificates. Upon receipt by the Certificate Registrar of any written request by three or more Certificateholders or by one or more Certificateholders holding in the aggregate more than 25% of the Percentage Interests to receive a copy of the most current list of Certificateholders together with a copy of the communication that the applicant proposes to send, the Certificate Registrar shall, at the expense of the Issuer, distribute such list to the requesting Certificateholders; provided, that the Certificate Registrar may elect not to afford the requesting Certificateholders access to the list of Certificateholders if it agrees to mail the desired communication or proxy, on behalf of and at the expense of the requesting Certificateholders, to all Certificateholders.

(c) The Certificate Registrar shall promptly give notice to each Certificateholder of any change in the Indenture Trustee’s website pursuant to which the statement pursuant to Section 4.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement is made available of which it has been provided notice pursuant to Section 4.6 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

SECTION 5.7. Rule 144A Information. At any time when the Issuer is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and is not exempt from reporting pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act, upon the request of a Certificateholder, the Seller shall promptly furnish or cause to be furnished Rule 144A Information to such Certificateholder, to a prospective purchaser of such Certificate designated by such Certificateholder or to the Certificate Registrar for delivery to such Certificateholder or a prospective purchaser designated by such Certificateholder in order to permit compliance by such Certificateholder with Rule 144A in connection with the resale of such Certificate by such Certificateholder.

ARTICLE VI

AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OWNER TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.1. General Authority. The Owner Trustee is authorized and directed to execute and deliver (i) the Transaction Documents to which the Issuer is named as a party and (ii) each certificate or other document attached as an exhibit to or contemplated by the Transaction Documents to which the Issuer or the Owner Trustee is named as a party and any amendment thereto, in each case, in such form as the Seller shall approve, as evidenced conclusively by the Owner Trustee’s execution thereof, and at the written direction of the Seller, to execute on behalf of the Issuer and to direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate and deliver Class A-1 Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $170,000,000, Class A-2 Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $512,000,000, Class A-3 Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $218,670,000, Class B Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $199,290,000, Class C Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $279,590,000 and Class D Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $219,600,000. In addition to the foregoing, the Owner Trustee is authorized,

 

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but shall not be obligated, to take all actions required of the Issuer pursuant to the Transaction Documents. The Owner Trustee is further authorized from time to time to take such action as the Seller, the Administrator or the Majority Certificateholders direct in writing with respect to the Transaction Documents, except to the extent that this Agreement expressly requires the consent of each Certificateholder for such action.

SECTION 6.2. General Duties. It shall be the duty of the Owner Trustee to discharge (or cause to be discharged) all of its express responsibilities under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Owner Trustee shall be deemed to have discharged its duties and responsibilities hereunder and under the Transaction Documents to the extent the Administrator has agreed in the Administration Agreement to perform any act or to discharge any duty of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee hereunder or under any Transaction Document, and the Owner Trustee shall not be liable for the default or failure of the Administrator to carry out its obligations under the Administration Agreement and shall have no duty to monitor the performance of the Administrator or any other Person under the Administration Agreement or any other document. The Owner Trustee shall have no obligation to administer, service or collect the Receivables or to maintain, monitor or otherwise supervise the administration, servicing or collection of the Receivables.

SECTION 6.3. Action upon Instruction.

(a) Subject to Article IV, and in accordance with the Transaction Documents, the Certificateholders may, by written instruction, direct the Owner Trustee or the Administrator in the management of the Issuer. Such direction may be exercised at any time by written instruction of the Certificateholders pursuant to Article IV. The Owner Trustee shall not be required to take any discretionary action to investigate or review any matter without direction from the Majority Certificateholders. Further, with respect to provisions hereunder that provide for instruction by the Certificateholders, for so long as all outstanding Certificates are Book-Entry Certificates, if the Owner Trustee shall have notified the Certificateholders in writing of a proposed action and within 15 Business Days of such notice none of the Certificateholders shall have notified the Owner Trustee in writing that such Certificateholder has withheld consent or provided alternative instruction, the Owner Trustee, in the place of Certificateholder instruction hereunder, may accept and rely on written instruction of the Administrator and shall have no liability to any Certificateholder in connection therewith. If subsequently the Owner Trustee receives alternative written instruction from the Certificateholders, such subsequent instruction shall control unless the Owner Trustee has already commenced action based on such prior instruction.

(b) The Owner Trustee shall not be required to take any action hereunder or under any Transaction Document if the Owner Trustee shall have reasonably determined or been advised by counsel that such action is likely to result in liability on the part of the Owner Trustee or is contrary to the terms hereof or of any Transaction Document or is otherwise contrary to law.

 

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(c) Whenever the Owner Trustee is unable to decide between alternative courses of action permitted or required by the terms of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or is unsure as to the application of any provision of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or any such provision is ambiguous as to its application, or is, or appears to be, in conflict with any other applicable provision, or in the event that this Agreement permits any determination by the Owner Trustee or is silent or is incomplete as to the course of action that the Owner Trustee is required to take with respect to a particular set of facts, or more than one methodology can be used to make any determination or calculation to be performed by the Owner Trustee hereunder, the Owner Trustee shall promptly give notice (in such form as shall be appropriate under the circumstances) to the Certificateholders requesting instruction as to the course of action to be adopted or application of such provision, and to the extent the Owner Trustee acts or refrains from acting in good faith in accordance with any written instruction of the Majority Certificateholders (or, if specifically required hereunder, all Certificateholders) received, the Owner Trustee shall not be liable on account of such action or inaction to any Person. If the Owner Trustee shall not have received appropriate instruction within ten days of such notice (or within such shorter period of time as reasonably may be specified in such notice or may be necessary under the circumstances) it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking any action and shall have no liability to any Person for such action or inaction. For the avoidance of doubt, the Owner Trustee shall be fully protected by the indemnification provisions applicable to it under this Agreement in connection with any action the Owner Trustee takes or refrains from taking in accordance with this paragraph.

SECTION 6.4. No Duties Except as Specified in this Agreement or in Instructions. The Owner Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation to manage, make any payment with respect to, register, record, sell, dispose of, or otherwise deal with the Trust Estate, or to otherwise take or refrain from taking any action under, or in connection with, any document contemplated hereby to which the Issuer or the Owner Trustee is a party, except as expressly provided by the terms of this Agreement or in any document or written instruction received by the Owner Trustee pursuant to Section 6.3; and no implied duties (including fiduciary duties existing at law or in equity) or obligations shall be read into this Agreement or any Transaction Document against the Owner Trustee. The Owner Trustee shall have no responsibility for the preparation, correctness, accuracy, existence, or filing of any financing or continuation statement in any public office at any time or the validity, existence, perfection or maintenance of the perfection of any security interest or lien granted to it or to the Issuer hereunder or under any Transaction Document, nor shall the Owner Trustee have any responsibility to monitor the performance of any collateral, or to prepare or file any tax (subject to Section 5.3(a)), qualification to do business, license, Commission or other securities law filing, or other regulatory filing or report for the Issuer, or to record this Agreement or any Transaction Document, or to monitor or enforce the satisfaction of any risk retention requirement or other regulatory requirement applicable to the Issuer in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Wells Fargo nevertheless agrees that it will, at its own cost and expense, promptly take all action as may be necessary to discharge any Liens on any part of the Trust Estate that result from actions by, or claims against, Wells Fargo that are not related to the ownership or the administration of the Trust Estate or the Issuer.

 

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SECTION 6.5. No Action Except under Specified Documents or Instructions. The Owner Trustee shall not manage, control, use, sell, dispose of or otherwise deal with any part of the Trust Estate except (i) in accordance with the powers granted to and the authority conferred upon the Owner Trustee pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) in accordance with the Transaction Documents and (iii) in accordance with any document or instruction delivered to the Owner Trustee pursuant to Section 6.3.

SECTION 6.6. Restrictions. The Owner Trustee shall not take any action that, to the actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee, (a) is inconsistent with the purposes of the Issuer set forth in Section 2.3 or (b) would (i) affect the treatment of the Notes as indebtedness for United States federal income, state and local income, franchise and value added tax purposes, (ii) be deemed to cause a taxable exchange of the Notes for United States federal income or state income or franchise tax purposes or (iii) cause the Issuer or any portion thereof to be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for United States federal income, state and local income or franchise and value added tax purposes or (c) be contrary to applicable law. None of the Certificateholders, the Administrator, the Servicer nor the Seller shall direct the Owner Trustee to take action that would violate the provisions of this Section 6.6.

ARTICLE VII

CONCERNING OWNER TRUSTEE

SECTION 7.1. Acceptance of Trusts and Duties.

(a) The Owner Trustee accepts the trusts hereby created and agrees to perform its express duties hereunder with respect to such trusts but only upon the terms of this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither the Owner Trustee nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or affiliates shall have any implied duties (including fiduciary duties) or liabilities otherwise existing at law or in equity with respect to the Trust, which implied duties and liabilities are hereby eliminated. Every provision of this Agreement relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Owner Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Article. The Owner Trustee also agrees to disburse all moneys actually received by it constituting part of the Trust Estate upon the terms of the Transaction Documents and this Agreement. The Owner Trustee shall not be personally liable or accountable hereunder or under any Transaction Document under any circumstances notwithstanding anything herein or in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, except for losses to the extent arising from (i) its own willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its express duties hereunder, (ii) the inaccuracy of any representation or warranty contained in Section 7.4 expressly made by Wells Fargo, in its individual capacity or (iii) the failure of Wells Fargo to perform obligations expressly undertaken by it in the last sentence of Section 6.4, in each case as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise agreed by the Servicer and Wells Fargo. In particular, but not by way of limitation (and subject to the exemptions set forth in the preceding sentence):

(1) The Owner Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, or error of judgment made in good faith by any officer or employee of the Owner Trustee.

 

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(2) The Owner Trustee shall not be personally liable for the payment of any tax imposed on the Issuer or amounts that are includable in the federal gross income of the Certificateholders.

(3) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Owner Trustee to expend or risk funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of the Owner Trustee’s duties or powers hereunder.

(4) The Owner Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Certificate Registrar or the Certificate Paying Agent (when not the Owner Trustee) or by the Issuer, the Administrator, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer or any other Person, and the Owner Trustee shall not be liable for monitoring, performing or supervising the performance of any obligations or duties under this Agreement, the Administration Agreement, the Sale and Servicing Agreement or the Indenture, or under any other document contemplated hereby or thereby, which are to be performed by the Issuer, the Certificate Registrar, the Certificate Paying Agent, the Administrator, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer or any other Person under such documents and may conclusively assume performance of the same absent written notice to the contrary received by a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee.

(5) The Owner Trustee shall not be responsible for or in respect of the recitals herein, the validity, sufficiency or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes or the Certificates or for the due execution hereof by the Seller or for the form, character, genuineness, sufficiency, value or validity of the Trust Estate or for or in respect of the validity, sufficiency or enforceability of the Transaction Documents, the Notes or the Certificates or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby to which the Owner Trustee is not a party in its individual capacity.

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in any of the Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Owner Trustee shall not be required to take any action in any jurisdiction other than in the State of Delaware if the taking of such action will (i) require the consent or approval or authorization or order of or the giving of notice to, or the registration with or taking of any action in respect of, any state or other governmental authority or agency of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware; (ii) result in any fee, tax or other governmental charge under the laws of any jurisdiction or any political subdivisions thereof in existence on the date hereof other than the State of Delaware becoming payable by the Owner Trustee; or (iii) subject the Owner Trustee to personal jurisdiction in any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware for causes of action arising from acts unrelated to the consummation of the transactions by the Owner Trustee contemplated hereby.

(7) The Owner Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Certificateholders (or Certificateholders other than the Majority Certificateholders pursuant to Section 9.24(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement), the Servicer, the Seller or the Administrator.

 

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(8) The Owner Trustee shall not be under any duty to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Agreement, or to institute, conduct or defend any investigation, proceeding or litigation under this Agreement or otherwise or in relation to this Agreement or any Transaction Document, at the request, order or written direction of the Certificateholders, unless such Certificateholders have offered to provide to the Owner Trustee, to the extent requested by the Owner Trustee, security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by the Owner Trustee therein or thereby. The permissive right of the Owner Trustee to perform any discretionary act or exercise any privilege enumerated in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document shall not be construed as a duty. The Owner Trustee shall not be liable for the performance of any discretionary act enumerated in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document other than for its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in the performance of any such act.

(9) Any funds deposited with the Owner Trustee hereunder may be held in a non-interest bearing account, and the Owner Trustee shall not be liable for any interest thereon or for any loss as a result of the investment thereof at the direction of the Certificateholders or any other Person.

(10) The Owner Trustee shall not be deemed to have actual knowledge of, and shall not be required to act upon (including the sending of any notice), any fact or event including any breach of representation or warranty, document defect, Default, Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event unless a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee has received written notice of such fact or event and such notice references the Issuer or this Agreement. The Owner Trustee shall not be deemed to have actual or constructive knowledge of publicly available information or information contained in monthly distribution reports, servicer reports or other reports delivered under the Transaction Documents (other than any reports the Owner Trustee is expressly required to review pursuant to the terms hereof). Knowledge or information acquired by Wells Fargo in its capacity as the Owner Trustee hereunder shall not be imputed to Wells Fargo in any other role which it may have under any other Transaction Document or under any other document, nor shall it be imputed to any affiliate, line of business or other division of Wells Fargo (and vice versa).

(b) Under no circumstances shall the Owner Trustee be personally liable hereunder for any indebtedness of the Issuer.

(c) Under no circumstance shall the Owner Trustee be liable for any representation, warranty, covenant, or obligation or indebtedness of the Issuer or any other Person hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents or any other agreement, document or certificate contemplated by the foregoing.

(d) In no event shall the Owner Trustee be liable for any damages in the nature of punitive, special, indirect or consequential damages however styled, including lost profits, or for losses due to forces beyond the control of the Owner Trustee, including but not limited to strikes, work stoppages, acts of war or terrorism, disease, epidemic or pandemic, quarantine, civil unrest, insurrection, revolution, national emergency, nuclear

 

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or natural catastrophes or disasters, acts of God, and interruptions, act of any present or future law or regulation or any act of any court or governmental authority, computer hardware or software failure, malware or ransomware attack, unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex system or other applicable wire or funds transfer system, or loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services provided to the Owner Trustee; it being understood that the Owner Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practice in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

(e) In the event of the engagement of any accountants hereunder or pursuant hereto including in connection with the performance of any agreed upon procedures or any audit related to the activities of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee shall not be liable for any claims, liabilities or expenses relating to such accountants’ engagement or any report issued in connection with such engagement. Dissemination of any such report other than pursuant to the Transaction Documents or applicable law is subject to the consent of the accountants.

SECTION 7.2. Furnishing of Documents. The Owner Trustee shall furnish to the Certificateholders promptly upon receipt of a written request therefor, duplicates or copies of all reports, notices, requests, demands, certificates, financial statements and any other instruments furnished to the Owner Trustee under the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 7.3. Notice of Events of Default and Servicer Replacement Event. The Owner Trustee shall promptly upon receipt of a list of Certificateholders from the Certificate Registrar give notice to each Certificateholder of any (a) Default or Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee has been provided written notice pursuant to Section 6.5 of the Indenture and (b) Servicer Replacement Event of which a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee has been provided written notice pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The Owner Trustee shall have no duty to investigate, verify or take any action to determine whether any breach of representation or warranty, document defect, Default, Event of Default or Servicer Replacement Event has in fact occurred and shall have no duty to make any determination as to the materiality of any fact, matter or event, or to make any demand or claim for repurchase of Receivables. The Owner Trustee shall have no duty to enforce remedies for document defects or breaches of representations and warranties under any Transaction Document.

SECTION 7.4. Representations and Warranties. Wells Fargo hereby represents and warrants to the Seller for the benefit of the Certificateholders, that:

(a) It is a national banking association duly formed and validly existing under the federal laws of the United States of America and having an office within the State of Delaware. It has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) It has taken all corporate action necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be executed and delivered by one of its officers who is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement on its behalf.

 

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(c) This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Owner Trustee, enforceable against the Owner Trustee in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, conservatorship, receivership, liquidation and other similar laws affecting enforcement of the rights of creditors of banks generally and to equitable limitations on the availability of specific remedies.

(d) Neither the execution nor the delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby nor compliance by it with any of the terms or provisions hereof will contravene any federal or Delaware law, governmental rule or regulation governing the banking or trust powers of the Owner Trustee or any judgment or order binding on it, or constitute any default under its charter documents or by-laws.

SECTION 7.5. Reliance; Advice of Counsel.

(a) The Owner Trustee may conclusively rely on and shall incur no personal liability to anyone in acting upon any signature, instrument, notice, resolution, request, consent, order, certificate, report, opinion, bond or other document or paper believed by it to be genuine and believed by it to be signed by the proper party or parties. The Owner Trustee shall not be responsible for the content or accuracy of any such document provided to the Owner Trustee and need not investigate, evaluate, verify or re-calculate or independently determine the accuracy of any report, certificate, information, statement, representation or warranty or any fact of matter stated in any such document and may conclusively rely as to the truth of the statements, facts (including the correctness of any numbers or calculations) and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein. The Owner Trustee may accept a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors or other governing body of any corporate party as conclusive evidence that such resolution has been duly adopted by such body and that the same is in full force and effect. As to any fact or matter the method of the determination of which is not specifically prescribed herein, the Owner Trustee may for all purposes hereof rely on a certificate, signed by the president or any vice president or by the treasurer, secretary or other Authorized Officers of the relevant party, as to such fact or matter, and such certificate shall constitute full protection to the Owner Trustee for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in reliance thereon. Prior to taking or refraining from taking any action hereunder, the Owner Trustee shall be entitled to request, receive, rely upon and act in accordance with, officer’s certificates or opinions of counsel provided at the expense of the party requesting the Owner Trustee to take such action or inaction.

(b) In the exercise or administration of the trusts hereunder and in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the Owner Trustee (i) may act directly or through affiliates, agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees, and the Owner Trustee shall not be personally liable for the supervision, conduct or misconduct of such agents, custodians, nominees

 

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(including Persons acting under a power of attorney) or attorneys (other than its affiliates) selected in good faith and (ii) may consult with and conclusively rely upon the advice of counsel, accountants and other skilled Persons knowledgeable in the relevant area to be selected in good faith and employed by it at the expense of the Issuer. The Owner Trustee shall not be personally liable for anything done, suffered or omitted in good faith by it in accordance with the opinion or advice of any such counsel, accountants or other such Persons.

(c) In connection with the delivery of any information to the Owner Trustee by the Servicer or any other party to the Transaction Documents where the Owner Trustee is required to use such information in connection with the preparation or distribution of reports to Certificateholders or other parties, the Owner Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely on the accuracy of all such information and shall not be required to investigate or reconfirm its accuracy and shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or incorrect information resulting from the use of this information.

SECTION 7.6. Not Acting in Individual Capacity. Except as provided in this Article VII, in accepting the trusts hereby created, Wells Fargo acts solely as the Owner Trustee hereunder and not in its individual capacity and all Persons having any claim against the Owner Trustee by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall look only to the Trust Estate for payment or satisfaction thereof.

SECTION 7.7. The Owner Trustee May Own Notes. The Owner Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes. The Owner Trustee may deal with the Seller, the Indenture Trustee, the Administrator, the Underwriters and their respective Affiliates in banking transactions with the same rights as it would have if it were not the Owner Trustee, and the Seller, the Indenture Trustee, the Administrator, the Underwriters and their respective Affiliates may maintain normal commercial banking relationships with the Owner Trustee and its Affiliates.

SECTION 7.8. Compliance with Patriot Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with laws, regulations and executive orders of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof as are in effect from time to time applicable to financial institutions relating to the funding of terrorist activities and money laundering, including, without limitation, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Title III of Pub. L. 107 56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) regulations promulgated by U.S. Department of Treasury of the Office of Foreign Asset Control (collectively, (“AML Law”), each of the Owner Trustee and the Certificate Paying Agent is required to obtain, verify and record information relating to individuals and entities that establish or maintain a business relationship or open an account with the Owner Trustee or Certificate Paying Agent, as applicable. The Seller agrees that it shall provide to the Owner Trustee or Certificate Paying Agent, as applicable, with such information and documentation as the Owner Trustee or the Certificate Paying Agent, as applicable, may request from time to time in order to enable the Owner Trustee and the Certificate Paying Agent to comply with all applicable requirements of AML Law, including, but not limited to, information or documentation used to identify and verify each party’s identity, including, but not limited to, each party’s name, physical address, tax identification number, organizational documents, certificates of good standing, licenses to do business or other pertinent identifying information.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

COMPENSATION OF OWNER TRUSTEE

SECTION 8.1. The Owner Trustees Compensation. Compensation for all services rendered by Wells Fargo under this Agreement (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) shall be paid to Wells Fargo pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable (in either case to the extent of Available Funds available therefor), in accordance with the terms of an applicable fee letter. Wells Fargo shall, upon its request and in accordance with an applicable fee letter, be reimbursed pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable (in either case to the extent of Available Funds available therefor), for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by Wells Fargo in accordance with any provision of this Agreement (including the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of such agents, experts and counsel as Wells Fargo may employ in connection with the exercise, enforcement and performance of its rights and its duties hereunder or amendments or modifications hereto, including but not limited to expenses related to Sections 4.3 and 5.3 hereof), except any such expense that may be attributable to its willful misconduct, gross negligence (other than an error in judgment) or bad faith. To the extent not paid in full from Available Funds pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable (whether by application of the limitation set forth in Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or otherwise), on or before the Payment Date following the end of the Collection Period that includes the 30th day after the request therefor, such fees and reasonable expenses shall be paid by the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement (without regard to such limitation). The provisions of this Section 8.1 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee.

SECTION 8.2. Indemnification. Wells Fargo in its individual capacity and as trustee (including as Owner Trustee) and its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) shall be indemnified, defended and held harmless by the Issuer and the Servicer, to the extent set forth below, from and against any and all loss, liability, expense, tax, penalty, damage, judgment, cost, action, suit, claim or fee (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, court costs and other legal expenses, including but not limited to those incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, claim, action or proceeding brought against the Trust or an Indemnified Party, or in connection with any suit, claim, action or proceeding brought by an Indemnified Party for enforcement (including enforcement of its indemnification rights) or otherwise against the Seller, the Servicer or any other Person under the Transaction Documents) of any kind and nature whatsoever (collectively, “Expenses”) which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against Wells Fargo in its individual capacity and as trustee or any Indemnified Party in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Certificates, the Trust Estate, the administration of the Trust Estate or the action or inaction of Wells Fargo hereunder or the enforcement of their respective rights (including indemnification rights) under the Transaction

 

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Documents; provided, however, that indemnification from and against any of the foregoing Expenses shall not be required if determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise agreed by the Servicer and Wells Fargo to be arising or resulting from (i) Wells Fargo’s own willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence, (ii) the inaccuracy of any representation or warranty contained in Section 7.4 expressly made by Wells Fargo in its individual capacity, (iii) liabilities arising from the failure of Wells Fargo to perform obligations expressly undertaken by it in the last sentence of Section 6.4 or (iv) taxes, fees or other charges on, based on or measured by, any fees, commissions or compensation received by the Owner Trustee and, until such determination, any such Indemnified Party shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder. Indemnification amounts payable hereunder shall be paid pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable (in either case to the extent of Available Funds available therefor). To the extent not paid in full in accordance with the preceding sentence (whether by application of the limitation set forth in Section 4.4(a) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or otherwise) on or before the Payment Date following the end of the Collection Period that includes the 30th day after the request therefor, such indemnification shall be paid by the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement (without regard to such limitation). The provisions of this Section 8.2 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee.

SECTION 8.3. Payments to the Owner Trustee. Any amounts paid to the Owner Trustee pursuant to this Article VIII and the Sale and Servicing Agreement or the Indenture shall be deemed not to be a part of the Trust Estate immediately after such payment. The provisions of this Section 8.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee.

ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION OF TRUST AGREEMENT

SECTION 9.1. Dissolution of Issuer. The Issuer shall wind up and dissolve upon the latest of (1) satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, (2) the Optional Purchase of the Trust Estate pursuant to the Sale and Servicing Agreement or (3) the final distribution from the Collection Account established pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(i) of the Sale and Servicing Agreement. The bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, death or incapacity of a Certificateholder shall not (x) operate to terminate this Agreement or the Issuer, nor (y) entitle such Certificateholder’s legal representatives or heirs to claim an accounting or to take any action or proceeding in any court for a partition or winding up of all or any part of the Issuer or Trust Estate nor (z) otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto.

(a) Upon receipt of written notice from the Servicer of any dissolution and termination of the Issuer, specifying the Payment Date upon which Certificateholders shall surrender their Certificates to the Certificate Registrar for payment of the final distribution and cancellation, and if the Certificate Registrar is notified of a redemption of the Notes by the Administrator or the Issuer pursuant to Section 10.1(c) of the Indenture, the Certificate Registrar shall mail such notice to the Certificateholders within five (5) Business Days of the Certificate Registrar’s receipt of such notice from the Servicer, Issuer or Administrator. Each such notice to a Certificateholder shall state (i) the Payment

 

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Date upon or with respect to which final payment of the Certificates shall be made upon presentation and surrender of the Certificates at the office of the Certificate Registrar therein designated, (ii) the amount of any such final payment and (iii) that the Record Date otherwise applicable to such Payment Date is not applicable and that payments are being made only upon presentation and surrender of the Certificates at the office of the Certificate Registrar therein specified. The Certificate Registrar shall give such notice to the Owner Trustee (if other than the Certificate Registrar) and the Certificate Paying Agent (if other than the Certificate Registrar) at the time such notice is given to Certificateholders. Upon presentation and surrender of each Certificate, the Certificate Registrar or the Certificate Paying Agent, at the written direction of the Administrator, shall cause to be distributed to such Certificateholders, subject to Section 3808 of the Statutory Trust Statute, amounts distributable on such Payment Date pursuant to Article V hereof.

(b) In the event that any of the Certificateholders shall not surrender their Certificates for cancellation within six (6) months after the date specified in the above mentioned written notice, the Certificate Registrar shall give a second written notice to the remaining Certificateholders to surrender their Certificates for cancellation and receive the final distribution with respect thereto. If within one (1) year after the second notice any of the Certificates shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the Certificate Registrar may take appropriate steps, or may appoint an agent to take appropriate steps, to contact the remaining Certificateholders concerning surrender of their Certificates and the cost thereof shall be paid out of the funds and other assets that shall remain subject to this Agreement. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any funds remaining in the Trust Estate after exhaustion of such remedies shall be distributed by the Certificate Paying Agent to the last Certificateholder of record identified in the Certificate Register for each such remaining Certificate.

SECTION 9.2. Termination of Trust Agreement. Upon dissolution of the Issuer, the Administrator shall wind up the business and affairs of the Issuer as required by Section 3808 of the Statutory Trust Statute. Upon the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, and receipt of a certificate from the Indenture Trustee stating that all Noteholders have been paid in full and that the Indenture Trustee is aware of no claims remaining against the Issuer in respect of the Indenture and the Notes, the Administrator, in the absence of actual knowledge of any other claim against the Issuer, shall be deemed to have made reasonable provision to pay all claims and obligations (including conditional, contingent or unmatured obligations) for purposes of Section 3808(e) of the Statutory Trust Statute. The Certificate Paying Agent, upon surrender of the outstanding Certificates shall distribute the remaining Trust Estate (if any) in accordance with Article V hereof and, at the written direction and expense of the Administrator, the Owner Trustee shall cause the Certificate of Trust to be cancelled by filing a certificate of cancellation with the Delaware Secretary of State in accordance with the provisions of Section 3810 of the Statutory Trust Statute, at which time the Issuer shall terminate and this Agreement (other than Article VIII) shall be of no further force or effect.

SECTION 9.3. Limitations on Termination. Except as provided in Section 9.1, neither the Seller nor the Certificateholders shall be entitled to revoke or terminate the Issuer.

 

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ARTICLE X

SUCCESSOR OWNER TRUSTEES AND ADDITIONAL

OWNER TRUSTEES

SECTION 10.1. Eligibility Requirements for the Owner Trustee. The Owner Trustee shall at all times be a Person (i) authorized to exercise corporate trust powers, (ii) having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and (iii) subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authorities. If such Person shall publish reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purpose of this Section 10.1, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Owner Trustee shall at all times be a Person satisfying the provisions of Section 3807(a) of the Statutory Trust Statute. In case at any time the Owner Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.1, the Owner Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 10.2.

SECTION 10.2. Resignation or Removal of the Owner Trustee. The Owner Trustee may at any time resign and be discharged from the trusts hereby created by giving written notice thereof to the Seller, the Administrator, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Certificateholders. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Seller and the Administrator, acting jointly, shall promptly appoint a successor Owner Trustee which satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 10.1 by written instrument, in duplicate, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Owner Trustee and one copy to the successor Owner Trustee. If no successor Owner Trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Owner Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Owner Trustee; provided, however, that such right to appoint or to petition for the appointment of any such successor shall in no event relieve the resigning Owner Trustee from any obligations otherwise imposed on it under the Transaction Documents until such successor has in fact assumed such appointment.

If at any time the Owner Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.1 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Seller or the Administrator, or if at any time the Owner Trustee shall be legally unable to act, or shall be adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the Owner Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Owner Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then the Seller or the Administrator may remove the Owner Trustee. If the Seller or the Administrator shall remove the Owner Trustee under the authority of the immediately preceding sentence, the Seller and the Administrator, acting jointly, shall promptly appoint a successor Owner Trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the outgoing Owner Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor Owner Trustee and shall pay all fees owed to the outgoing Owner Trustee.

 

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Any resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee and appointment of a successor Owner Trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 10.2 shall not become effective until acceptance of appointment by the successor Owner Trustee pursuant to Section 10.3 and payment of all fees, expenses and indemnities (including any attorneys’ fees and other legal costs and expenses incurred in connection with any petition for appointment of a successor Owner Trustee) owed to the outgoing Owner Trustee. The Seller shall provide (or shall cause to be provided) notice of such resignation or removal of the Owner Trustee to each of the Rating Agencies.

SECTION 10.3. Successor Owner Trustee. Any successor Owner Trustee appointed pursuant to Section 10.2 shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Seller, the Administrator and to its predecessor Owner Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment under this Agreement, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor Owner Trustee shall become effective and such successor Owner Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor under this Agreement, with like effect as if originally named as the Owner Trustee. The predecessor Owner Trustee shall upon payment of its fees and expenses deliver to the successor Owner Trustee all documents and statements and monies held by it under this Agreement; and the Seller and the predecessor Owner Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments and do such other things as may reasonably be required for fully and certainly vesting and confirming in the successor Owner Trustee all such rights, powers, duties and obligations.

No successor Owner Trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this Section 10.3 unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Owner Trustee shall be eligible pursuant to Section 10.1.

Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor Owner Trustee pursuant to this Section 10.3, the Seller shall mail (or shall cause to be mailed) notice of the successor of such Owner Trustee to the Certificateholders, Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders and each of the Rating Agencies. If the Seller shall fail to mail (or cause to be mailed) such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor Owner Trustee, the successor Owner Trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the Seller. Any successor Owner Trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 10.3 shall promptly file an amendment to the Certificate of Trust with the Delaware Secretary of State identifying the name and principal place of business of such successor Owner Trustee in the State of Delaware.

SECTION 10.4. Merger or Consolidation of the Owner Trustee. Any Person into which the Owner Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Owner Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Owner Trustee, shall, without the execution or filing of any instrument or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, be the successor of the Owner Trustee hereunder; provided that such Person shall be eligible pursuant to Section 10.1; and provided further that the Owner Trustee shall file an amendment to the Certificate of Trust of the Issuer, if required by applicable law, and mail notice of such merger or consolidation to the Seller and the Administrator.

 

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SECTION 10.5. Appointment of Co-Trustee or Separate Trustee. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, at any time, for the purpose of avoiding conflicts of interests or enforcement actions, meeting any legal requirements of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Estate may at the time be located or other jurisdictional issues, or for such other purposes as may arise, the Seller and the Owner Trustee acting jointly shall have the power and shall execute and deliver all instruments to appoint one or more Persons approved by the Owner Trustee to act as co-trustee, jointly with the Owner Trustee, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or any part of the Trust Estate, and to vest in such Person, in such capacity, such title to the Trust Estate, or any part thereof, and, subject to the other provisions of this Section 10.5, such powers, duties, obligations, rights and trusts as the Seller and the Owner Trustee may consider necessary or desirable. If the Seller shall not have joined in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request to do so, the Owner Trustee alone shall have the power to make such appointment. No co-trustee or separate trustee under this Agreement shall be required to meet the terms of eligibility as a successor trustee pursuant to Section 10.1 and no notice of the appointment of any co-trustee or separate trustee shall be required pursuant to Section 10.3.

Each separate trustee and co-trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be appointed and act subject to the following provisions and conditions:

(i) all rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon the Owner Trustee may be conferred upon and exercised or performed by such separate trustee singly or by the Owner Trustee and such co-trustee jointly (it being understood that such co-trustee is not authorized to act separately without the Owner Trustee joining in such act, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed, the Owner Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act or acts, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations (including the holding of title to the Trust Estate or any portion thereof in any such jurisdiction) shall be exercised and performed singly by such co-trustee, but solely at the direction of the Administrator);

(ii) no trustee under this Agreement shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee under this Agreement; and

(iii) the Seller and the Owner Trustee acting jointly may at any time accept the resignation of or remove any separate trustee or co-trustee.

Any notice, request or other writing given to the Owner Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the then separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them. Every instrument appointing any separate trustee or co-trustee shall refer to this Agreement and the conditions of this Article. Each separate trustee and co-trustee, upon its acceptance of the trusts conferred, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in its instrument of appointment, either jointly with the Owner Trustee or separately, as may be provided therein, subject to all the provisions of this Agreement, specifically including every provision of this Agreement relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Owner Trustee. Each such instrument shall be filed with the Owner Trustee and copies thereof given to the Seller and the Administrator.

 

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If any separate trustee or co-trustee shall become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all of its estates, properties, rights, remedies and trusts shall vest in the Owner Trustee, to the extent permitted by law, without the appointment of a new or successor trustee. The Owner Trustee shall have no obligation to determine whether a co-trustee or separate trustee is legally required in any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust Estate may be located. The Owner Trustee shall not have any responsibility or liability for or with respect to, and shall not be required to supervise or monitor, any separate trustee or co-trustee duly appointed hereunder unless otherwise expressly required by the instrument of appointment.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 11.1. Amendments.

(a) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be amended by the Seller and the Owner Trustee, at the direction of the Administrator, without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, any Certificateholder the Issuer or any other Person subject to the satisfaction of one of the following conditions:

(i) the Seller delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such amendment will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and the Seller notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment.

(b) This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Seller and the Owner Trustee, at the direction of the Administrator, with the consent of the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Controlling Class, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders. It will not be necessary to obtain the consent of the Noteholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents (and any other consents of Noteholders provided for in this Agreement) and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders will be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe, including the establishment of record dates pursuant to the Depository Agreement.

(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Seller and the Owner Trustee, at the direction of the Administrator for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Agreement to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer or any other Person, provided, however, that the Seller shall provide written notification of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee and promptly after execution of any such amendment, the Seller shall furnish a copy of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee.

 

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(d) Prior to the execution of any amendment pursuant to this Section 11.1, the Seller shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency and the Indenture Trustee; and promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Seller shall furnish a copy of such amendment to each Rating Agency and the Indenture Trustee; provided, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee, the Certificate Paying Agent or the Certificate Registrar without the prior written consent of such Person (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(e) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Owner Trustee shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such amendment have been satisfied. The Owner Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which affects the Owner Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 11.1, this Agreement may only be amended by the Seller and the Owner Trustee at the direction of the Administrator if (i) the Majority Certificateholders, or, if 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates, such Person (or Persons) consent to such amendment or (ii) such amendment shall not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Seller or an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of the Certificateholders. In determining whether 100% of the aggregate Percentage Interests is then beneficially owned by Santander Consumer and/or its Affiliates for purposes of clause (i), any party shall be entitled to rely on an Officer’s Certificate or similar certification of Santander Consumer or any Affiliate thereof to such effect.

SECTION 11.2. No Legal Title to Trust Estate in Certificateholders. The Certificateholders shall not have legal title to any part of the Trust Estate. A Certificateholder shall be entitled to receive distributions with respect to its undivided Percentage Interest therein only in accordance with Articles V and IX. No transfer, by operation of law or otherwise, of any right, title or interest of a Certificateholder to and in its ownership interest in the Trust Estate shall operate to terminate this Agreement or the trusts hereunder or entitle any transferee to an accounting or to the transfer to it of legal title to any part of the Trust Estate.

SECTION 11.3. Limitations on Rights of Others. The provisions of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Owner Trustee, the Seller, the Administrator, the Certificateholders and, to the extent expressly provided herein, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders, and nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, shall be construed to give to any other Person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim in the Trust Estate or under or in respect of this Agreement or any covenants, conditions or provisions contained herein.

 

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SECTION 11.4. Notices.

(a) Unless otherwise expressly specified or permitted by the terms hereof, all notices shall be in writing and shall be deemed given by telecopy with receipt acknowledged by the recipient thereof or upon receipt personally delivered, delivered by overnight courier or mailed certified mail, return receipt requested or via electronic transmission, if to the Owner Trustee or to the Certificate Registrar or Certificate Paying Agent, addressed as specified on Schedule I to the Sale and Servicing Agreement; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to each other party.

(b) Any notice required or permitted to be given to a Certificateholder shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at the address of such Certificateholder as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to each other party. Any notice so mailed within the time prescribed in this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not such Certificateholder receives such notice.

SECTION 11.5. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 11.6. Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings and authentication of Certificates when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

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SECTION 11.7. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained herein shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Seller, the Owner Trustee and its successors and each Certificateholder and its successors and permitted assigns, all as herein provided. Any request, notice, direction, consent, waiver or other instrument or action by the Certificateholders shall bind the successors and assigns of the Certificateholders.

SECTION 11.8. No Petition.

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law each of the Owner Trustee (in its individual capacity), the Seller, each Certificateholder, by accepting the Certificate, and the Indenture Trustee and each Noteholder or Note Owner by accepting the benefits of this Agreement, hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by the Bankruptcy Remote Parties (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence, join or institute, with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing, in no event shall the Owner Trustee authorize, institute or join in any bankruptcy or similar Proceeding described in the preceding sentence other than in accordance with Section 4.3.

(b) The Seller’s obligations under this Agreement are obligations solely of the Seller and will not constitute a claim against the Seller to the extent that the Seller does not have funds sufficient to make payment of such obligations. In furtherance of and not in derogation of the foregoing, the Owner Trustee (in its individual capacity and as the Owner Trustee), each Certificateholder, by accepting a Certificate, and the Indenture Trustee and each Noteholder or Note Owner, by accepting the benefits of this Agreement, hereby acknowledges and agrees that such Person has no right, title or interest in or to the Other Assets of the Seller. To the extent that, notwithstanding the agreements and provisions contained in the preceding sentence, each of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, each Noteholder or Note Owner and each Certificateholder either (i) asserts an interest or claim to, or benefit from, Other Assets, or (ii) is deemed to have any such interest, claim to, or benefit in or from Other Assets, whether by operation of law, legal process, pursuant to applicable provisions of insolvency laws or otherwise (including by virtue of Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or any successor provision having similar effect under the Bankruptcy Code), then such Person further acknowledges and agrees that any such interest, claim or benefit in or from Other Assets is and will be

 

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expressly subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full of all other obligations and liabilities, which, under the terms of the relevant documents relating to the securitization or conveyance of such Other Assets, are entitled to be paid from, entitled to the benefits of, or otherwise secured by such Other Assets (whether or not any such entitlement or security interest is legally perfected or otherwise entitled to a priority of distributions or application under applicable law, including insolvency laws, and whether or not asserted against the Seller), including the payment of post-petition interest on such other obligations and liabilities. This subordination agreement will be deemed a subordination agreement within the meaning of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each of the Owner Trustee (in its individual capacity and as the Owner Trustee), by entering into or accepting this Agreement, each Certificateholder, by accepting a Certificate, and the Indenture Trustee and each Noteholder or Note Owner, by accepting the benefits of this Agreement, hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no adequate remedy at law exists for a breach of this Section 11.8 and the terms of this Section 11.8 may be enforced by an action for specific performance. The provisions of this Section 11.8 will be for the third party benefit of those entitled to rely thereon and will survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 11.9. Information Request.

(a) The Owner Trustee shall provide any information regarding the Issuer in its possession reasonably requested in writing by the Servicer, the Administrator, the Seller or any of their Affiliates, in order to comply with or obtain more favorable treatment under any current or future law, rule, regulation, accounting rule or principle.

(b) It shall be the Administrator’s duty and responsibility, and not the Owner Trustee’s duty or responsibility, to cause the Issuer to respond to, defend, participate in or otherwise act in connection with any regulatory, administrative, governmental, investigative or other proceeding or inquiry relating in any way to the trust, its assets or the conduct of its business; provided, that, the Owner Trustee hereby agrees to cooperate with the Administrator and to comply with any reasonable request made by the Administrator for the delivery of information or documents to the Administrator in the Owner Trustee’s actual possession relating to any such regulatory, administrative, governmental, investigative or other proceeding or inquiry.

SECTION 11.10. Headings. The headings of the various Articles and Sections herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.

SECTION 11.11. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

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SECTION 11.12. Waiver of Jury Trial; Submission to Jurisdiction.

(a) Each of the parties hereto herby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(1) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Agreement or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware, the courts of the United States of America for the District of Delaware and appellate courts from any thereof;

(2) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(3) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 11.4 of this Agreement;

(4) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

(5) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

SECTION 11.13. Form 10-D and Form 10-K Filings. So long as the Seller is filing Exchange Act Reports with respect to the Issuer (i) no later than each Payment Date, the Owner Trustee shall notify the Seller of any Form 10-D Disclosure Item with respect to the Owner Trustee, together with a description of any such Form 10-D Disclosure Item in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Seller and (ii) no later than March 15 of each calendar year, commencing March 15, 2022, the Owner Trustee shall notify the Seller in writing of any affiliations or relationships between the Owner Trustee and any Item 1119 Party; provided, that no such notification need be made if the affiliations or relationships are unchanged from those provided in the notification in the prior calendar year.

SECTION 11.14. Form 8-K Filings. So long as the Seller is filing Exchange Act Reports with respect to the Issuer, the Owner Trustee shall promptly notify the Seller, but in no event later than four (4) Business Days after its occurrence, of any Reportable Event described in clause (e) of the definition thereof with respect to the Owner Trustee of which a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee has actual knowledge (other than a Reportable Event described in clause (e) of the definition thereof as to which the Seller or the Servicer has actual knowledge). The Owner Trustee shall be deemed to have actual knowledge of any such event solely to the extent that it relates to the Owner Trustee in its individual capacity or any action taken by the Owner Trustee (and not by someone else on its behalf) under this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 11.15. Information to Be Provided by the Owner Trustee. The Owner Trustee shall provide the Seller and Santander Consumer with (i) notification, as soon as practicable and in any event within five Business Days, of all demands communicated to a Responsible Officer of the Owner Trustee for the repurchase or replacement of any Receivable pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Purchase Agreement and (ii) promptly upon reasonable request by the Seller or Santander Consumer, any other information reasonably requested by such Person to facilitate compliance by such Persons with Rule 15Ga-1 under the Exchange Act, and Items 1104(e) and 1121(c) of Regulation AB. In no event shall the Owner Trustee be deemed to be a “securitizer” as defined in Section 15G(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, nor shall it have any responsibility for making any filing to be made by a securitizer under the Exchange Act or Regulation AB with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

SECTION 11.16. Wells Fargo Roles. Wells Fargo will perform its duties as Owner Trustee hereunder through its Corporate Trust Services division (including any agents or affiliates utilized thereby).

SECTION 11.17. Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as Certificate Paying Agent, Indenture Trustee and Certificate Registrar shall be an express third-party beneficiary hereof and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, no other Person will have any right hereunder.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trust Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.

 

WELLS FARGO DELAWARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Owner Trustee
By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

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SANTANDER DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES LLC
By:  

                     

Name:   Mark McCastlain
Title:   Vice President

 

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Acknowledged and Agreed:

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Indenture Trustee, Certificate Registrar and Certificate Paying Agent

By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

Acknowledged and Agreed with respect to Sections 8.1 and 8.2:

 

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC., as Servicer

By:  

 

Name:   Corey Henry
Title:   Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF CERTIFICATE

NUMBER

R-______

Principal Amount of this Certificate: $[__________]

Aggregate Amount of all Certificates: $100,000 (which shall be

deemed to be the equivalent of 100,000 units)

Percentage Interest of this Certificate: [●]%

[CUSIP NO. ____________]

[ISIN ____________]

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

CERTIFICATE

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]

(This Certificate does not represent an interest in or obligation of Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, Santander Consumer USA Inc. or any of their respective Affiliates, except to the extent described below.)

THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE.

THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE ISSUER HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (THE “INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”). THIS CERTIFICATE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WHO IS EITHER PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A OR (2) TO THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND BY THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AS PART OF THE INITIAL

 

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DISTRIBUTION OR ANY REDISTRIBUTION OF THE CERTIFICATES BY THE SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. EACH PURCHASER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO, AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE OWNER TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE HOLDER OF SUCH CERTIFICATE OR PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT, THE ISSUER AND THE OWNER TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

BY ACQUIRING THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN), EACH PURCHASER AND TRANSFEREE (AND IF THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS A PLAN (AS DEFINED BELOW), ITS FIDUCIARY) IS DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT SUCH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE IS NOT ACQUIRING THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WITH THE ASSETS OF A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING, A “BENEFIT PLAN INVESTOR”), OR A PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO A LAW THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO TITLE I OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAW”). FOR PURPOSES OF THE FOREGOING, “PLAN” MEANS AN “EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA WHETHER OR NOT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF ERISA, A “PLAN” AS DEFINED IN SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE, OR AN ENTITY OR ACCOUNT DEEMED TO HOLD THE PLAN ASSETS OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE SHALL REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT IT IS A U.S. PERSON. EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. ANY TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING WILL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT, WILL BE VOID AB INITIO, AND WILL NOT OPERATE TO TRANSFER ANY RIGHTS TO THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CONTRARY TO THE ISSUER, THE OWNER TRUSTEE, OR ANY INTERMEDIARY. IF AT ANY TIME, THE ISSUER DETERMINES OR IS NOTIFIED THAT THE PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE OF SUCH CERTIFICATE OR BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE WAS IN BREACH, AT THE TIME GIVEN, OF ANY OF THE REPRESENTATIONS SET FORTH IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT, THE ISSUER AND THE OWNER TRUSTEE MAY CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST IN SUCH CERTIFICATE VOID AND REQUIRE THAT THIS CERTIFICATE OR SUCH INTEREST HEREIN BE TRANSFERRED TO A PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE ISSUER.

 

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TRANSFERS OF THIS CERTIFICATE MUST GENERALLY BE ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE TAX TRANSFER DOCUMENTATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AS PROVIDED IN THE TRUST AGREEMENT. EACH PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE OF THIS CERTIFICATE (OR INTEREST HEREIN) WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE TO THE OWNER TRUSTEE, THE ADMINISTRATOR, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE AND THE CERTIFICATE PAYING AGENT A CERTIFICATION OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS (E.G., IRS FORM W-9), SIGNED UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, OR OTHER INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION REQUESTED BY THE OWNER TRUSTEE, THE ADMINISTRATOR, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE OR THE CERTIFICATE PAYING AGENT TO DETERMINE THAT PAYMENTS ON THIS CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO WITHHOLDING UNDER U.S. TAX LAW.

[THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN MINIMUM DENOMINATIONS OF $5,000 AND INTEGRAL MULTIPLES OF $1 IN EXCESS THEREOF. NO DISTRIBUTIONS OF MONEYS TO THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS UNDER THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS SHALL BE DEEMED TO REDUCE THE NOMINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ANY CERTIFICATE PRIOR TO PAYMENT IN FULL OF ALL OUTSTANDING NOTES; PROVIDED, THAT THE FINAL AGGREGATE $100,000 DISTRIBUTED TO THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS UNDER THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS UPON FINAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE TRUST ESTATE AND TERMINATION OF THE ISSUER SHALL BE DEEMED TO REPAY THE AGGREGATE NOMINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE CERTIFICATES IN FULL; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT ANY FAILURE TO PAY IN FULL THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF A CERTIFICATE ON SUCH FINAL DISTRIBUTION DATE SHALL NOT RESULT IN A CLAIM AGAINST OR LIABILITY OF ANY PERSON FOR SUCH SHORTFALL.]

THIS CERTIFIES THAT _______________________________ is the registered owner of a ___% nonassessable, fully-paid, Percentage Interest in the Trust Estate of DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”) formed by Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as depositor (the “Seller”).

The Issuer was created pursuant to a trust agreement dated as of January 8, 2021 (as amended and restated as of April 21, 2021, the “Trust Agreement”), between the Seller and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., as owner trustee (the Owner Trustee”), a summary of certain of the pertinent provisions of which is set forth below. To the extent not otherwise defined herein, the capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2021, between the Seller, the Issuer, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Santander Consumer USA Inc., as Servicer, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

This Certificate is issued under and is subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Trust Agreement, to which Trust Agreement the holder of this Certificate by virtue of the acceptance hereof assents and by which such holder is bound. The provisions and conditions of the Trust Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in their entirety herein.

 

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The holder of this Certificate acknowledges and agrees that its rights to receive distributions in respect of this Certificate are subordinated to the rights of the Noteholders as described in the Indenture, the Sale and Servicing Agreement and the Trust Agreement, as applicable.

THIS CERTIFICATE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

By accepting this Certificate, the Certificateholder hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by the Bankruptcy Remote Parties (i) such party shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of, its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence, join or institute, with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction.

By acquiring this Certificate (or interest herein), each purchaser and transferee (and if the purchaser or transferee is a Plan, its fiduciary) is deemed to represent and warrant that such purchaser or transferee is not a Benefit Plan Investor or a Plan that is subject to Similar Law.

It is the intention of the parties to the Trust Agreement that, solely for United States federal income or state and local income, franchise and value added tax purposes, (i) so long as there is a single Certificateholder for United States federal income tax purposes, the Issuer will be disregarded as an entity separate from such Certificateholder, and if there is more than one Certificateholder for United States federal income tax purposes, the Issuer will be treated as a partnership that is not treated as a publicly traded partnership; and (ii) the Notes will be characterized as debt. By accepting this Certificate, the Certificateholder agrees to take no action inconsistent with the foregoing intended tax treatment.

By accepting this Certificate, the Certificateholder acknowledges that this Certificate represents a Percentage Interest in the Issuer only and does not represent interests in or obligations of the Seller, the Servicer, the Administrator, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or any of their respective Affiliates and no recourse may be had against such parties or their assets, except as expressly set forth or contemplated in this Certificate, the Trust Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Certificate to be duly executed.

 

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1

By: Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee
By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

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CERTIFICATE REGISTRAR’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is the Certificate referred to in the within-mentioned Trust Agreement.

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, not in its individual capacity but solely as Certificate Registrar

By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

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ASSIGNMENT

FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY

OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

[__________________]

 

 

(Please print or type name and address, including postal zip code, of assignee)

 

 

the within Certificate, (Asset Backed Certificate No. R-__ issued by Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1), and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

                                             Attorney to transfer said Certificate on the books of the Certificate Registrar, with full power of substitution in the premises

Dated: ___________________, 20[    ]

 

[                     ]

By:  

                                          

Name:  
Title:  

Guaranteed:

 

[*NOTICE:    The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears on the face of the within Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatever. Such signature must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Certificate Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in STAMP or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Certificate Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.]

 

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EXHIBIT B

FORM OF REGISTRATION OF CERTIFICATE TRANSFER DIRECTION LETTER PURSUANT TO THE TRUST AGREEMENT

[_______], 2021

Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1

c/o Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A.

919 North Market Street, Suite 1600

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Facsimile: (302) 636-4140

Attention: Corporate Trust Services

Wilmington Trust, National Association,

as Certificate Registrar

Rodney Square North

1100 North Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001

Facsimile: 302-636-4140

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2021 (the “Trust Agreement”), between Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC, as Seller (the “Seller”), and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., as Owner Trustee (the “Owner Trustee”), governing Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 (the “Issuer”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Trust Agreement.

You are hereby notified that [name of Transferor] (the “Transferor”) has transferred its [___]% beneficial interest in the Issuer evidenced by Certificate No. ____. Enclosed, please find the following documentation as required by the Trust Agreement:

 

  1.

Original Certificate No. R-[___] for cancellation;

 

  2.

Written instrument of transfer executed by Transferor with signature medallion guaranteed;1

 

  3.

Incumbency certificate of Transferor certified by an officer of the Transferor;

 

1 

[Please use form of Assignment attached to the back of the Form of Certificate on Exhibit A of the Trust Agreement.]

 

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  4.

[Form W-9] [applicable successor form] of Transferee; and

 

  5.

Wire transfer information of Transferee.

You are hereby directed, as Owner Trustee and Certificate Registrar, as applicable, to take the following actions to register the certificate transfer in the order enumerated below:

 

  (a)

cancel and dispose of, in accordance with the customary practices of the Certificate Registrar, the Certificate representing [___] Percentage Interest in the Issuer, bearing certificate number R-__, registered in the name of the Transferor;

 

  (b)

execute and authenticate one or more Certificates, as specified in Schedule A hereto, representing the relevant Percentage Interest in the Issuer specified in Schedule A hereto, bearing such appropriate certificate number as determined by the Certificate Registrar and to register said Certificate in the name of the Transferee specified in the corresponding column on Schedule A hereto; and

 

  (c)

to deliver said authenticated Certificates to the addresses specified in the corresponding column on Schedule A hereto.

The wire instructions of each Certificateholder are set forth on Schedule A hereto.

The undersigned Transferee hereby certifies to the Owner Trustee, the Certificate Registrar and the Indenture Trustee that the transfer requested hereby does not violate any of the transfer restrictions stated in the Trust Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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[TRANSFEROR]

By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

[TRANSFEREE]

By:  

                     

Name:  
Title:  

 

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SCHEDULE A

[To be updated]

 

Name of

Transferee

 

Tax ID Number of
Transferee

 

Notional

Principal Amount2

 

Percentage Interest3

 

Delivery

Address

 

Wire

Instructions

 

 

2 

Aggregate Percentage Interest and Notional Principal Amount of new Certificates must match the Percentage Interest and Principal Amount of the transferred Certificate being cancelled pursuant to (a) above.

 

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EX-10.5 8 d161327dex105.htm EX-10.5 EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

 

 

 

ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEW AGREEMENT

DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1,

as Issuer

and

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.,

as Sponsor and Servicer

and

CLAYTON FIXED INCOME SERVICES LLC,

as Asset Representations Reviewer

 

 

Dated as of April 21, 2021

 

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I.

  DEFINITIONS      1  

Section 1.01

  Definitions      1  

ARTICLE II.

  ENGAGEMENT; ACCEPTANCE      3  

Section 2.01

  Engagement; Acceptance      3  

Section 2.02

  Eligibility of Asset Representations Reviewer      3  

Section 2.03

  Independence of the Asset Representations Reviewer      3  

ARTICLE III.

  DUTIES OF THE ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEWER      3  

Section 3.01

  Review Scope      3  

Section 3.02

  Review Notices      4  

Section 3.03

  Review Materials      4  

Section 3.04

  Missing or Incomplete Review Materials      4  

Section 3.05

  The Asset Review      5  

Section 3.06

  Review Period      5  

Section 3.07

  Review Report      5  

Section 3.08

  Completion of Review for Certain Subject Receivables      6  

Section 3.09

  Termination of Review      6  

Section 3.10

  Review and Procedure Limitations      6  

Section 3.11

  Review Systems      6  

Section 3.12

  Representatives      7  

Section 3.13

  Dispute Resolution      7  

Section 3.14

  Records Retention      7  

Section 3.15

  No Delegation      7  

ARTICLE IV.

  PAYMENTS TO ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEW      8  

Section 4.01

  Annual Fee      8  

Section 4.02

  Review Fee      8  

Section 4.03

  Dispute Resolution Expenses      8  

Section 4.04

  Payment      9  

Section 4.05

  Payments by the Issuer      9  

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE V.

  OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEWER      9  

Section 5.01

  Representations and Warranties of the Asset Representations Reviewer      9  

Section 5.02

  Limitation of Liability of Asset Representations Reviewer      10  

Section 5.03

  Indemnification of Asset Representations Reviewer      10  

Section 5.04

  Indemnification by Asset Representations Reviewer      11  

ARTICLE VI.

  REMOVAL, RESIGNATION; SUCCESSOR ASSET REPRESENTATION REVIEWER      12  

Section 6.01

  Eligibility Requirements for Asset Representations Reviewer      12  

Section 6.02

  Resignation and Removal of Asset Representations Reviewer      12  

Section 6.03

  Successor Asset Representations Reviewer      12  

Section 6.04

  Merger, Consolidation or Succession      13  

ARTICLE VII.

  TREATMENT OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION      13  

Section 7.01

  Confidential Information      13  

Section 7.02

  Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information      15  

ARTICLE VIII.

  OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ISSUER      16  

Section 8.01

  Termination of this Agreement      16  

Section 8.02

  Limitation of Liability      16  

ARTICLE IX.

  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS      17  

Section 9.01

  Amendment      17  

Section 9.02

  Notices, Etc      18  

Section 9.03

  Severability Clause      18  

Section 9.04

  Governing Law      18  

Section 9.05

  Headings      19  

Section 9.06

  Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature      19  

Section 9.07

  Waivers      19  

Section 9.08

  Entire Agreement      19  

Section 9.09

  Severability of Provisions      19  

Section 9.10

  Binding Effect      19  

Section 9.11

  Cumulative Remedies      20  

Section 9.12

  Nonpetition Covenant      20  

Section 9.13

  Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      20  

Section 9.14

  Third-Party Beneficiaries      21  

Exhibit A – Agreed Upon Procedures

 

-ii-


ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEW AGREEMENT

This ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEW AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of April 21, 2021 (this “Agreement”), by and between Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Issuer”), Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation (“SC”, and in its capacity as sponsor, the “Sponsor”, and in its capacity as servicer, the “Servicer”), and Clayton Fixed Income Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Clayton”, and in its capacity as asset representations reviewer, the “Asset Representations Reviewer”).

WHEREAS, the Issuer will engage the Asset Representations Reviewer to perform reviews of Receivables for compliance with the representations and warranties made by the Sponsor regarding such Receivables.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions. Except as otherwise defined herein or as the context may otherwise require, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein are defined in Appendix A to the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect, the “Sale and Servicing Agreement”) between the Issuer, the Servicer, Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as indenture trustee, which also contains rules as to usage that are applicable herein.

Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

Annual ARR Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.

Asset Review” means the completion by the Asset Representations Reviewer of the “Tests” set forth in Exhibit A for each Subject Receivable as further described in Section 3.05.

Client Records” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.

Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer” means a Person who (i) is not, and is not Affiliated with, the Sponsor, the Depositor, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee or any of their Affiliates and (ii) was not engaged or Affiliated with a Person that was engaged by the Sponsor or any Underwriter to perform any due diligence on the Receivables prior to the Closing Date.

 

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Eligibility Representations” shall mean those representations identified in Exhibit A.

Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03.

Personally Identifiable Information” or “PII” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02.

Privacy Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02.

Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

Review Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

Review Invoice” means, with respect to any Asset Review, a detailed invoice prepared by the Asset Representations Reviewer setting forth the calculation of the applicable Review Fee for such Asset Review.

Review Materials” means the documents, data, and other information required for each “Test” in Exhibit A.

Review Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06.

Review Report” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07.

Subject Receivables” means, for any Asset Review, all Receivables which are 60-Day Delinquent Receivables as of the related Review Satisfaction Date; provided, that any Receivable repurchased by the Sponsor or the Servicer in accordance with the Transaction Documents or paid in full by the related obligor after the Review Satisfaction Date will no longer be a Subject Receivable.

Tests” mean the procedures listed in Exhibit A as applied to the process described in Section 3.05.

Test Complete” has the meeting set forth in Section 3.08.

Test Fail” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

Test Incomplete” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

Test Pass” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

 

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ARTICLE II.

ENGAGEMENT; ACCEPTANCE

Section 2.01 Engagement; Acceptance.

The Issuer hereby engages Clayton to act as the Asset Representations Reviewer for the Issuer. Clayton hereby accepts the engagement and agrees to perform the obligations of the Asset Representations Reviewer on the terms stated in this Agreement.

Section 2.02 Eligibility of Asset Representations Reviewer.

Clayton represents and warrants to the Issuer and the Sponsor that it is an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer. The Asset Representations Reviewer will notify the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Servicer promptly if it is not, or on the occurrence of any action that would result in it not being, an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer.

Section 2.03 Independence of the Asset Representations Reviewer.

The Asset Representations Reviewer will be an independent contractor and will not be subject to the supervision of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee for the manner in which it accomplishes the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Unless expressly authorized by the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee, the Asset Representations Reviewer will have no authority to act for or represent the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee, respectively, and will not be considered an agent of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee. Nothing in this Agreement will make the Asset Representations Reviewer and any of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee members of any partnership, joint venture or other separate entity or impose any liability as such on any of them.

ARTICLE III.

DUTIES OF THE ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEWER

Section 3.01 Review Scope.

The parties confirm that the Asset Representations Review is not responsible for (a) reviewing the Receivables for compliance with the representations and warranties under the Transaction Documents, except as described in this Agreement or (b) determining whether noncompliance with the representations and warranties constitutes a breach of the Eligibility Representations. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties confirm that the review is not designed to determine why an Obligor is delinquent or the creditworthiness of the Obligor, either at the time of any Asset Review or at the time of origination of the related Receivable. Further, the Asset Review is not designed to establish cause, materiality or recourse for any Test Fail (as defined in Section 3.05).

 

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Section 3.02 Review Notices.

Upon receipt of (i) a Review Notice from the Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 7.6(b) of the Indenture and (ii) the Review Materials in accordance with Section 3.03 of this Agreement, the Asset Representations Reviewer will start an Asset Review. The Asset Representations Reviewer will not be obligated to begin, and may not begin, an Asset Review until the Asset Representations Reviewer receives a Review Notice. Within ten Business Days of receipt of a Review Notice, the Servicer shall provide the list of Subject Receivables to the Asset Representations Reviewer in the format selected by the Servicer to the address specified in Section 9.02.

None of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Sponsor or the Asset Representations Reviewer is obligated to verify whether the Indenture Trustee properly determined that a Review Notice was required. None or the Issuer, the Sponsor or the Asset Representations Reviewer is obligated to verify the accuracy or completeness of the list of Subject Receivables provided by the Servicer.

Section 3.03 Review Materials.

The Servicer will provide reasonable assistance to the Asset Representations Reviewer to facilitate the Asset Review. Within 60 days of receipt by the Servicer of the Review Notice, the Servicer will provide the Asset Representations Reviewer with the Review Materials for all Subject Receivables in one or more of the following ways, as elected by the Servicer: (i) by providing access to the Servicer’s receivables system, either remotely or at one or more of the properties of the Servicer; (ii) by electronic posting of Review Materials to a password-protected website to which the Asset Representations Reviewer has access; (iii) by providing originals or photocopies at one or more of the properties of the Servicer where the Receivable Files are located; (iv) by sending originals or photocopies of Review Materials to the Asset Representations Reviewer at the address specified in Section 9.02; or (v) in another manner agreed to by the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer. The Servicer may redact or remove Personally Identifiable Information from the Review Materials so long as such redaction or removal does not result in a change in the meaning or usefulness of the Review Materials. The Asset Representations Reviewer shall not be liable for any failure of the Review Materials to be accurate and complete, including any failure that results in the Review Materials being misleading in any material respect.

Section 3.04 Missing or Incomplete Review Materials.

The Asset Representations Reviewer will complete the Tests for each Eligible Representation only using documentation that is made available to it. Upon receipt of the Review Materials, the Asset Representations Reviewer will complete an initial document inventory to verify there are no systemic documentation errors, including but not limited to consistently missing or incomplete information in the Review Materials with respect to each Subject Receivable. Once the Asset Representations Reviewer has confirmed the majority of the Review Materials have been provided in accordance with Section 3.03, the Asset Representations Reviewer will commence the Asset Review. In instances where Review Material is not accessible, clearly unidentifiable, and/or illegible, the Asset Representations Reviewer will request that the Servicer (with a copy to the Sponsor) provide an updated copy of

 

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such Review Material. If the Servicer and the Sponsor have not provided the missing Review Material for a Subject Receivable to the Asset Representations Reviewer within 60 days of notification by the Asset Representations Reviewer, the parties agree that such Subject Receivable will have a Test Incomplete for the related Test(s) and the Review Report will indicate the reason for the Test Incomplete.

Section 3.05 The Asset Review.

For an Asset Review, the Asset Representations Reviewer will perform the applicable procedures listed under “Tests” in Exhibit A for each Eligibility Representation. In the course of its review, the Asset Representations Reviewer will use the Review Materials listed in Exhibit A. For each Test, the Asset Representations Reviewer will determine if the Test has been satisfied (a “Test Pass”), if the Test has not been satisfied (a “Test Fail”) or if the Test could not be concluded as a result of missing or incomplete Review Materials (a “Test Incomplete”).

If a Subject Receivable was included in a prior Asset Review, the Asset Representations Reviewer will not conduct additional Tests on any such duplicate Subject Receivable unless such Subject Receivable was deemed a Test Incomplete as a result of the failure of the Servicer and the Sponsor to provide missing Review Materials for such Subject Receivable and the Sponsor elects to have such Subject Receivable included in the current Asset Review. The Asset Representations Reviewer will include the previously reported Test results for any such duplicate Subject Receivable within the Review Report for the current Asset Review.

Section 3.06 Review Period.

The Asset Representations Reviewer will complete the Review within 60 days of receiving access to the Review Materials in accordance with Section 3.03 (such time period, the “Review Period”); provided, that if additional Review Materials are provided to the Asset Representations Reviewer as described in Section 3.04, the Review Period will be extended for an additional 30 days.

Section 3.07 Review Report.

Within five Business Days following the end of the applicable Review Period described in Section 3.06, the Asset Representations Reviewer will provide the Issuer, the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee with (i) a report (a “Review Report”) specifying for each Subject Receivable whether there was a Test Pass, a Test Fail, a Test Incomplete (as contemplated by Section 3.05) or a Test Complete (as contemplated by Section 3.08) for each Test and Subject Receivable and (ii) the related Review Invoice. The Review Report will include a summary of the findings and conclusions of the Asset Representations Reviewer with respect to the Asset Review to be included in the Form 10-D for the Issuer for the Collection Period in which the Review Report is received. The Asset Representations Reviewer will ensure that the Review Report does not contain any Personally Identifiable Information. For the avoidance of doubt, the Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation to forward the Review Report to any Noteholder or any other person.

 

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Section 3.08 Completion of Review for Certain Subject Receivables.

Following the delivery of the list of the Subject Receivables and before the delivery of the Review Report by the Asset Representations Reviewer, the Servicer may notify the Asset Representations Reviewer if a Subject Receivable is paid in full by or on behalf of the Obligor or purchased from the Issuer by the Sponsor or the Servicer in accordance with the Transaction Documents. On receipt of notice, the Asset Representations Reviewer will immediately terminate all Tests of such Receivables and the Asset Review of such Receivables will be considered complete (a “Test Complete”). In this case, the Review Report will indicate a Test Complete for the Receivables and the related reason.

Section 3.09 Termination of Review.

If an Asset Review is in process and the Notes will be paid in full on the next Payment Date (including any payment in full as a result of any early redemption of the Notes), the Servicer will notify the Asset Representations Reviewer and the Indenture Trustee no less than ten days before that Payment Date. On receipt of notice, the Asset Representations Reviewer will terminate the Asset Review immediately and will not be obligated to deliver a Review Report.

Section 3.10 Review and Procedure Limitations.

The Asset Representations Reviewer will have no obligation (i) to determine whether a Delinquency Trigger has occurred, (ii) to determine whether the required percentage of Noteholders has voted to direct an Asset Review and may rely on the information in any Review Notice delivered by the Indenture Trustee, (iii) to determine which Receivables are Subject Receivables and may rely on the list of Subject Receivables provided by the Servicer, (iv) to confirm the validity of the Review Materials, (v) other than as specified in Section 3.03, to obtain missing or insufficient Review Materials, or (vi) to take any action or to cause any other party to take any action under any of the Transaction Documents to enforce any remedies for any breach of a representation, warranty or covenant, including any Eligibility Representation.

The Asset Representations Reviewer shall only be required to perform the testing procedures listed under “Tests” in Exhibit A, and shall have no obligation to perform additional testing procedures on any Subject Receivables or to consider any additional information provided by any party. The Asset Representations Reviewer shall have no obligation to provide reporting or other information other than the Review Report described in Section 3.07. However, the Asset Representations Reviewer may provide additional information about any Subject Receivable that it determines in good faith to be material to its performance of an Asset Review.

Section 3.11 Review Systems.

The Asset Representations Reviewer shall maintain and utilize an electronic case management system to manage the Tests and to provide systematic control over each step in the Asset Review process and ensure consistency and repeatability for the Tests. The Asset Representations Reviewer will ensure that these systems allow for each Subject Receivable and the related Review Materials to be individually tracked and stored as contemplated by this Agreement. The Asset Representations Reviewer will maintain adequate staff that is properly trained to conduct Asset Reviews as required by this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.12 Representatives.

(a) Servicer Representative. The Servicer will provide reasonable access to one or more designated representatives to respond to reasonable requests and inquiries made by the Asset Representations Reviewer in its completion of an Asset Review.

(b) Asset Representations Review Representative. The Asset Representations Reviewer will provide reasonable access to one or more designated representatives to respond to reasonable requests and inquiries made by the Servicer, the Sponsor, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee during the Asset Representations Reviewer’s completion of an Asset Review. The Asset Representations Reviewer shall have no obligation to respond to requests or inquires, and other than as specified in Section 3.13 shall not respond to requests or inquiries, made by any Person not party to this Agreement other than the Indenture Trustee; provided, that if the Asset Representations Reviewer receives any request or inquiry from a Person not a party to this Agreement, then the Asset Representations Reviewer may inform such Person that they may contact the Servicer and/or the Indenture Trustee with respect to such request or inquiry.

Section 3.13 Dispute Resolution.

If a Subject Receivable that was reviewed by the Asset Representations Reviewer during an Asset Review is the subject of a dispute resolution proceeding under Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall participate in the dispute resolution proceeding on request of a party to the proceeding. The reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and reasonable compensation of the Asset Representations Reviewer for its participation in any dispute resolution proceeding will be considered expenses of the Requesting Party for the dispute resolution and (subject to Section 4.03) will be paid by a party to the dispute resolution as determined by the mediator or arbitrator for the dispute resolution according to Section 9.24 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement.

Section 3.14 Records Retention.

The Asset Representations Reviewer will maintain copies of Review Materials, Review Reports and internal work papers and correspondence (collectively the “Client Records”) for a period of two years after the termination of this Agreement. At the expiration of the retention period, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall return all Client Records to the Servicer, in electronic format or, to the extent held in tangible form, in that form. Upon the return of the Client Records, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall have no obligation to retain such Client Records or to respond to inquiries concerning any Asset Review.

Section 3.15 No Delegation.

The Asset Representations Reviewer may not delegate or subcontract its obligations under this Agreement to any Person without the consent of the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Servicer.

 

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ARTICLE IV.

PAYMENTS TO ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEW

Section 4.01 Annual Fee.

As compensation for its activities hereunder, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall be entitled to receive an annual fee in an amount equal to $5,000 (the “Annual ARR Fee”) during the term of this Agreement, which shall be paid by or on behalf of the Sponsor within 30 days of the date hereof, with respect to the initial Annual ARR Fee, and within 30 days of the annual anniversary of this Agreement with respect to each subsequent Annual ARR Fee; provided, however, that if the Asset Representations Reviewer resigns or is removed in accordance with Section 6.02, then the Asset Representations Reviewer shall refund to the Sponsor the portion of the Annual ARR Fee attributable to the portion of the annual period during which Clayton will no longer act as the Asset Representations Reviewer, assuming for purposes of such calculation that the Annual ARR Fee for each day during the annual period is an amount equal to the Annual ARR Fee divided by 365.

Section 4.02 Review Fee.

Following the completion of an Asset Review and delivery to the Indenture Trustee, the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Issuer of the Review Report and the related Review Invoice, the Sponsor shall pay to the Asset Representations Reviewer a fee of $200.00 for each Subject Receivable for which the Asset Review was completed plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with travel to the location at which Review Materials are made available in accordance with Section 3.03 (the “Review Fee”). However, no Review Fee will be charged for any Subject Receivable which was included in a prior Asset Review or for which no Tests were completed prior to the Asset Representations Reviewer being notified of a termination of the Asset Review according to Section 3.09. To the extent not paid by the Sponsor and outstanding for at least 90 days after receipt by the Indenture Trustee, the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Issuer of the Review Invoice, the Review Fee shall be paid by the Issuer pursuant to the priority of payments sets forth in Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be no aggregate limit on the Review Fee paid by the Sponsor to the Asset Representations Reviewer pursuant to this Section 4.02.

Section 4.03 Dispute Resolution Expenses.

If the Asset Representations Reviewer participates in a dispute resolution proceeding under Section 3.13 and its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and reasonable compensation for the time it incurs in participating in the proceeding are not paid by a party to the dispute resolution within ninety (90) days of the end of the proceeding, the Sponsor will reimburse the Asset Representations Reviewer for such expenses upon receipt of a detailed invoice.

 

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Section 4.04 Payment.

All payments made to the Asset Representations Reviewer shall be made to the account specified by the Asset Representations Reviewer from time to time in writing to the Indenture Trustee, the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Issuer.

Section 4.05 Payments by the Issuer.

The Asset Representations Reviewer acknowledges and agrees that any payments payable by the Issuer under this Agreement, including pursuant to this Article IV or Section 5.03, shall be limited to amounts available to make such payments pursuant to Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement and Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable.

ARTICLE V.

OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ASSET REPRESENTATIONS REVIEWER

Section 5.01 Representations and Warranties of the Asset Representations Reviewer.

Clayton hereby makes the following representations and warranties as of the date hereof:

(a) Existence and Power. Clayton is a limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of formation and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its assets and operate its business as presently owned or operated, and to execute, to deliver and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Clayton has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction where the failure to do so would materially and adversely affect the ability of Clayton to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Authorization and No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by Clayton of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the part of Clayton and do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) its organizational documents or (iii) any material indenture or material agreement or instrument to which Clayton is a party or by which its properties are bound (other than violations of such laws, rules, regulations, organizational documents, indentures, agreements or instruments which do not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of such agreements and which, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by, or Clayton’s ability to perform its obligations under, this Agreement).

(c) No Consent Required. No approval or authorization by, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Clayton of this Agreement other than (i) approvals and authorizations that have previously been obtained and filings that have previously been made and (ii) approvals, authorizations or filings which, if not obtained or made, would not have a material adverse effect on the ability of Clayton to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

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(d) Binding Effect. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Clayton enforceable against Clayton in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and, if applicable, the rights of creditors of corporations from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.

(e) No Proceedings. There are no actions, orders, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Clayton, threatened against Clayton before or by any Governmental Authority that (i) assert the invalidity or unenforceability of this Agreement or (ii) seek any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the performance by Clayton of its obligations under this Agreement.

(f) Eligibility. The Asset Representations Reviewer is an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer.

Section 5.02 Limitation of Liability of Asset Representations Reviewer.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall not be under any liability to the Issuer, the Servicer, the Depositor, the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee, any Noteholder or any other Person for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of an action in its capacity as Asset Representations Reviewer pursuant to this Agreement, or for errors in judgment, whether arising from express or implied duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that this provision shall not protect the Asset Representations Reviewer against any liability which would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misconduct, bad faith, breach of this Agreement or negligence in the performance of its duties. In no event will the Asset Representations Reviewer be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including loss of profit) even if the Asset Representations Reviewer has been advised of the likelihood of the loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

The Asset Representations Reviewer and any director, officer, employee, or agent may rely in good faith on any document of any kind prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person respecting any matters arising hereunder. The Asset Representations Reviewer shall not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action which is not incidental to its duties as Asset Representations Reviewer hereunder.

Section 5.03 Indemnification of Asset Representations Reviewer.

(a) The Sponsor will indemnify the Asset Representations Reviewer and its officers, directors, employees and agents (each, an “Indemnified Person”), for all costs, expenses, losses, damages and liabilities resulting from the performance of the Asset Representations Reviewer’s obligations under this Agreement (including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any loss, damage or liability), but excluding any cost, expense, loss, damage or liability resulting from (i) the Asset Representations Reviewer’s willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence or (ii) the Asset Representations Reviewer’s breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants in this Agreement. To the extent not paid by the Sponsor, any such indemnification amounts shall be paid by the Issuer pursuant to the priority of payments set forth in Section 4.4 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement or Section 5.4(b) of the Indenture, as applicable.

 

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(b) The indemnification set forth in this Section 5.03 will survive the termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Asset Representations Reviewer.

(c) If the Sponsor or the Issuer makes any payment under this Section 5.03 and the Indemnified Person later collects any of the amounts for which the payments were made to it from others, the Indemnified Person will promptly repay the amount to the Sponsor or the Issuer, as applicable.

Section 5.04 Indemnification by Asset Representations Reviewer.

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall indemnify and hold harmless each of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Servicer, the Sponsor and the Indenture Trustee, and its officers, directors, successors, assigns, legal representatives, agents, and servants (each an “Indemnified Person”), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, taxes, claims, actions, investigations, proceedings, costs, expenses or disbursements (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted at any time against an Indemnified Person (whether or not also indemnified against by any other person) which arose out of the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Asset Representations Reviewer in the performance of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Asset Representations Reviewer shall not be liable for or required to indemnify an Indemnified Person from and against expenses arising or resulting from (i) the Indemnified Person’s own willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence, or (ii) the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by the Indemnified Person.

(b) In case any such action, investigation or proceeding will be brought involving an Indemnified Person as contemplated by Section 5.04(a), the Asset Representations Reviewer will assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel and the payment of all expenses. The Issuer, the Servicer, the Sponsor and the Indenture Trustee each will have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action, investigation or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof and the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel will be paid by the Asset Representations Reviewer. In the event of any claim, action, or proceeding for which indemnity will be sought pursuant to this Section 5.04, the Issuer’s, the Servicer’s, the Sponsor’s and the Indenture Trustee’s choice of legal counsel shall be subject to the good faith objection by the Asset Representations Reviewer to a conflict of interest under the applicable rules of professional conduct.

(c) The indemnification set forth in this Section 5.04 will survive the termination or assignment of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Asset Representations Reviewer or any Indemnified Person.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

REMOVAL, RESIGNATION; SUCCESSOR ASSET REPRESENTATION REVIEWER

Section 6.01 Eligibility Requirements for Asset Representations Reviewer. The Asset Representations Reviewer must be an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer.

Section 6.02 Resignation and Removal of Asset Representations Reviewer.

(a) No Resignation of Asset Representations Reviewer. The Asset Representations Reviewer may not resign as Asset Representations Reviewer except (i) if the Asset Representations Reviewer is no longer an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer, (ii) upon a determination that the performance of its duties under this Agreement is no longer permissible under applicable law or (iii) if it does not receive payment in full of any amounts required to be paid to the Asset Representations Reviewer in accordance with Article IV and pursuant to an undisputed invoice, which failure continues unremedied for a period of ninety (90) days after written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Indenture Trustee. Without limiting the foregoing, the Asset Representations Review shall promptly resign if it is no longer an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer. If the Asset Representations Reviewer resigns pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Asset Representations Reviewer shall deliver a notice of resignation to the Issuer and the Servicer, with a copy to the Indenture Trustee, no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of its resignation.

(b) Removal of Asset Representations Reviewer. If any of the following events occur, the Indenture Trustee may, or, at the direction of Noteholders evidencing a majority of the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Notes shall, by notice to the Asset Representations Reviewer, remove the Asset Representations Reviewer and terminate its rights and obligations under this Agreement:

(i) the Asset Representations Reviewer is no longer an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer;

(ii) the Asset Representations Reviewer breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations in this Agreement; or

(iii) a Bankruptcy Event of the Asset Representations Reviewer occurs.

(c) Notice of Resignation or Removal. The Servicer will notify the Issuer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee of any resignation or removal of the Asset Representations Reviewer.

Section 6.03 Successor Asset Representations Reviewer.

(a) Engagement of Successor Asset Representations Reviewer. Following the resignation or removal of the Asset Representations Reviewer, (i) if the Delinquency Percentage has exceeded the Delinquency Trigger as of the most recent Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee (at the direction of the Noteholders, provided, that if the Indenture Trustee has received conflicting or inconsistent requests from two or more groups of Noteholders, each representing

 

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less than the majority of the Note Balance, the Indenture Trustee shall follow the direction of the Noteholders representing the greater percentage of the Note Balance) and (ii) if the Delinquency Percentage has not exceeded the Delinquency Trigger as of the most recent Payment Date, the Sponsor, will appoint a successor Asset Representations Reviewer which is an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer.

(b) Effectiveness of Resignation or Removal. No resignation or removal of the Asset Representations Reviewer will be effective until the successor Asset Representations Reviewer has executed and delivered to the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Servicer an agreement accepting its engagement and agreeing to perform the obligations of the Asset Representations Reviewer under this Agreement or entered into a new agreement with the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Servicer on substantially the same terms as this Agreement.

(c) Transition and Expenses. If the Asset Representations Review resigns or is removed, the Asset Representations Reviewer will cooperate with the Issuer and take all actions reasonably requested to assist the Issuer in making an orderly transition of the Asset Representations Reviewer’s rights and obligations under this Agreement to the successor Asset Representations Reviewer. The Asset Representations Reviewer will pay the reasonable expenses (including the fees and expenses of counsel) of transitioning the Asset Representations Reviewer’s obligations under this Agreement and preparing the successor Asset Representations Reviewer to take on such obligations on receipt of an invoice with reasonable detail of the expenses from the Issuer or the successor Asset Representations Reviewer.

Section 6.04 Merger, Consolidation or Succession. Any Person (a) into which the Asset Representations Reviewer is merged or consolidated, (b) resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Asset Representations Reviewer is a party or (c) succeeding to the business of the Asset Representations Reviewer, if that Person is an Eligible Asset Representations Reviewer, will be the successor to the Asset Representations Reviewer under this Agreement. Such Person will execute and deliver to the Issuer, the Sponsor and the Servicer an agreement to assume the Asset Representations Reviewer’s obligations under this Agreement (unless the assumption happens by operation of law).

ARTICLE VII.

TREATMENT OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Section 7.01 Confidential Information.

(a) Confidential Information Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means nonpublic proprietary information of a party (the “Disclosing Party”) that is disclosed to the other party (the “Receiving Party”), including but not limited to: (i) business or technical processes, formulae, source codes, object code, product designs, sales, cost and other unpublished financial information, customer information, product and business plans, projections, marketing data or strategies, trade secrets, intellectual property rights, know-how, expertise, methods and procedures for operation, information about employees, customer names, business or technical proposals, and any other information which is or should reasonably be understood to be confidential or proprietary to the Disclosing Party; (ii) PII (as defined in

 

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Section 7.02 of this Agreement). The foregoing definition of Confidential Information applies to: (i) all such information, whether tangible or intangible and regardless of the medium in which it is stored or presented; and (ii) all copies of such information, as well as all memoranda, notes, summaries, analyses, computer records, and other materials prepared by the Receiving Party or any of its employees, agents, advisors, directors, officers, and subcontractors (collectively “Representatives”) that contain or reflect the Confidential Information.

(b) Use of Confidential Information. Each party acknowledges that during the term of this Agreement it may be exposed to or acquire Confidential Information of the other party or its Affiliates. The Receiving Party shall hold the Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party in strict confidence and will not disclose such information except to its Representatives who have a need to know such information for the purpose of effecting the terms and conditions of this Agreement and who have entered into an agreement with the Receiving Party with confidentiality restrictions materially equivalent to those contained herein. The Receiving Party shall be responsible for the breach of this Agreement by any of its Representatives. The Receiving Party will protect the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information using the same degree of care that it uses to protect its own information of like import, but in no event with less than a commercially reasonable standard of care.

(c) Exceptions. Confidential Information shall not include, and this Agreement imposes no obligations with respect to, information that:

 

  (i)

is or becomes part of the public domain other than by disclosure by a party in violation of this Agreement;

 

  (ii)

was disclosed to a party prior to the effective date of this Agreement without a duty of confidentiality;

 

  (iii)

is independently developed by a party outside of this Agreement and without reference to or reliance on any Confidential Information of the other party; or

 

  (iv)

was obtained from a third party not known after reasonable inquiry to be under a duty of confidentiality.

The foregoing exceptions shall not apply to any PII, which shall remain confidential in all circumstances, except as required or permitted to be disclosed by applicable law, statute, or regulation.

(d) Disclosure by Operation of Law. If either party is requested to disclose all or any part of any Confidential Information under a subpoena, or inquiry issued by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a judicial or administrative agency or legislative body or committee, such party shall (i) to the extent permitted by law, promptly notify the other party of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request; (ii) consult with the other party on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request and cooperate with such Party on any steps it considers advisable; and (iii) if disclosure of the Confidential Information is required or deemed advisable, exercise commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an order, stipulation or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded to such portion of the Confidential Information to be disclosed. Each party shall reimburse the other party for reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such party’s effort to comply with this section.

 

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(e) Return of Confidential Information. Upon the request of the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party shall return all Confidential Information to the Disclosing Party provided to it pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, (i) the Receiving Party shall be permitted to retain copies of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information solely for archival, audit, disaster recovery, legal and/or regulatory purposes, and (ii) neither party will be required to search archived electronic back-up files of its computer systems for the other party’s Confidential Information in order to purge the other party’s Confidential Information from its archived files; provided further, that any Confidential Information so retained will (x) remain subject to the obligations and restrictions contained in this Agreement, (y) will be maintained in accordance with the retaining party’s document retention policies and procedures, and (z) the retaining party will not use the retained Confidential Information for any other purpose.

(f) Remedies. The parties agree that an actual or threatened breach of this Section by it or its Representatives may cause irreparable damage to the Disclosing Party and that damages may not be an adequate remedy for any such breach. Accordingly, each party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief to restrain any such breach, threatened or actual, without the necessity of posting bond, in addition to any other remedies available to such party at law or in equity.

Section 7.02 Safeguarding Personally Identifiable Information.

(a) Definition. “Personally Identifiable Information”, or “PII”, means information in any format about an identifiable individual, including, name, address, phone number, e-mail address, account number(s), identification number(s), any other actual or assigned attribute associated with or identifiable to an individual and any information that when used separately or in combination with other information could identify an individual, as further described in § 501(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information (12 C.F.R. Section 208, Appendix D-2) (collectively, the “Privacy Laws”), that is provided or made available to the Asset Representations Reviewer pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) Non-Disclosure. To the extent the Asset Representations Reviewer receives Personally Identifiable Information in the performance its obligations hereunder, the Asset Representations Reviewer agrees that it will not disclose or use any Personally Identifiable Information except (i) to the extent necessary to carry out its obligations under the Agreement and for no other purpose; or (ii) as may be required by valid operation of law.

(c) Safeguards. To the extent the Asset Representations Reviewer receives Personally Identifiable Information in the performance of services under this Agreement, the Asset Representations Reviewer represents and warrants that it has, and will continue to have adequate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards: (i) to ensure the security and confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information; (ii) to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of Personally Identifiable Information; and (iii) to protect against unauthorized acquisition of, access to or use of Personally Identifiable Information which could result in a “breach” as that term is defined under applicable Privacy Laws.

 

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(d) Information. The Asset Representations Reviewer agrees to provide the Issuer and the Sponsor with information regarding its privacy and information security systems, policies and procedures as the Issuer may reasonably request relating to compliance with this Agreement and applicable Privacy Laws. The Asset Representations Reviewer agrees to provide training in the Privacy Laws and the Asset Representations Reviewer’s information security policies to all personnel whose duties pursuant to this Agreement could bring them in contact with Personally Identifiable Information.

(e) Breach. In the event of any actual or apparent theft, unauthorized use or disclosure of any Personally Identifiable Information, the Asset Representations Reviewer will commence all reasonable efforts to investigate and correct the causes and remediate the results thereof, and as soon as practicable following discovery of any such event, provide the Issuer and the Sponsor notice thereof, and such further information and assistance as may be reasonably requested.

ARTICLE VIII.

OTHER MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ISSUER

Section 8.01 Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement will terminate, except for obligations under Section 5.03, Section 5.04, Section 9.13 and Article VII, on the earlier of (a) the payment in full of all outstanding Notes and the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and (b) the date the Issuer is terminated under the Trust Agreement.

Section 8.02 Limitation of Liability. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that (a) this document is executed and delivered by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not individually or personally, but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, (b) each of the representations, warranties, covenants, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, warranties, covenants undertakings and agreements by Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations or warranties made by the Issuer or any other Person in this Agreement and (e) under no circumstances shall Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A. be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness, indemnities or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, duty (including fiduciary duty, if any), representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Agreement or under the Notes or any of the other Transaction Documents or in any of the certificates, notices or agreements delivered pursuant thereto, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer.

 

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ARTICLE IX.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 9.01 Amendment.

(a) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be amended by the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person subject to the satisfaction of one of the following conditions:

(i) the Sponsor or the Servicer delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Indenture Trustee to the effect that such amendment will not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders; or

(ii) the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment and the Sponsor or the Servicer notifies the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to such amendment;

provided, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 9.01(a) shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person.

(b) This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer, with the consent of the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Controlling Class, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders, provided, that no amendment pursuant to this Section 9.01(b) shall be effective which affects the rights, protections or duties of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee without the prior written consent of such Person. It will not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents (and any other consents of Noteholders provided for in this Agreement) and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders will be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe, including the establishment of record dates pursuant to the Depository Agreement.

(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer for the purpose of conforming the terms of this Agreement to the description thereof in the Prospectus or, to the extent not contrary to the Prospectus, to the description thereof in an offering memorandum with respect to the 144A Notes or the Certificates without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder, the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or any other Person, provided, however, that the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Asset Representations Reviewer shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee and promptly after the execution of such amendment, the Sponsor and the Servicer shall furnish a copy of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee.

 

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(d) Prior to the execution of any amendment or consent pursuant to this Section 9.01, the Sponsor shall provide written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency; and promptly after the execution of any such amendment or consent, the Sponsor shall furnish a copy of such amendment or consent to each Rating Agency and the Indenture Trustee.

(e) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such amendment have been satisfied. The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which adversely affects the Owner Trustee’s or the Indenture Trustee’s, as applicable, own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.

Section 9.02 Notices, Etc. All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered or mailed by registered or certified first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, hand delivery, prepaid courier service, or by facsimile or by electronic transmission, and addressed in each case as specified on Schedule I to the Sale and Servicing Agreement or at such other address as shall be designated by any of the specified addressees in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Delivery shall occur only upon receipt or reported tender of such communication by an officer of the recipient entitled to receive such notices located at the address of such recipient for notices hereunder.

Section 9.03 Severability Clause.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Asset Representations Reviewer, the Issuer, Servicer, and the Sponsor. All prior representations, statements, negotiations and undertakings with regard to the subject matter hereof are superseded hereby.

If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement, or the application of such terms or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 9.04 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL, SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE RULES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW, OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

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Section 9.05 Headings. The article and section headings hereof have been inserted for convenience only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Agreement.

Section 9.06 Separate Counterparts and Electronic Signature. This Agreement shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of: (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature or other electronic signature of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

Section 9.07 Waivers. No failure or delay on the part of the Sponsor, the Servicer, the Asset Representations Reviewer, the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee in exercising any power or right hereunder (to the extent such Person has any power or right hereunder) shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. No notice to or demand on the any party hereto in any case shall entitle it to any notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No waiver or approval by either party under this Agreement shall, except as may otherwise be stated in such waiver or approval, be applicable to subsequent transactions. No waiver or approval under this Agreement shall require any similar or dissimilar waiver or approval thereafter to be granted hereunder.

Section 9.08 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains a final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, superseding all prior oral or written understandings. There are no unwritten agreements among the parties.

Section 9.09 Severability of Provisions. If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement.

Section 9.10 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the parties hereto shall agree.

 

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Section 9.11 Cumulative Remedies. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 9.12 Nonpetition Covenant. Each party hereto agrees that, prior to the date which is one year and one day after payment in full of all obligations of each Bankruptcy Remote Party in respect of all securities issued by any Bankruptcy Remote Party (i) such party hereto shall not authorize any Bankruptcy Remote Party to commence a voluntary winding-up or other voluntary case or other Proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction or seeking the appointment of an administrator, a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to such Bankruptcy Remote Party or any substantial part of its property or to consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other Proceeding commenced against such Bankruptcy Remote Party, or to make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors generally, any party hereto or any other creditor of such Bankruptcy Remote Party, and (ii) such party shall not commence, join with any other Person in commencing or institute with any other Person, any Proceeding against such Bankruptcy Remote Party under any bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation or insolvency law or statute now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction. This Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 9.13 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any Proceeding relating to this Agreement or any documents executed and delivered in connection herewith, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the nonexclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York and appellate courts from any thereof;

(b) consents that any such Proceeding may be brought and maintained in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of such Proceeding in any such court or that such Proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) agrees that service of process in any such Proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person at its address determined in accordance with Section 9.02 of this Agreement;

(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

 

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(e) to the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto irrevocably waives all right of trial by jury in any Proceeding or counterclaim based on, or arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, or any matter arising hereunder or thereunder.

Section 9.14 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and each of the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall be an express third-party beneficiary hereof and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, no other Person will have any right hereunder.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

SANTANDER CONSUMER USA INC.
By:    
  Name: Corey Henry
  Title: Vice President
DRIVE AUTO RECEIVABLES TRUST 2021-1
By:   Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
CLAYTON FIXED INCOME SERVICES LLC,
as Asset Representations Reviewer
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

   S-1   

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EXHIBIT A

 

LOGO

 

Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

Representation

 

  a)

Characteristics of Receivables

As of the Cut-Off Date (or such other date as may be specifically set forth below), each Receivable:

(i) has been fully and properly executed or electronically authenticated by the Obligor thereto;

(ii) either (A) has been originated by a Dealer to finance the retail sale by that Dealer of the related Financed Vehicle and has been purchased by Santander Consumer in accordance with the terms of a dealer agreement between Santander Consumer and that Dealer, (B) has been originated by Santander Consumer or (C) has been acquired by Santander Consumer in accordance with the terms of a purchase agreement between the applicable originator and Santander Consumer;

(iii) as of the Closing Date, is secured by a first priority validly perfected security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party, or all necessary actions have been commenced that would result in a first priority security interest in the Financed Vehicle in favor of the Originator, as secured party;

(iv) contains customary and enforceable provisions such that the rights and remedies of the holder thereof are adequate for realization against the collateral of the benefits of the security;

(v) provided, at origination, for level monthly payments which fully amortize the initial Principal Balance over the original term; provided, that the amount of the first or last scheduled payment may be different from the level payment but in no event more than three times the level monthly payment;

(vi) provides for interest at the Contract Rate specified in the Schedule of Receivables;

(vii) was originated in the United States and denominated in Dollars;

(viii) is secured by a new or used automobile, light-duty truck, SUV or van;

(ix) has a Contract Rate of at least 0.00%;

(x) had an original term to maturity of not more than 75 months and each Receivable has a remaining term to maturity, as of the Cut-Off Date, of not more than 75 months and not less than 4 months;

 

Exh. A - 1


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

(xi) has an outstanding Principal Balance of at least $500.00 and no more than $150,000.00;

(xii) has a final scheduled payment not later than June 26, 2027;

(xiii) was not more than 30 days past due as of the Cut-Off Date;

(xiv) was not identified in the records of the Servicer as being the subject of any pending bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding;

(xv) is not subject to a force-placed Insurance Policy on the related Financed Vehicle;

(xvi) is a Simple Interest Receivable; and

(xvii) provides that a prepayment by the related Obligor will fully pay the Principal Balance and accrued interest through the date of prepayment based on the Receivable’s Contract Rate.

Documents

Retail Sale Contract

Title Documents

Receivable File

Schedule of Receivables

Servicing System/Data Tape

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the contract was signed or electronically authenticated by the obligor

 

ii)

Origination of the Receivable

 

  a)

Review the Retail Sale Contract and confirm that Santander Consumer USA or another Approved Party is listed as the Assignee within the Assignment Section.1

 

iii)

Security Interest Enforcement

 

  a)

Confirm the title documents show Santander Consumer USA or another Approved Party as the first lienholder

 

  b)

Review the servicing system and confirm the Pool ID in the system matches the Pool ID for the transaction related to the deal

 

iv)

Customary and Enforceable Provisions

 

1 

“Approved Party” means a party specified as an “Approved Party” on the list of Approved Parties provided by Santander Consumer to Clayton.

 

Exh. A - 2


LOGO

 

Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

  a)

Confirm the Contract form number is listed on the Approved Contract Form List2

 

v)

Fully Amortizing Payment Schedule

 

  a)

Confirm all payments are equivalent with the possible exception that the first and last payments may be different from the level monthly payment

 

  I)

If the first and last payments are different from the level monthly payment, confirm that these payments are no more than three times the level monthly payment amount

 

  b)

Review the Truth in Lending section of the Retail Sale Contract and calculate the product of the Amount of Payments with the Number of Payments and confirm that this amount is equal to the Total of Payments

 

vi)

Provides for Interest at the Contract Rate

 

  a)

Review the Schedule of Receivables and confirm that the stated rate is equal to the APR as shown in the Federal Truth in Lending section of the Retail Sale Contract

 

vii)

Origination of the Receivable

 

  a)

Review the Retail Sale Contract and confirm the Dealer address is in the United States

 

  b)

Review the Retail Sale Contract and confirm that the amounts stated within the Truth in Lending section are denominated in US dollars

 

viii)

Condition, Make and Model of Financed Vehicle

 

  a)

Review the New/Used section of the Retail Sale Contract and confirm that the Financed Vehicle is stated to be new or used

 

  b)

Review the “Year and Make” and “Model” sections of the Retail Sale Contract and confirm that the Financed Vehicle constitutes a light-duty truck or van

 

ix)

Contract Annual Percentage Rate

 

  a)

Review the Federal Truth in Lending Section of the Retail Sale Contract and Confirm that the Annual Percentage Rate is greater than the minimum allowed percentage rate

 

x)

Remaining Maturity Date

 

  a)

Confirm that the Number of Payments section within the Truth in Lending section of the Retail Sale Contract indicates a number of payments that does not exceed the maximum allowable number of payments

 

  b)

Review the Data Tape and confirm that the remaining term to maturity is within the stated allowable limits

 

xi)

Outstanding Principal Balance

 

  a)

Review the Data and confirm that the Unpaid Principal Balance as of the Cutoff Date is within the stated allowable limits

 

xii)

Final Scheduled Payment Date

 

  a)

Review the Data Tape and confirm that the Final Scheduled Payment Due Date will occur on or before the latest allowable final payment date

 

xiii)

Days Past Due

 

 

2 

“Approved Contract Form List” means a list of Approved Contract Forms provided by Santander Consumer to Clayton.

 

Exh. A - 3


LOGO

 

Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

  a)

Review the data file and confirm the Receivable was not more than 30 days past due as of the Cutoff Date

 

xiv)

Bankruptcy

 

  a)

Review the Receivable File and any applicable servicing notes and confirm there is no indication of pending bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings

 

xv)

Force Place Insurance

 

  a)

Review the servicing system and confirm the Receivable did not have Force Place Insurance as of the Cutoff Date

 

xvi)

Simple Interest Receivable

 

  a)

Confirm the Contract is a Simple Interest Contract

 

  b)

Review the payment history and confirm the first payment was appropriately applied to principal and interest

 

xvii)

Prepayment

 

  a)

Confirm the contract contains the appropriate Prepayment Disclosures

 

xviii)

If sections i through xvii are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 4


LOGO

 

Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  b)

Compliance with Law

The Receivable complied at the time it was originated or made in all material respects with all requirements of applicable federal, state and local laws, and regulations thereunder, except where the failure to comply (i) was remediated or cured in all material respects prior to the Cut-Off Date or (ii) would not render such Receivable unenforceable or create liability for the Purchaser or the Issuer, as assignee of such Receivable.

Document

Retail Sale Contract

Servicing System/Data Tape

Approved Contract Form List

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Contract Form number and revision date are on the Approved Contract Form List

 

ii)

Confirm the Contract is complete

 

  a)

Confirm that all lines in the contract are filled out appropriately

 

  b)

Confirm the Name and address of Creditor, APR, Finance Charge, Amount of Payments, Total of Payments and Total Sale Price are properly filled out

 

  c)

Confirm all lines on the contract are completed or properly left blank

 

iii)

Confirm the Amount Financed is correctly calculated

 

  a)

Calculate the Amount Financed using the Cash Price, Total Down Payment and Total Amount Paid on Buyer’s Behalf

 

  b)

Confirm the Calculated Amount Financed matches the Amount Financed as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

iv)

Confirm the Total Sale Price is correctly calculated

 

  a)

Calculate the Total Sale Price by taking the difference of the Total of Payments as stated within the Truth in Lending section and the Total Down Payment as stated within the Itemization of Amount Financed

 

  b)

Confirm the Calculated Total Sale Price matches the Total Sale Price as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

v)

Confirm the Total of Payments is correctly calculated

 

  a)

Calculate the Total of Payments by taking the product of the Number of Payments and Amount of Payments as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

Exh. A - 5


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

  b)

Confirm the Calculated Total of Payments from step (a) is equal to the Total of Payments as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

  c)

Calculate the Total of Payment by taking the sum of the Finance Charge and Amount Financed as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

  d)

Confirm the Calculated Total of Payments from step (c) is equal to the Total of Payments as stated within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

vi)

Confirm the APR is correctly calculated

 

  a)

Calculate the APR using information within the Truth in Lending section of the Contract

 

  b)

Confirm the Calculated APR is within an acceptable range of the APR as stated within the Truth in Lending Section of the Contract

 

vii)

Confirm the first payment due date as stated within the When Payments are Due section of the Truth in Lending section of the Contract is within an acceptable timeframe of the Contract Date

 

viii)

If Steps i through vii are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 6


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  c)

Binding Obligation

The Receivable constitutes the legal, valid and binding payment obligation in writing of the related Obligor, enforceable by the holder thereof in accordance with its terms, except (i) as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation or other similar laws and equitable principles relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (ii) as such Receivable may be modified by the application after the Cut-Off Date of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as amended, to the extent applicable to the related Obligor.

Documents

Retail Sale Contract

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Contract Form number is on the Approved Contract Form List.

 

ii)

Confirm the borrower and co-borrower (if applicable) signed the contract

 

iii)

If Steps i and ii are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 7


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  d)

Receivable in Force

The Receivable has not been satisfied, subordinated or rescinded nor do the records of the Servicer indicate that the related Financed Vehicle has been released from the lien of such Receivable in whole or in part.

Documents

Servicing System/Data Tape

Title Documents

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Receivable exists on the Servicing System as an active Receivable

 

ii)

Confirm the title documents show Santander Consumer USA or another Approved Party as the first lienholder

 

iii)

If Steps i and ii are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 8


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  e)

No Default; No Waiver

Except for payment delinquencies continuing for a period of not more than 30 days as of the Cut-Off Date, the records of the Servicer did not disclose that any default, breach, violation or event permitting acceleration under the terms of the Receivable existed as of the Cut-Off Date or that any continuing condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default, breach, violation or event permitting acceleration under the terms of the Receivable had arisen as of the Cut-Off Date and the Seller has not waived any of the foregoing.

Documents

Receivable File

Servicing System/Data Tape

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm there is no indication of a default, breach, violation or event that would permit acceleration under the terms of the Receivable except for payment default within 30 days of the Cut-Off Date

 

ii)

Confirm that no continuing condition would constitute a default, breach, violation or event permitting acceleration under the terms of the Receivable

 

iii)

If Steps (i) and (ii) are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 9


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  f)

Insurance

The Receivable requires that the Obligor thereunder obtain physical damage insurance covering the related Financed Vehicle.

Documents

Retail Sale Contract

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Retail Sale Contract contains language that required the Obligor to obtain and maintain insurance against physical damage to the Financed Vehicle

 

ii)

If confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 10


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  g)

No Government Obligor

The Obligor on the Receivable is not the United States of America or any state thereof or any local government, or any agency, department, political subdivision or instrumentality of the United States of America or any state thereof or any local government.

Documents

Retail Sale Contract

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Review the buyer section on the Contract and confirm a person’s or business name is reported

 

ii)

If the buyer section on the Contract does not report a person’s or business name, confirm internet search results do not indicate the buyer to be a government agency, department, political subdivision or instrumentality.

 

iii)

If (i) and (ii) are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 11


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  h)

Assignment

No Receivable has been originated in, or is subject to the laws of, any jurisdiction under which the sale, transfer, assignment, contribution, conveyance or pledge of such Receivable would be unlawful, void, or voidable.

Documents

Retail Sale Contract

Receivable File

Servicing System

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Retail Sale Contract was completed on a contract form included in the Approved Contract Form List

 

ii)

If Step (i) is confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 12


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  i)

Good Title

As of the Closing Date and immediately prior to the sale and transfer contemplated in the Purchase Agreement and the Sale and Servicing Agreement, Santander Consumer had good and marketable title to and was the sole owner of each Receivable free and clear of all Liens created by Santander Consumer (except any Lien which will be released prior to assignment of such Receivable thereunder), and, immediately upon the sale and transfer thereof, the Issuer will have good and marketable title to each Receivable, free and clear of all Liens created by Santander Consumer (other than Permitted Liens).

Documents

Title Documents

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the title documents show Santander Consumer USA or another Approved Party as the first lienholder

 

ii)

Review the servicing system and confirm the Pool ID in the system matches the Pool ID for the transaction related to the deal

 

iii)

If (i) and (ii) are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 13


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  j)

Characterizations of Receivables

Each Receivable constitutes either “tangible chattel paper”, “electronic chattel paper”, an “account”, an “instrument”, or a “general intangible”, each as defined in the UCC.

Documents

Contract

Title Documents

Approved Contract Form List

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm the Contract form number is on the Approved Contract Form List

 

ii)

Confirm the Amount Financed as reported on the Contract is greater than zero

 

iii)

Confirm there is documentation of a lien against the financed vehicle

 

iv)

If tests (i) through (iii) are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

Exh. A - 14


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  k)

One Original

There is only one executed original, electronically authenticated original or authoritative copy of the Contract (in each case within the meaning of the UCC) related to each Receivable.

Documents

Contract

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm there is a final version of the Contract available for review

 

ii)

Confirm the Contract was signed by the buyer(s) and the Dealer

 

iii)

If (i) and (ii) are confirmed, then Test Pass

 

 

Exh. A - 15


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  l)

No Defenses

The records of the Servicer do not reflect any material facts which have not been remediated or cured which would constitute the basis for any right of rescission, offset, claim, counterclaim or defense with respect to such Receivable or the same being asserted or threatened with respect to such Receivable.

Documents

Receivable File

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Review the Receivable File and servicing system and confirm there is no evidence of litigation or other attorney involvement as of the Cut-Off Date.

 

ii)

If confirmed, then Test Pass.

 

Exh. A - 16


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Santander Consumer USA Agreed Upon Procedures

 

Representation

 

  m)

Early Payments

The Obligor on the Receivable has made, or will make, the first two monthly payments under such Receivable.

Documents

Servicing System/Data Tape

Procedures to be Performed

 

i)

Confirm that there is no indication that the Obligor did not make the first two monthly payments on the Receivable by verifying that the payments made field in the Data Tape is at least two as of the Review Date.

 

ii)

If Step i is confirmed, then Test Pass.

 

Exh. A - 17

EX-36.1 9 d161327dex361.htm EX-36.1 EX-36.1

Exhibit 36.1

Certification

I, Corey Henry, certify as of April 13, 2021 that:

 

  1.

I have reviewed the prospectus relating to the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3, Class B, Class C and Class D Notes of Drive Auto Receivables Trust 2021-1 (the “securities”) and am familiar with, in all material respects, the following: The characteristics of the securitized assets underlying the offering (the “securitized assets”), the structure of the securitization, and all material underlying transaction agreements as described in the prospectus;

 

  2.

Based on my knowledge, the prospectus does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading;

 

  3.

Based on my knowledge, the prospectus and other information included in the registration statement of which it is a part fairly present, in all material respects, the characteristics of the securitized assets, the structure of the securitization and the risks of ownership of the securities, including the risks relating to the securitized assets that would affect the cash flows available to service payments or distributions on the securities in accordance with their terms; and

 

  4.

Based on my knowledge, taking into account all material aspects of the characteristics of the securitized assets, the structure of the securitization, and the related risks as described in the prospectus, there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the securitization is structured to produce, but is not guaranteed by this certification to produce, expected cash flows at times and in amounts to service scheduled payments of interest and the ultimate repayment of principal on the securities (or other scheduled or required distributions on the securities, however denominated) in accordance with their terms as described in the prospectus.

 

  5.

The foregoing certifications are given subject to any and all defenses available to me under the federal securities laws, including any and all defenses available to an executive officer that signed the registration statement of which the prospectus referred to in this certification is part.

[Signature Page Follows]


By:  

/s/ Corey Henry

Name:   Corey Henry
Title:   Chief Executive Officer of Santander Drive Auto Receivables LLC
Date:   April 13, 2021
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