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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

 

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Commission file number: 001-38527

 

Uxin Limited

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Cayman Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

2-5/F, Tower E, LSHM Center, No. 8 Guangshun South Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102 People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

Zhen Zeng, Chief Financial Officer Telephone: +86 10 5631-2700 Email: ir@xin.com   2-5/F, Tower E, LSHM Center, No. 8 Guangshun South Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102 People’s Republic of China

(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

*   Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market of American depositary shares.

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

None

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of issued and outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

846,771,473 Class A ordinary shares (excluding the 16,599,045 Class A ordinary shares issued to the depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under the Share Incentive Plan) and 40,809,861 Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, as of December 31, 2019.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

o Yes   x No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

o Yes   x No

 

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

 

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 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. o

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 

o Yes    x No

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP x

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o

Other o

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

o Item 17   o Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

o Yes   x No

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

o Yes   o No

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INTRODUCTION		3
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION		3
PART I		5
Item 1.	Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers	5
Item 2.	Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable	5
Item 3.	Key Information	5
Item 4.	Information on the Company	52
Item 4A.	Unresolved Staff Comments	80
Item 5.	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects	80
Item 6.	Directors, Senior Management and Employees	101
Item 7.	Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions	113
Item 8.	Financial Information	116
Item 9.	The Offer and Listing	118
Item 10.	Additional Information	118
Item 11.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	130
Item 12.	Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities	131
PART II		132
Item 13.	Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies	132
Item 14.	Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds	132
Item 15.	Controls and Procedures	133
Item 16A.	Audit Committee Financial Expert	134
Item 16B.	Code of Ethics	134
Item 16C.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	135
Item 16D.	Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees	135
Item 16E.	Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers	135
Item 16F.	Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant	135
Item 16G.	Corporate Governance	135
Item 16H.	Mine Safety Disclosure	136
PART III		136
Item 17.	Financial Statements	136
Item 18.	Financial Statements	136
Item 19.	Exhibits	136
SIGNATURES		142

 

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INTRODUCTION

 

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to:

 

·                  “ADSs” are to the American depositary shares, each of which represents three Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 each;

 

·                  “agents” are to our third-party local partners who undertake sales function and provide in-person car-buying services to consumers by operating Uxin service centers across China.

 

·                  “Check Auto” are to our proprietary car inspection system;

 

·                  “China” or “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this annual report only, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau;

 

·                  “GMV” are to gross merchandise value of used cars as measured by gross selling price of used cars, excluding service fees and interests (if any) charged;

 

·                  “RMB” and “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China, which is our reporting currency;

 

·                  “shares” or “ordinary shares” are to our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share;

 

·                  “US$,” “U.S. dollars,” “$,” and “dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States;

 

·                  “Uxin” or “our platform” are to our platform primarily for buying and selling used cars, which primarily consisted of two businesses in 2019, 2C business — Uxin Used Car and 2B business — Uxin Auction. We divested Uxin Auction pursuant to definitive agreements we entered into in March 2020. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses”;

 

·                  “Uxin Used Car” are to our 2C business;

 

·                  “Our WFOEs” are to our wholly-owned subsidiaries in China;

 

·                  “Our VIEs” are to our variable interest entities, which are Youxin Internet (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd. or Youxin Hulian, and Youxin Yishouche (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Yishouche; and

 

·                  “we,” “us,” “our company” and “our” are to Uxin Limited, our Cayman Islands holding company, and its subsidiaries, and its consolidated affiliated entities in the PRC.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this annual report were made at a rate of RMB6.9618 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on as of the end of December 2019 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to, among other things:

 

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·                  our goals and strategies;

 

·                  our ability to retain and increase the number of customers on our platform and for our services, and expand our service offerings;

 

·                  our ability to provide quality services and compete effectively;

 

·                  our ability to effectively manage risks, including credit risks and fraud risks;

 

·                  our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;

 

·                  expected changes in our revenues, costs, expenses or expenditures;

 

·                  the expected growth of, and trends in, the market for our services;

 

·                  our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our services;

 

·                  competition in our industry;

 

·                  relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry;

 

·                  public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, MERS, SARS, H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, and avian flu; and

 

·                  general economic and business conditions in China and globally.

 

We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.” Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in an evolving environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law. You should read this annual report and the documents that we reference in this annual report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1.                   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.                   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3.                   Key Information

 

A.            Selected Financial Data

 

The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 and selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data and selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016, and selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, which are not included in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. You should read this Selected Financial Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

In July 2019 and September 2019, we entered into a binding term sheet and definitive agreements, respectively, with Golden Pacer, a limited liability company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands that operates a leading financial technology platform in China, to divest our loan facilitation related business. In April 2020, we entered into supplemental agreements with Golden Pacer to modify and supplement certain terms and conditions in connection with the divestiture (these agreements are collectively referred to as “Loan facilitation transaction agreements”). Pursuant to the Loan facilitation transaction agreements, we divested our entire 2C intra-regional business and ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C cross-regional business (which became the sole component of our 2C business following the divestiture and is currently referred to as “2C online transaction business”) since November 2019. In addition, we have divested the assets and liabilities in relation to our historically-facilitated loans for XW Bank to Golden Pacer as one of the pre-conditions for the transaction. As a result, assets and liabilities related to the historically-facilitated loans for XW Bank were reclassified on a net basis as net assets transferred on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and results of operations related to the divested business were reported as loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The transactions contemplated under the Loan facilitation transaction agreements closed upon the signing of the supplemental agreements in April 2020.

 

In addition, we entered into definitive agreements with Beijing Hengtai Boche Auction Co. Ltd., or Boche, in January 2020 to divest our salvage car related business. Assets and liabilities associated with the divestiture of the salvage car related business were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. Due to the insignificance of the salvage car business to our overall business, the divested business did not meet the criteria of discontinued operations and the results of operations were not presented as discontinued operations. The transaction with Boche closed in January 2020.

 

In March 2020, we entered into definitive agreements with 58.com to divest our B2B online used car auction business (which constituted the core of our 2B business). Assets and liabilities associated with the divestiture were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and results of operations related to the divested 2B business were reported as loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The transaction with 58.com closed in April 2020.

 

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Unless indicated otherwise, the discussion of our financial data in this annual report relates to continuing operations only. The following table presents our selected consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019:

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		(in thousands, except for share data)
		2016		2017		2018		2019
		RMB		RMB		RMB		RMB		US$
Selected Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Data:
Revenues:
To consumers (“2C”)
—Commission revenue		—		—		203,158		711,362		102,181
—Value-added service revenue		—		—		166,482		636,046		91,362
Others		135,298		309,133		289,450		240,623		34,563
Total Revenues		135,298		309,133		659,090		1,588,031		228,106
Cost of revenues(1)		(57,972	)	(92,735	)	(418,852	)	(689,292	)	(99,011	)
Gross profit		77,326		216,398		240,238		898,739		129,096
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing(1)		(149,489	)	(179,328	)	(1,488,699	)	(1,184,997	)	(170,214	)
Research and development(1)		—		—		(124,513	)	(140,006	)	(20,111	)
General and administrative(1)		(569,845	)	(389,072	)	(1,070,419	)	(402,040	)	(57,749	)
Gains/(losses) from guarantee liabilities		1,983		1,840		(4,414	)	(194,385	)	(27,922	)
Provision for credit losses		(3,012	)	(38,075	)	(40,626	)	(271,372	)	(38,980	)
Total operating expenses		(720,363	)	(604,635	)	(2,728,671	)	(2,192,800	)	(314,976	)
Other operating income		—		—		—		1,925		277
Loss from continuing operations		(643,037	)	(388,237	)	(2,488,433	)	(1,292,136	)	(185,604	)
Interest income		1,482		2,234		24,554		14,958		2,149
Interest expenses		(66	)	(199	)	(63,880	)	(112,587	)	(16,172	)
Other income		2,643		4,248		23,721		71,142		10,219
Other expenses		(4,544	)	(3,808	)	(25,568	)	(36,569	)	(5,253	)
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)		769		(627	)	(8,232	)	4,247		610
Fair value change of derivative liabilities		(116,056	)	(885,821	)	1,185,090		—		—
Gain from disposal of investment, net		—		—		—		28,257		4,059
Impairment of long-term investment		—		—		—		(37,775	)	(5,426	)
Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense		(758,809	)	(1,272,210	)	(1,352,748	)	(1,360,463	)	(195,418	)
Income tax (expense)/credit		(64	)	(211	)	(1,644	)	2,554		367
Equity in (losses)/income of affiliates		(9,637	)	3,597		2,631		30,231		4,342
Net loss from continuing operations, net of tax		(768,510	)	(1,268,824	)	(1,351,761	)	(1,327,678	)	(190,709	)
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders		(35,181	)	(25,202	)	(15,771	)	(1,452	)	(209	)
Net loss from continuing operations, attributable to UXIN LIMITED		(733,329	)	(1,243,622	)	(1,335,990	)	(1,326,226	)	(190,500	)
Discontinued operations

 

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		For the Year Ended December 31,
		(in thousands, except for share data)
		2016		2017		2018		2019
		RMB		RMB		RMB		RMB		US$
Loss from discontinued operations before income tax		(622,675	)	(1,478,615	)	(173,583	)	(659,458	)	(94,725	)
Income tax expense		(1,741	)	(359	)	(12,941	)	(2,992	)	(430	)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		(624,416	)	(1,478,974	)	(186,524	)	(662,450	)	(95,155	)
Net loss from discontinued operations, attributable to UXIN LIMITED		(624,416	)	(1,478,974	)	(186,524	)	(662,450	)	(95,155	)
Net loss		(1,392,926	)	(2,747,798	)	(1,538,285	)	(1,990,128	)	(285,864	)
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders		(35,181	)	(25,202	)	(15,771	)	(1,452	)	(209	)
Net loss attributable to UXIN LIMITED		(1,357,745	)	(2,722,596	)	(1,522,514	)	(1,988,676	)	(285,655	)
Accretion on redeemable preferred shares		(421,346	)	(555,824	)	(318,951	)	—		—
Deemed contribution from preferred shareholders		3,428		—		—		—		—
Deemed dividend to preferred shareholders		—		(587,564	)	(544,773	)	—		—
Deemed dividend from preferred shareholders		—		92,779		—		—		—
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders		(1,775,663	)	(3,773,205	)	(2,386,238	)	(1,988,676	)	(285,655	)
Net loss		(1,392,926	)	(2,747,798	)	(1,538,285	)	(1,990,128	)	(285,864	)
Foreign currency translation		(3,252	)	43,406		4,818		(17,976	)	(2,582	)
Total comprehensive loss		(1,396,178	)	(2,704,392	)	(1,533,467	)	(2,008,104	)	(288,446	)
Less: total comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders		(31,438	)	(27,861	)	(22,359	)	(1,558	)	(224	)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to UXIN LIMITED		(1,364,740	)	(2,676,531	)	(1,511,108	)	(2,006,546	)	(288,222	)
Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders		(1,775,663	)	(3,773,205	)	(2,386,238	)	(1,988,676	)	(285,655	)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted		49,174,850		49,318,860		477,848,763		886,613,598		886,613,598
Loss per share for ordinary shareholders, basic
—Continuing operations		(23.41	)	(46.52	)	(4.60	)	(1.50	)	(0.21	)
—Discontinued operations		(12.70	)	(29.99	)	(0.39	)	(0.75	)	(0.11	)
Loss per share for ordinary shareholders, diluted
—Continuing operations		(23.41	)	(46.52	)	(4.60	)	(1.50	)	(0.21	)
—Discontinued operations		(12.70	)	(29.99	)	(0.39	)	(0.75	)	(0.11	)

 

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(1)         Share-based compensation in the amount of RMB226.4 million, RMB165.9 million, RMB1,052.0 million and RMB100.3 million (US$ 14.4 million) in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, was charged to cost of revenues, sales and marketing expenses, research and development expenses, and general and administrative expenses.

 

The following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019:

 

		As of December 31,
		2016		2017		2018		2019
		RMB		RMB		RMB		RMB		US$
						(in thousands, except for share data)
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Cash and cash equivalents		332,259		291,973		800,997		478,200		68,689
Restricted cash		705,854		1,617,230		1,011,705		706,988		101,552
Advance to sellers		45,774		246,287		692,714		288,550		41,448
Financial lease receivables, net		413,462		438,693		294,511		121,820		17,498
Total assets		2,317,979		5,298,913		7,349,390		5,383,096		773,233
Convertible notes, current		—		—		1,188,192		324,644		46,632
Short-term borrowings		204,068		426,783		624,588		263,425		37,839
Total liabilities		1,986,194		5,059,894		4,977,747		4,917,976		706,423
Total Mezzanine equity		4,775,637		8,420,644		—		—		—
Total shareholders’ (deficit)/equity		(4,443,852	)	(8,181,625	)	2,371,643		465,120		66,810
Capital Stock		30		30		575		581		83
Number of outstanding ordinary shares		49,318,860		49,318,860		880,659,899		887,617,391		887,617,391

 

The following table presents our selected consolidated statements of cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019:

 

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2016		2017		2018		2019
		RMB		RMB		RMB		RMB		US$
						(in thousands)
Selected Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Data:
Net cash used in operating activities		(661,210	)	(1,834,243	)	(2,281,333	)	(1,194,101	)	(171,522	)
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities		576,083		(586,843	)	(1,078,617	)	(484,254	)	(69,559	)
Net cash (used in) / generated from financing activities		(133,001	)	3,288,842		4,274,052		73,630		10,576
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		6,464		3,334		(9,278	)	960		138
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(211,664	)	871,090		904,824		(1,603,765	)	(230,366	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year		1,249,777		1,038,113		1,730,001		1,812,702		260,378
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year		1.038,113		1,730,001		1,812,702		1,185,188		170,242

 

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B.            Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C.            Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D.            Risk Factors

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

If we fail to provide a differentiated and superior customer experience, the size of our customer base and the number of transactions on our platform could decline, and our business would be materially and adversely affected.

 

Providing a differentiated and superior online used car transaction experience for our customers, including both consumers and businesses, is critical to our business. Our ability to provide a high-quality customer experience depends on a number of factors, including:

 

·                  our ability to improve our existing service offerings and upgrade our platform;

 

·                  our ability to meet the diverse needs of our customers with ongoing innovation and new service offerings;

 

·                  our ability to maintain and improve operating efficiency, customer experience of online transactions and service quality of our offline networks and personnel;

 

·                  our ability to leverage technology and data to improve our services;

 

·                  our ability to adequately train and manage our employees; and

 

·                  our ability to effectively ensure the quality of services provided by our third-party agents and service providers on our platform.

 

We cannot guarantee that we can provide a differentiated and superior experience to our customers as our business continues to evolve. Our failure to do so would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Failure to maintain or enhance customer trust in us could damage our reputation, reduce or slow the growth of our customer base, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our reputation as a trusted transaction platform is critical to our success. If we fail to maintain a high level of customer trust in our services, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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We work with third parties to provide many services through our platform, such as car delivery, title transfer and warranty services, which are the key to earn customer trust. If we fail to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction or fail to properly manage these services, our business, financial condition and results of the operations would be adversely affected. Starting from December 2018, we have also worked with third-party agents to enlarge our sales force in the effort to effectively expand our service network across China. We currently have more than 1,100 service centers operated by our agents in more than 230 cities at prefecture level or above. We provide trainings to our agents and require them to operate the service centers in line with our operating and customer servicing standards. However, if these service centers fail to maintain a high level of performance consistent with our requirements, the level of customer satisfaction and trust we enjoy may be harmed, and our business, financial condition and results of the operations may be adversely affected.

 

We have received in the past, and we may continue to receive in the future, communications or complaints alleging that cars listed on or sold through our platform are defective, inconsistent with car information provided on our platform, or the services provided by our third-party service providers are unsatisfactory to our customers. The information we include in our car listings is collected and maintained by us, which may not be accurate or complete due to human error, technological issues or willful misconduct. Moreover, if dealers experience difficulties in meeting our requirements or standards or provide inaccurate or unreliable information to us, we may be subject to legal liabilities for the actions or services of these dealers and we may fail to maintain customer trust in our platform, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of the operations.

 

Our business, operating results and financial condition have been and may continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities across China and globally. In early 2020, in response to intensifying efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Chinese government took a number of actions, which included extending the Chinese New Year holiday, quarantining individuals infected with or suspected of having COVID-19, prohibiting residents from free travel, encouraging employees of enterprises to work remotely from home and cancelling public activities, among others. In addition, as the pandemic continues to threaten global economies, it may continue to cause significant market volatility and declines in general economic activities.

 

We have taken a series of measures in response to the pandemic to protect our employees, including, among others, temporary closure of some offices, remote working arrangements for our employees and travel restrictions or suspension. These measures have negatively affected the capacity and efficiency of our operations, which in turn could negatively affect our results of operations. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our results of operations will depend on the future developments of the pandemic, including new information concerning the global severity of and actions taken to contain the pandemic, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that the pandemic harms the Chinese and global economies in general.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the used car industry with disruptions impacting the industry’s infrastructure and supply chains since January 2020. Throughout February and early March 2020, the majority of local used car markets and dealerships in China were closed and unable to resume operations. Logistics and delivery of used cars were also impacted by the closure of roads and highways in many regions across China. Title transfers were also hindered as local vehicle registration and management bureaus either remained closed or yet to resume full operations. All of these factors created considerable barriers to used car purchase and fulfillment, which has severely disrupted our business operations during the first quarter of 2020 and may continue to weigh on our results for the rest of 2020. In addition, borrowers’ ability or willingness to repay their auto loans may also be negatively affected by general economic downturns. As the impact of the pandemic are being fully considered in the credit loss assessment under the new accounting standard effective on January 1, 2020, a significant provision for credit losses and losses from guarantee liabilities will be provided for the first quarter of 2020 associated with our historically-facilitated loans that were not transferred to Golden Pacer as part of the divestiture of our loan facilitation related business.

 

The extent of the impact on our results due to COVID-19 will depend on, to a large extent, future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by government authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or treat the infection, almost all of which are beyond our control. While many of the restrictions on movement within China have been relaxed as of the date of this annual report, there is great uncertainty as to the future progress of the disease. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific anti-viral treatment for COVID-19. Relaxation of restrictions on economic and social life may lead to new cases which may lead to the re-imposition of restrictions. Since late March 2020, the used car industry has been gradually recovering as businesses restart operations, but we expect that it will still take some time before overall operations recover to normal levels.

 

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We face intense competition, which may lead to loss of market share, reduced service fees and revenue, increased expenses, departures of qualified employees, and disputes with competitors.

 

We face intense competition in the used car industry both online and offline. Our competitors may have significantly more resources than we do, including financial, technological, marketing and others and may be able to devote greater resources to the development and promotion of their platforms and services. As a result, they may have deeper relationships with dealers, auto financing partners and other third-party service providers than we do. This could allow them to develop new services, adapt more quickly to changes in technology and to undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, which may render our platform less attractive to consumers and businesses and cause us to lose market share. Moreover, intense competition in the markets we operate in may reduce our service fees and revenue, increase our operating expenses and capital expenditures, and lead to departures of our qualified employees. We may also be harmed by negative publicity instigated by our competitors, regardless of its validity. We are currently subject to an ongoing unfair competition claim, and we have encountered and may in the future continue to encounter other disputes with our competitors, including lawsuits involving claims asserted under intellectual property laws, unfair competition laws and defamation which may adversely affect our business and reputation. Failure to compete with current and potential competitors could materially harm our business, financial condition and our results of operations.

 

We are exposed to credit risk in connection with some of auto loans we facilitated in the past. Our risk management system may not be able to accurately assess and mitigate all the risks to which we are exposed, including credit risk.

 

Prior to the divestiture of our loan facilitation related business to Golden Pacer as first announced in July 2019, we provided guarantees to our third-party financing partners for all consumer auto loans facilitated through our 2C business. See “Item 4. Information on the Company— A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses.” While we have ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C business since November 2019 as a result of the divestiture, we remain subject to certain guarantee liabilities in connection with certain loans we historically facilitated. In addition, as we work with third-party financing partners under Easy Loan program to facilitate short-term inventory financing for qualified dealers, we remain exposed to certain credit risk with respect to this program. Dealers may default on their loans for a number of reasons including those outside of their or our control. We cannot assure you that our risk management system will accurately assess and mitigate all risks, including credit risk, that we are exposed to, and any failure to accurately assess or mitigate such risks could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are not profitable and have negative cash flows from operations, which may continue in the future.

 

We have not been profitable since our inception in 2011. We incurred net losses from continuing operations of RMB1,268.8 million, RMB1,351.8 million and RMB1,327.7 million (US$190.7 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. In addition, we had negative cash flow from operating activities of RMB1,834.2 million, RMB2,281.3 million and RMB1,194.1 million (US$171.5 million) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. We may continue to make significant investments including in sales and marketing, to further develop and expand our business and these investments may not result in an increase in revenue or positive cash flow on a timely basis, or at all.

 

We may incur substantial losses and negative cash flow in the future for a number of reasons, including decreasing demand or slower than expected increase in demand for used cars and our services, increasing competition, weakness in the automotive retail industry in general, as well as other risks discussed herein, and we may incur unforeseen expenses, or encounter difficulties, complications and delays in generating revenue or achieving profitability. If our revenues decrease, we may not be able to reduce our costs and expenses proportionally in a timely manner because many of our costs and expenses are fixed. In addition, if we reduce our costs and expenses, we may limit our ability to acquire customers and grow our revenues. Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve profitability and we may continue to incur significant losses in the future.

 

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If we are unable to effectively manage our growth or implement our business strategies, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business and prospects depend in part on our ability to effectively manage our growth or implement our growth strategies. As part of our business strategies, we intend to increase our penetration in existing markets and expand into new geographic markets. Our experience in the markets in which we currently operate may not be applicable to other parts of China. We may not be able to leverage our experience to expand into new geographic markets in China. As a result, our expansion and monetization strategies, including sales and marketing efforts designed to attract more consumers and businesses to use our services, may not be successful. Furthermore, expanding into new geographical markets will require us to hire additional employees to cover these markets. We will incur additional compensation and benefit costs, office rental expenses and other costs, as well as experience additional strain on our managerial resources. If we are unable to successfully expand and generate sufficient revenues to cover our increased costs and expenses, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Moreover, our rapid expansion may lead to new challenges and risks. To manage the further expansion of our business, we need to continuously expand and enhance our infrastructure and technology, and improve our operational and financial systems, procedures and internal controls. We also need to train, manage and motivate the growing number of our employees. In addition, we need to maintain and expand our relationships with our customers, third-party service providers and other third parties. We cannot assure you that our personnel, infrastructure, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our operations. Effectively managing our growth is dependent on a number of other factors, including our ability to:

 

·                  effectively expand into new geographic markets;

 

·                  continue to improve our existing services;

 

·                  launch new services and develop cross-selling opportunities;

 

·                  stabilize our costs and expenses and enhance our efficiency;

 

·                  recruit and retain skilled and experienced employees;

 

·                  strengthen relationships with our business partners;

 

·                  enhance our risk management and internal control;

 

·                  charge service fees from customers;

 

·                  upgrade our technology and continue to innovate; and

 

·                  maintain and enhance the network effects of our platform.

 

If we fail to effectively manage our growth or implement our business strategies, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business is dependent upon dealers’ willingness to provide inventory to our platform. A reduction in the number of dealers on our platform would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Dealers serve as providers of the virtual inventory for our 2C business. Failure to attract and retain a large number of dealers to our platform, whether because of competition, vehicle supply shortage, or other factors, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Maintaining a large number of dealers on our platform depends on a number of factors, including our ability to:

 

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·                  reach a large number of potential used car buyers on our platform;

 

·                  maintain and expand relationships with existing dealers;

 

·                  develop new business relationships with potential dealers;

 

·                  offer services to meet the needs of dealers; and

 

·                  enhance our service offerings by leveraging our technological capabilities.

 

There is no guarantee that we will be able to maintain and grow the number of dealers on our platform, and if we fail to do so, the number of quality listings and transactions on our platform would decline, and our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

 

We work with third-party service providers and business partners. Actions of third parties are outside of our control and could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We work with third parties in providing many of the services offered on our platform, such as auto financing, logistics and delivery, title transfers, car repair and certain data services. We also work with third-party agents and currently have more than 1,100 service centers operated by our agents in more than 230 cities at prefecture level or above. We carefully select our third-party agents, service providers and business partners, but we are not able to fully control their actions. If these third parties fail to perform as we expect, experience difficulty meeting our requirements or standards, fail to conduct their business ethically, fail to provide satisfactory services to our customers, receive negative press coverage, violate applicable laws or regulations, breach the agreements with us, or if the agreements we have entered into with the third parties are terminated or not renewed, it could damage our business and reputation. In addition, if such third-party service providers cease operations, temporarily or permanently, face financial distress or other business disruptions, increase their fees, or if our relationships with them deteriorate, we would suffer from increased costs, be involved in legal or administrative proceedings with or against our third-party service providers and experience delays in providing customers with similar services until we find or develop a suitable alternative. In addition, if we are unsuccessful in identifying high-quality partners, or establishing cost-effective relationships with them, or effectively managing these relationships, our business and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, we work with third-party service providers for collection of loans in connection with our historical loan facilitation services. We aim to ensure the collection efforts carried out by our third-party service providers comply with the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC and have employed contractual measures to further ensure such compliance. However, we do not have complete control over third-party service providers, and if our collection methods are viewed by the borrowers or regulatory authorities as harassments, threats or other illegal means, we may be subject to risks relating to third-party debt collection services providers, including lawsuits initiated by the borrowers or prohibition from using certain collection methods by the regulatory authorities. The current regulatory regime for debt collection in the PRC also remains unclear and are subject to changes. Any perception that our collection practices are aggressive and not compliant with the relevant laws and regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our reputation or result in fines and penalties imposed by the relevant regulatory authorities, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We rely, in part, on our marketing efforts for customer acquisition and achieving higher level of brand recognition. If we fail to conduct our marketing activities effectively and efficiently, our business would be harmed.

 

We may continue to invest substantial financial and other resources in marketing initiatives to grow our customer base. We currently carry out our marketing activities mainly by acquiring traffic through a combination of online channels with the goal of attracting more visitors to our platform. We also used to engage brand ambassador and launch advertising campaigns to build brand awareness in 2019. We face intense competition from our competitors who may have greater marketing resources than we do. If we fail to conduct our marketing activities effectively and efficiently, or if our traffic acquisition efforts and marketing campaigns are not successful, our growth, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Negative media coverage related to our business, regardless of its validity, could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

Negative news or media coverage of our business, our employees, our third-party service providers and business partners, our brand ambassador, our directors and management or our shareholders, including, without limitation, alleged failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, alleged fraudulent car listings, alleged misrepresentation by our sales consultants or third-party agents, breach of data security, failure to protect user privacy, inappropriate business practices, disclosure of inaccurate operating data, negative information on blogs and social media websites, regardless of their validity, could damage our reputation. If we fail to correct or mitigate misinformation or negative information about us, including information spread through social media or traditional media channels, customer trust in us may be undermined, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our limited operating history in certain of our services and the rapid evolution of our business model make it difficult for investors to evaluate our business and prospects.

 

We began operating our 2C business in 2015. Our limited operating history in our services and the rapid evolution of our business model mean that our historical growth is not necessarily indicative of our future performance. We cannot assure you that our new product and service offerings will achieve the expected results or we will be able to achieve similar results or grow at the same rate as we did in the past. As our business and China’s used car industry continue to develop, we may adjust our product and service offerings or modify our business model. For example, starting from early 2018, we have started to fulfill online used car transactions for consumers, which we previously referred to as “2C cross-regional business”. With our online used-car-buying product and service offerings, we enable consumers to buy used cars online without the need to go to offline dealerships or see the actual car when making the purchase. In addition, we entered into a binding term sheet, definitive agreements and supplemental agreements, in July 2019, September 2019 and April 2020, respectively, with Golden Pacer to divest our loan facilitation related business. Pursuant to the series of agreements, we divested our entire 2C intra-regional business in which we facilitated offline used car transactions between consumers and dealers in local used car marketplaces, and ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C online transaction business since November 2019. We also divested our salvage car related business to Boche in January 2020 as well as our 2B business to 58.com pursuant to definitive agreements we entered into in March 2020. The transaction with Golden Pacer closed upon the signing of the supplemental agreements in April 2020, and the transactions with Boche and 58.com closed in January 2020 and April 2020, respectively. Such developments or adjustments may not achieve expected results and may have a material and adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The fees we charge from transactions on our platform may fluctuate or decline in the future and any material decrease in such service fees would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Most of our revenues are derived from the fees we charge from transactions on our platform, such as commission fee and value-added service fee from our 2C business. Prior to the divestiture of our 2B business, we also generated transaction facilitation service fee from the 2B business. Maintaining and growing our revenues depends on a number of factors, including:

 

·                  our ability to deliver satisfactory online used car transaction experience to our customers;

 

·                  our ability to attract consumers and dealers to our platform;

 

·                  the average unit price of used cars sold on our platform, which may decrease if we adjust down the price range of used cars available on our platform or enter into lower-tier city markets, or as a result of declining selling prices of new cars;

 

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·                  the average commission rate and corresponding fee as well as the average value-added service take rate and corresponding fee that we charge per transaction, which is subject to market condition and competition;

 

·                  our ability to foster relationships with third-party service providers to provide services through our platform at attractive terms and prices to us and our customers; and

 

·                  fluctuation in other macro-economic changes.

 

Any failure to adequately and promptly address any of these risks and uncertainties would materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. For example, as we further expand our 2C business by entering into lower-tier city markets, we have and may continue to experience decreases in average commission and value-added service fees that we charge per transaction, as the average unit price of used cars sold in those markets may be lower than that of cars sold in tier-one and tier-two cities.

 

Failure to obtain certain filings, approvals, licenses, permits and certificates required for our business operations may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, as some of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs used to provide vehicle maintenance services and were regarded as motor vehicle maintenance operators, these entities were required to file for motor vehicle maintenance operation with the road transport administration. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Motor Vehicle Maintenance.” As of the date of this annual report these entities have not obtained all the requisite licenses, but we no longer provide motor vehicle maintenance services. Failure to obtain these licenses shall be ordered to make rectification, and, in case of refusing to rectify, be subject to a fine of RMB5,000 to RMB20,000. Although we do not provide motor vehicle maintenance services any more, we cannot assure you that our prior operation will not be regarded by the governmental authorities as historical non-compliance, and imposition of any enforcement action would adversely affect our reputation and business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Certain of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs used to engage in business activities that are not within their registered business scope. As of the date of this annual report, we are not aware of any action, claim, or investigation being conducted or threatened by the State Administration for Market Regulation (formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce), or the SAMR or its local branches with respect to such business activities. While we have ceased conducting such business activities, we cannot rule out the possibility that our past practice could be interpreted by the SAMR as “doing business beyond the business scope” and subject us to enforcement actions such as confiscation of any illegal gains, or imposition of fines.

 

In addition, pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, as some of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are regarded as operators of used car marketplaces and used car related business, these entities are required to complete filing with the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, or the MOFCOM, at provincial level. Although we are in the process of preparing the filings, we may not be able to complete such filings in certain locations since the relevant authorities in those areas do not accept such filing application in practice due to the lack of local implementation rules and policies in such respects. We plan to submit our application as soon as the relevant governmental authorities are ready to accept our filing application. However, there is no assurance we will be able to complete the filing in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may subject our business to restriction, which would have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

 

In addition, it is required by PRC laws and regulations for companies responsible for the construction projects to prepare environmental impact report, environmental impact statement, or environmental impact registration form based on the different level of potential environmental impact of the projects. The environmental impact reports (required if potentially serious environmental impact) and the environmental impact statements (required if potentially mild environmental impact) are subject to review and approval by the governmental authority and failure to satisfy such requirements may subject one to discontinuation of the construction projects, fines of 1% to 5% of the total investment in the projects or an order of restoration. The environmental impact registration forms (required if very little environmental impact where environmental impact assessment is not necessary) are required to be filed with competent authority and failure to satisfy such requirement may subject one to fines up to RMB50,000 (US$7,182). We do not regularly conduct construction projects in the ordinary course of our business. However, some of our projects, including the building and overall decoration of our transaction centers from time to time, could be recognized as construction projects where a timely filing or submission for approval is required and failure to do so may subject us to fines and other enforcement actions as mentioned above.

 

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Considerable uncertainty exists regarding the interpretation and implementation of existing and future laws and regulations governing our business activities. Historically, some of our PRC subsidiaries have been fined due to late tax filings, although the amount of the fine was not significant. If we fail to complete, obtain, maintain or renew any of the required licenses or approvals or make the necessary filings, we may be subject to various penalties, such as confiscation of the illegal gains, imposition of fines and discontinuation or restriction of our operations. Any such penalties may disrupt our business operations and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our historical loan facilitation services may subject us to regulatory risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Prior to the divestiture of our loan facilitation related business to Golden Pacer (“Loan Facilitation Divestiture”), we historically provided loan facilitation services in partnership with financial institutions who finance our customers’ car purchases. As a result of the divestiture, we ceased to provide loan facilitation services since November 2019. We also currently work with third-party financing partners to provide inventory financing to dealers.

 

According to the Financing Guarantee Circular 37 which was issued and became effective on October 9, 2019, entities shall be prohibited from providing financing guarantee services unless obtaining the approval from the relevant regulatory authorities and establishing financing guarantee companies. Those who have been engaged in financing guarantee services shall properly settle its existing business. The authorities shall intensify the crackdowns on the financing guarantee companies with illegal operation or those who committed serious infringement of consumer’s (and guaranteed person’s) rights and shall timely report such cases to the banks so as to work together to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the consumers. The Financing Guarantee Circular 37 also stipulates that, without prior approval, any institution which provides customer promotion, credit evaluation and other services for any lending institution shall be prohibited from providing financing guarantee services or doing so in a disguised form. Any entity operating the financing guarantee business without a financing guarantee business license shall be banned by the regulatory authorities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Financing Guarantee.” While we no longer provide any additional loan facilitation related guarantee services since November 2019 and have divested the guarantee liabilities in relation to our historically-facilitated loans for XW Bank, which accounted for more than half of the total loans we historically facilitated, to Golden Pacer as a result of the Loan Facilitation Divestiture, we remain subject to certain guarantee liabilities for the rest of the consumer auto loans we historically facilitated through our 2C business. As of the date of this annual report, we have not obtained relevant approvals from regulatory authorities. It is required by the Financing Guarantee Circular 37 for us to properly settle our existing business and we plan to settle and gradually relieve our guarantee obligations from these historically facilitated loans along with the maturity of those remaining outstanding loans.  However, we cannot assure you that our guarantee services in connection with such historical auto loans will be regarded as our “proper settlement” of our existing auto loan guarantee business by the relevant authority, or that our past practices in connection with our loan facilitation services would not be regarded as historical non-compliance. The imposition of any enforcement action would adversely affect our reputation and business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, while we have ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C business since November 2019 as a result of the divestiture to Golden Pacer, we remain subject to a portion of guarantee liabilities in connection with certain loans we historically facilitated. The Office of the Leading Group for Specific Rectification against Online Finance Risks and the Office of the Leading Group for Specific Rectification against P2P Online Lending Risks jointly issued the Circular on Regulating and Rectifying Cash Loan Business, or Circular 141, in December 2017 to regulate “cash loans” related business. The Circular 141 specifies the features of “cash loans” as follows: loans are extended without relying on any consumption scenario in connection with sales of goods; the terms of the loans do not specify the use of loan proceeds; there is no qualification requirement on the part of customers; and the loans are unsecured Circular 141 prohibits a financial institution from participating in the “cash loan” business from accepting credit enhancement services from a third party which has not obtained any license or approval to provide guarantees, including credit enhancement service in the form of a commitment to assume default risks, and requires a financial institution to ensure its service providers in “cash loan” business will not charge any interest or fees from borrowers. Given that the loans we historically facilitated are based on real consumption scenarios with specified use and the majority of the loans are secured with the car collateral, we believe they should not be deemed as “cash loans” under Circular 141, and thus our remaining guarantee liabilities in connection with such loans are not subject to the regulation of Circular 141. However, as the Circular 141 has been issued recently and the laws and regulations governing the online consumer finance industry in China are evolving rapidly, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the regulations, we cannot rule out the possibility that the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to ours and view the consumer auto loans historically facilitated through our platform as “cash loans” and the guarantees for such consumer auto loans as credit enhancement service. In such events, we may have to further modify our practice, which might materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Furthermore, PRC laws and regulations concerning financial services, including internet financial services, are evolving and the PRC government authorities may promulgate further laws and regulations in the future. We cannot assure you that our past or current practices would not be regarded as non-compliance, and imposition of any enforcement action would adversely affect our reputation and business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, under current regulations, the risk assets of a PRC entity that conducts finance leasing business must not exceed 10 times its total net assets. In addition, PRC regulations stipulate that the amount of auto loans should be capped at 80% of the purchase price for a self-use conventionally-powered new car, 85% for a self-use new energy vehicle, and 70% for a used car. Our financing partners were responsible for designing the financing products that we offered through our historical loan facilitation services and are responsible for the financing products we currently refer to consumers on our platform. The financing products provided by our financing partners on our platform may be deemed to exceed the stipulated cap on the loan amount relative to the car purchase price, in which case we may be required to make adjustments to our cooperation arrangements or cease to cooperate with these financing partners.

 

We may be deemed to operate financing guarantee business by the PRC regulatory authorities.

 

In August, 2017 the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Financing Guarantee Companies, or the Financing Guarantee Rules which became effective on October 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Financing Guarantee Rules, “financing guarantee” refers to the activities in which guarantors provide guarantee to the guaranteed parties as to loans, bonds or other types of debt financing, and “financing guarantee companies” refer to companies legally established and operating financing guarantee business. According to the Financing Guarantee Rules, the establishment of financing guarantee companies are subject to the approval by the relevant governmental authority, and unless otherwise stipulated, no entity may operate financing guarantee business without such approval. If any entity violates these regulations and operates financing guarantee business without approval, the entity may be subject to penalties including ban or suspension of business, fines of RMB500,000 (US$71,821) to RMB1,000,000 (US$143,641), confiscation of illegal gains if any, and criminal liability if the violation constitutes a criminal offense.

 

Prior to divesting our loan facilitation business to Golden Pacer as first announced in July 2019, we provided guarantees to our financing partners in connection with the historical consumer auto loans. While we have ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services since November 2019 as a result of the divestiture, we remain subject to guarantee obligations in relation to a part of our historically-facilitated loans. We do not believe that the Financing Guarantee Rules apply to such guarantee obligations as the guarantees were not provided independently from our principal business. However, due to the lack of further interpretations, the exact definition and scope of “operating financing guarantee business” under the Financing Guarantee Rules is unclear. It is uncertain whether we would be deemed to operate financing guarantee business in violation of relevant PRC laws or regulations because of historical arrangements with certain financial institutions. If the relevant regulatory authorities determine that we were and/or are operating financing guarantee business, we may be required to obtain approval or license for financing guarantee business. In such cases, our business, results of operations and financial conditions could be adversely affected.

 

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We may be held liable for information or content displayed on or linked to our platform, which may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We may be held liable for inaccurate or incomplete information, including car listings, that is available through or linked to our platform. The data we collect and use for the car listings may be inaccurate or incomplete due to errors or on the part of our employees or third-party information providers, or frauds. We received a penalty decision and a fine issued by the governmental authority in March 2018 for providing inconsistent car information on our platform. Our failure to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our data, regardless of its source, could undermine customer trust, result in further administrative penalties and adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

We depend on our proprietary technology for critical functions of our business. Failure to properly maintain or promptly upgrade our technology may result in disruptions to or lower quality of our services and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We rely on our proprietary technology, including websites and mobile apps, car inspection system, AI algorithms and VR technology for critical functions of our businesses. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Technology.” Maintaining and upgrading our technology carry certain risks, including the risk of disruptions caused by significant design or deployment errors, delays or deficiencies, which has made and may continue to make our platform and services unavailable. We may also implement additional or enhanced technology in the future to accommodate our growth and to provide additional capabilities and functionalities. The implementation of new or enhanced technologies may be disruptive to our business and can be time-consuming and expensive, and may increase management responsibilities and divert management attention. Additionally, our proprietary AI algorithms are based on data-driven analytics. If we do not have a large amount of data or the quality of data available to us for analysis is unsatisfactory, or if our algorithms have deficiencies, our proprietary AI algorithms may fail to perform effectively. If we fail to properly maintain or promptly upgrade our technology, our services may be disrupted or become of lower quality or unprofitable, and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business is subject to risks related to China’s online used car transaction industry, including industry-wide and macroeconomic risks.

 

We operate as a national online used car dealer in China’s used car market. We cannot assure you that this market will continue to grow rapidly in the future. Furthermore, the growth of China’s used car industry could be affected by many factors, including:

 

·                  general economic conditions in China and around the world;

 

·                  outbreaks of COVID-19 or any other serious contagious diseases;

 

·                  the growth of disposable household income and the availability and cost of credit available to finance used car purchases;

 

·                  the growth of China’s automobile industry;

 

·                  the growth of China’s auto financing industry;

 

·                  consumer acceptance of used cars and willingness to purchase used cars online;

 

·                  consumer acceptance of financing car purchases;

 

·                  taxes and other incentives or disincentives related to used car purchases and ownership;

 

·                  environmental concerns and measures taken to address these concerns;

 

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·                  the cost of energy, including gasoline prices, and the cost of car license plates in various cities with license plate lottery or auction systems;

 

·                  the improvement of highway system and availability of parking facilities;

 

·                  other government policies relating to used cars and auto financing in China;

 

·                  fluctuations in the sales and price of new and used cars;

 

·                  ride sharing, transportation networks, and other fundamental changes in transportation pattern; and

 

·                  other industry-wide issues, including supply and demand for used cars, age distribution of cars, and supply chain challenges.

 

Any adverse change to these factors could reduce demand for used cars and hence demand for our services, and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We collect, process, store, share, disclose and use personal information and other data, and any actual or perceived failure to protect such information and data could damage our reputation and brand and harm our business and results of operations.

 

We collect, process, store, share, disclose and use personal information and other data provided by consumers and our business partners. Although we have spent significant resources to protect our user and transaction data against security breaches, our internal control mechanism may not be sufficient and our security measures may be compromised. Any failure or perceived failure to maintain the security of personal and other data that are provided to or collected by us could harm our reputation and brand and may expose us to legal proceedings and potential liabilities, any of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

There are numerous laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection, processing, storing, sharing, disclosing, using and protecting of personal information and other data. Specifically, personally identifiable and other confidential information is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations in numerous domestic and international jurisdictions. The regulatory framework for privacy protection in China and worldwide is currently evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. We could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations in China are expanded to require changes in business practices or privacy policies, or if the PRC governmental authorities interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In November 2016, the Standing Committee of the NPC released the Internet Security Law, which took effect in June 2017. The Internet Security Law requires network operators to perform certain functions related to internet security protection and the strengthening of network information management. For instance, under the Internet Security Law, network operators of key information infrastructure generally shall, during their operations in the PRC, store the personal information and important data collected and produced within the territory of the PRC. We are in the process of evaluating the potential impacts of the Internet Security Law on our current business practices. We strive to comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and legal obligations relating to privacy and data protection, to the extent possible. However, it is possible that these obligations may be interpreted and applied in new or inconsistent ways and may conflict with other rules or our practices, or that new regulations may be enacted. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with our privacy policies, privacy-related obligations to consumers or other third parties or other privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of sensitive information, such as personally identifiable information or other customer data, may result in governmental enforcement actions, litigation or public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups or others and could cause consumers and our business partners to lose trust in us, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, if third parties that we work with violate applicable laws or our policies, such violations may also put our customers’ information at risk and could in turn harm our reputation, business and results of operations.

 

In addition to laws, regulations and other applicable rules regarding privacy and privacy advocacy, industry associations or other private parties may propose new and different privacy standards. Because the interpretation and application of privacy and data protection laws and privacy standards are still uncertain, it is possible that these laws or privacy standards may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our practices. Any inability to adequately address privacy concerns, even if unfounded, or to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws, regulations and privacy standards, could result in additional cost and liability to us, damage our reputation, inhibit the use of our platform and harm our business.

 

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Any breaches to our security measures, including unauthorized access, computer viruses and “hacking” may adversely affect our database and reduce use of our services and damage our reputation and brand names.

 

The massive data that we have processed and stored makes us or third-party service providers who host our servers a target and potentially vulnerable to cyber-attacks, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar disruptions. Breaches to our security measures, including computer viruses and hacking, may result in significant damage to our hardware and software systems and database, disruptions to our business activities, inadvertent disclosure of confidential or sensitive information, interruptions in access to our platform, and other material adverse effects on our operations, during transfer of data or at any time, and result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to our systems and data. Our systems may be subject to infiltration as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise. While we have taken steps to protect the confidential information that we have access to, techniques used to sabotage or obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until they are launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Any accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access to our platform could cause confidential customer and investor information to be stolen and used for criminal purposes. Security breaches or unauthorized access to confidential information could also expose us to liability related to the loss of the information, time-consuming and expensive litigation and negative publicity. If security measures are breached because of any third-party action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise, or if design flaws in our technology infrastructure are exposed and exploited, our relationships with customers and investors could be severely damaged, we could incur significant liability and our business and operations could be adversely affected.

 

We depend heavily on our management team and other key personnel to manage our business. If we fail to retain their services or to attract talents, our ability to run and grow our business could be severely impaired.

 

Our future success is highly dependent on the ongoing efforts of our senior management and key personnel. We rely on our management team for their extensive knowledge of and experience in China’s automobile and internet industries as well as their deep understanding of the Chinese automobile market, business environment and regulatory regime. The loss of the services of one or more of our senior executives or key personnel may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Competition for senior management and key personnel is intense, and the pool of suitable candidates is very limited, and we may not be able to retain the services of our senior executives or key personnel, or attract and retain senior executives or key personnel in the future. If we fail to retain our senior management, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if any members of our senior management or any of our key personnel join a competitor or form a competing company, we may not be able to replace them easily and we may lose customers, business partners and key staff members.

 

Our business is susceptible to employee misconduct, improper business practices and other fraudulent conduct by or between our employees and third parties.

 

We rely on our employees to carry out our operating objectives. We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of misconduct and errors by our employees. Our business depends on our employees to interact with potential customers, conduct car inspection, process large numbers of transactions and provide support for other key aspects of our business, all of which involve the use and disclosure of personal information and are susceptible to human errors and mistakes on the part of our employees.

 

We could be materially adversely affected if transactions were redirected, misappropriated or otherwise improperly executed, if personal information was disclosed to unintended recipients or if an operational breakdown or failure in the processing of transactions occurred, whether as a result of human error, purposeful sabotage or fraudulent manipulation of our operations or systems. In addition, the manner in which we store and use certain personal information and interact with customers and other third parties through our marketplace is governed by various PRC laws.

 

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Although we provide periodic trainings to all our employees, it is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct or errors by employees, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent potential misconducts and human errors may not be effective in controlling risks or losses. If any of our employees take, convert or misuse funds, documents or data or fail to follow protocol when interacting with customers and among themselves, we could be liable for damages and subject to regulatory actions and penalties. We could also be perceived to have facilitated or participated in the illegal misappropriation of funds, documents or data, or the failure to follow protocol, and therefore be subject to civil or criminal liability. Our employees may also engage in improper business practices and other fraudulent conduct with third parties. As a result of these potential damaging activities, we could incur significant losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and proprietary information could materially harm our business and operating results.

 

We believe our patents, trademarks, software copyrights, trade secrets, our brand and other intellectual property rights and proprietary information are critical to our success. Any unauthorized use of intellectual property rights and proprietary information could harm our business, reputation and competitive advantages. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law, our internal control mechanism, and contractual arrangements to protect our intellectual property.

 

Legal protection may not always be effective. Infringement of intellectual property rights continues to pose a serious risk in doing business in China. Monitoring and preventing unauthorized use is difficult. Furthermore, the application of laws governing intellectual property rights in China is uncertain and evolving, and could involve substantial risks to us. The practice of intellectual property rights enforcement action by Chinese regulatory authorities is in its early stage of development. In the event that we have to resort to litigation and other legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights, such action, litigation or other legal proceedings could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources and could disrupt our business. There is no assurance that we will be able to enforce our intellectual property rights effectively or otherwise prevent others from the unauthorized use of our intellectual property.

 

We try, to the extent possible, to protect our intellectual property, technology, and confidential information by requiring our employees, third-party service providers, and consultants to enter into confidentiality and assignment of inventions agreements. Due to potential willful or unintentional conduct of personnel who have access to our confidential and proprietary information, these agreements and control measures may not effectively prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information, intellectual property, or technology and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information, intellectual property, or technology. The enforceability of confidentiality agreements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Failure to obtain or maintain trade secrets and/or confidential know-how protection could adversely affect our competitive position.

 

Competitors may adopt service names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby harming our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to user confusion. Our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and may even apply for patent protection. If successful in obtaining such patent protection, our competitors could limit our use of our trade secrets and confidential know-how, and our financial position and operating results would be adversely affected.

 

We have been and may continue to be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other allegations by third parties, which may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and prospects.

 

We depend to a large extent on our ability to develop and maintain the intellectual property rights relating to our technology and online businesses. We have devoted considerable resources to the development and improvement of our car inspection technology, big data and AI capabilities, VR technology, mobile applications, mobile sites and websites and information technology systems. We cannot be certain that third parties will not claim that our business infringes upon or otherwise violates patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights that they hold. Companies operating online businesses and provide technology-based services are frequently involved in litigation related to allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights. The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights, particularly in China, are still evolving. We are currently subject to several ongoing trademark claims, and may in the future continue to be subject to intellectual property infringement claims from time to time. As we face increasing competition and as litigation becomes a more common method for resolving commercial disputes in China, we face a higher risk of being the subject of intellectual property infringement claims.

 

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Defending against intellectual property claims is costly and can impose a significant burden on our management and resources, and favorable final outcomes may not be obtained in all cases. Such claims, even if they do not result in liability, may harm our reputation. Any resulting liability or expenses, or changes required to our services to reduce the risk of future liability, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and prospects.

 

We have been named as a defendant in two putative shareholder class action lawsuits that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation.

 

We will have to defend against the putative shareholder class action lawsuits described in “Item 8, Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings,” including any appeals of such lawsuits should our initial defense be unsuccessful. We are currently unable to estimate the possible outcome or loss or possible range of loss, if any, associated with the resolution of these lawsuits. In the event that our initial defense of these lawsuits is unsuccessful, there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any appeal. Any adverse outcome of these cases, including any plaintiff’s appeal of a judgment in these lawsuits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation. In addition, there can be no assurance that our insurance carriers will cover all or part of the defense costs, or any liabilities that may arise from these matters. The litigation process may utilize a significant portion of our resources and divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our company, all of which could harm our business. We also may be subject to claims for indemnification related to these matters, and we cannot predict the impact that indemnification claims may have on our business or financial results.

 

We may be subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. If the outcomes of these proceedings are adverse to us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may be subject to legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law could be asserted against us by consumers and businesses that utilize our services, by competitors, or by governmental entities in civil or criminal investigations and proceedings or by other entities. These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws, including but not limited to consumer finance laws, product liability laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property laws, unfair competition laws, privacy laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws, real estate laws, tort laws, contract laws, property laws and employee benefit laws. We may also be subject to lawsuits due to actions by our third-party financing partners, or third-party providers of various services, including logistics and delivery service, title transfer service, car repair, car inspection equipment, loan servicing, car collateral repossession, and certain data services.

 

For example, we are subject to ongoing trademark, unfair competition, contractual disputes and other proceedings in the PRC. These cases are still ongoing, but we believe the claims are without merit and we will defend ourselves accordingly. We are unable, however, to predict the outcome of these cases, or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss, if any, given the current status of the proceedings. We have not recorded any accrual for expected loss payments with respect to these cases as of December 31, 2019 and do not believe that any of the intellectual property infringement claims is material to our overall business operations. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in defending ourselves in legal and administrative actions or in asserting our rights under various laws. Even if we are successful in our attempt to defend ourselves in legal and administrative actions or to assert our rights under various laws, enforcing our rights against the various parties involved may be expensive, time-consuming and ultimately futile. These actions could expose us to negative publicity and to substantial monetary damages and legal defense costs, injunctive relief and criminal and civil fines and penalties, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of licenses to conduct business. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

 

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Acquisitions, strategic alliances and investments could be costly, difficult to integrate, disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations and the value of your investment.

 

As we continue to expand our operations, we have and may in the future enter into strategic alliances or to acquire substantial asset or equities from a pool of candidates that fit our criteria. We are not certain that we will be able to consummate any such transactions in the future or identify those candidates that would result in the most successful combinations, or that future acquisitions will be able to be consummated at reasonable prices and terms. In addition, increased competition for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us and higher acquisition prices. Strategic investments or acquisitions will involve risks commonly encountered in business relationships, including:

 

·                  lack of suitable acquisition candidates;

 

·                  intense competition with other auction groups or new industry consolidators for suitable acquisitions;

 

·                  deterioration of our financial capabilities;

 

·                  difficulties in assimilating and integrating the operations, personnel, systems, data, technologies, products and services of the acquired business;

 

·                  inability of the acquired technologies, products or businesses to achieve expected levels of revenue, profitability, productivity or other benefits;

 

·                  difficulties in retaining, training, motivating and integrating key personnel;

 

·                  diversion of management’s time and resources from our normal daily operations;

 

·                  difficulties in successfully incorporating licensed or acquired technology and rights into our platform and service offerings;

 

·                  difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies within the combined organizations;

 

·                  difficulties in retaining relationships with customers, employees and third-party service providers of the acquired business;

 

·                  risks of entering markets in which we have limited or no prior experience;

 

·                  regulatory risks, including remaining in good standing with existing regulatory bodies or receiving any necessary pre-closing or post-closing approvals, as well as being subject to new regulators with oversight over an acquired business;

 

·                  assumption of contractual obligations that contain terms that are not beneficial to us, require us to license or waive intellectual property rights or increase our risk for liability;

 

·                  failure to successfully further develop the acquired technology or maintain acquired facilities;

 

·                  liability for activities of the acquired business before the acquisition, including intellectual property infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities;

 

·                  potential disruptions to our ongoing businesses; and

 

·                  unexpected costs and unknown risks and liabilities associated with strategic investments or acquisitions.

 

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We may not make any investments or acquisitions, or any future investments or acquisitions may not be successful, may not benefit our business strategy, may not generate sufficient revenues to offset the associated acquisition costs or may not otherwise result in the intended benefits. In addition, we cannot assure you that any future investment in or acquisition of new businesses or technology will lead to the successful development of new or enhanced service offerings and that any new or enhanced technology or services, if developed or offered, will achieve market acceptance or prove to be profitable.

 

We may need additional capital to achieve our business targets and respond to market opportunities. If we could not obtain sufficient capital through either debt or equity financing, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed.

 

Since we launched our business, we have raised substantial financing to support the growth of our business. We may require additional capital to pursue our business objectives and respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances, including to improve our brand awareness, build and maintain our offline network, develop new products or services or further improve existing products and services, and acquire complementary businesses and technologies. In addition, we issued convertible notes in the total principal amount of US$280 million in 2019, of which US$45.1 million in principal amount will become due and payable in the second half of 2020, and we may require additional capital to repay these debt obligations. However, additional funds may not be available when we need them on reasonable terms, or at all.

 

If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our common stock. Our ability to retain our existing financial resources and obtain additional financing on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including but not limited to:

 

·                  economic, political and other conditions in China;

 

·                  PRC governmental policies relating to bank loans and other credit facilities;

 

·                  PRC governmental regulations of foreign investment and the automobile industry in China;

 

·                  conditions of capital markets in which we may seek to raise funds; and

 

·                  our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on satisfactory terms, our ability to continue to pursue our business objectives and to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances could be significantly limited, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be adversely affected.

 

If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

 

Prior to our initial public offering in June 2018, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the audits of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a “material weakness” is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

The material weaknesses identified related to (i) our lack of adequate number of accounting staff and management resources with appropriate knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting and compliance requirements and (ii) insufficient documented financial closing policies and procedures, specifically those related to period end expenses cut-off and accruals. We are in the process of implementing a number of measures to remedy these control deficiencies. See “Item 15. Controls and Procedures—Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address these deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, and we cannot conclude that they have been fully remedied. Our failure to correct these control deficiencies or our failure to discover and address any other control deficiencies could result in inaccuracies in our financial statements and impair our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements and related regulatory filings on a timely basis. Moreover, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could significantly hinder our ability to prevent fraud.

 

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Since our initial public offering, we have become subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, requires that we include a report from management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. In addition, once we cease to be an “emerging growth company” as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective for the year ended December 31, 2019. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective in the future, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, after we become a public company, our reporting obligations may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. We may be unable to timely complete our evaluation testing and any required remediation.

 

During the course of documenting and testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of the ADSs. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions. We may also be required to restate our financial statements for prior periods.

 

A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

COVID-19 had a severe and negative impact on the Chinese and the global economy in the first quarter of 2020. Whether this will lead to a prolonged downturn in the economy is still unknown. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the global macroeconomic environment was facing numerous challenges. The growth rate of the Chinese economy had already been slowing since 2010. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies which had been adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and China, even before 2020. Unrest, terrorist threats and the potential for war in the Middle East and elsewhere may increase market volatility across the globe. There have also been concerns about the relationship between China and other countries, including the surrounding Asian countries, which may potentially have economic effects. In particular, there is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and China with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “—We may need additional capital to achieve our business targets and respond to market opportunities. If we could not obtain sufficient capital through either debt or equity, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed.”

 

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The trade war between the U.S. and China may dampen economic growth in China and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In 2018 and 2019, the U.S. government imposed additional tariffs on specified products imported from China. In response, China has also imposed additional tariffs on specified products imported from the U.S. The U.S.  and the Chinese governments are continuing to conduct negotiations on trade matters. We cannot assure you that the negotiations will result in an agreement between the two countries, or that the proposed tariffs will not be imposed even if an agreement will be reached.

 

Although we are not currently subject to any of these tariff measures, the proposed tariffs may adversely affect the economic growth in China and the financial condition of our customers. With the potential decrease in the spending powers of our target customers, we cannot guarantee that there will be no negative impact on our operations. In addition, the current and future actions or escalations by either the U.S. or China that affect trade relations may result in global economic turmoil, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Allegations or lawsuits against us or our management and related negative publicity may harm our reputation and have a material and adverse impact on our business operations and the trading price of our ADSs.

 

We have been, and may become, subject to allegations or lawsuits brought by our competitors, customers, business partners, short sellers, investment research firms or other individuals or entities. For example, a report was published on April 16, 2019 making various allegations about us, and we responded publicly stating the allegations are unfounded. Any such allegation or lawsuit, with or without merit, or any perceived unfair, unethical, fraudulent or inappropriate business practice by us or perceived malfeasance by our management, or failure or perceived failure to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, alleged accounting or financial reporting irregularities, could harm our reputation and distract our management from our daily operations. Allegations or lawsuits against us or our management may also generate negative publicity that significantly harms our reputation, which may materially and adversely affect our ability to attract customers, third-party service providers and business partners and hence our business operations, and cause the trading price of our ADSs to decline and fluctuate significantly.

 

We may continue to be the target of adverse publicity and detrimental conduct against us, including complaints, anonymous or otherwise, to regulatory agencies regarding our operations, accounting, and regulatory compliance. We may be subject to government or regulatory investigation or inquiries, or shareholder lawsuits, as a result of such third-party conduct and may be required to incur significant time and substantial costs to defend ourselves, and there is no assurance that we will be able to conclusively refute each of the allegations within a reasonable period of time or at all. Our reputation may also be negatively affected as a result of the public dissemination of allegations or malicious statements about us, which in turn may materially and adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs.

 

Any failure by us or our third-party service providers to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations could damage our reputation.

 

Our financing partners and payment companies are subject to anti-money laundering obligations under applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and are regulated in that respect by the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC. If any of our third-party service provides fail to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, our reputation could suffer and we could become subject to regulatory intervention, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any negative perception of the industry, such as that arises from any failure of other loan facilitation services providers, consumer finance marketplaces or online transaction platforms to detect or prevent money laundering activities, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents, could compromise our image or undermine the trust and credibility we have established.

 

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We are subject to changing law and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance and public disclosure that have increased both our costs and the risk of non-compliance.

 

We are subject to rules and regulations by various governing bodies, including, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded, and the various regulatory authorities in China and the Cayman Islands, and to new and evolving regulatory measures under applicable law. Our efforts to comply with new and changing laws and regulations have resulted in and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

 

Moreover, because these laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance becomes available. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to our disclosure and governance practices. If we fail to address and comply with these regulations and any subsequent changes, we may be subject to penalty and our business may be harmed.

 

We have limited business, disruption or litigation insurance coverage.

 

The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance products and are, to our knowledge, not well-developed in the field of business liability insurance. While business disruption insurance is available to a limited extent in China, we have determined that the risks of disruption, cost of such insurance and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. As a result, except for limited property insurance coverage, we do not maintain general business liability, disruption or litigation insurance coverage for our operations in China. We consider our insurance coverage to be reasonable in light of the nature of our business, but we cannot assure you that our insurance coverage is sufficient to prevent us from any loss or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our current insurance policies on a timely basis, or at all.

 

We have granted, and may continue to grant, options and other types of awards under our share incentive plan, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.

 

We adopted an amended and restated share incentive plan in February 2018, which was further amended in August 2018 and November 2018 and which we refer to as the 2018 Second Amended and Restated Share Incentive Plan, or the Amended and Restated Plan, in this annual report, for the purpose of granting share-based compensation awards to employees, directors and consultants to incentivize their performance and align their interests with ours. We recognize expenses in our consolidated statement of comprehensive loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the Amended and Restated Plan is 102,040,053 ordinary shares. For example, in May 2018, we granted 17,742,890 restricted shares to Mr. Kun Dai, which became vested immediately upon completion of our initial public offering in June 2018, and we recorded share-based compensation expense of US$93.8 million (equivalent to RMB653.0 million) in general and administrative expenses.

 

On September 22, 2019, our board of directors approved a reduction in the exercise price for outstanding options previously granted by our company with an exercise price higher than $1.03 per ordinary share to $1.03 per share, provided that any participating option holder agrees to amendment in the number of shares subject to his or her option as determined by the plan administrator. We accounted for this reduction as a share option modification which required the remeasurement of these share options at the time of the modification. The total incremental cost as a result of the modification was US$4.1 million. The incremental cost related to vested options amounted to US$2.1 million and was recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss during the year ended December 31, 2019. The incremental cost related to unvested options amounted to US$2.0 million and will be recorded over the remaining service period.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, we recorded an aggregate of RMB165.9 million, RMB1,052.0 million and RMB100.3 million (US$14.4 million), respectively, in share-based compensation expenses. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of vested and nonvested options granted to employees and management amounted to RMB104.0 million (US$14.9 million) and RMB34.2 million (US$4.9 million), respectively. We believe the granting of share-based compensation is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based compensation to employees in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the issuance of additional equity upon the exercise of options or other types of awards would result in further dilution to our shareholders.

 

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Our business is dependent on the performance of the internet and mobile internet infrastructure and telecommunications networks in China, which may not be able to support the demands associated with our growth.

 

Our internet businesses are heavily dependent on the performance and reliability of China’s internet infrastructure, the continual accessibility of bandwidth and servers to our service providers’ networks, and the continuing performance, reliability and availability of our technology platform. We use the internet to deliver services to our customers, who access our websites and mobile apps on the internet.

 

We rely on major Chinese telecommunication companies to provide us with bandwidth for our services, and we may not have any access to comparable alternative networks or services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems. Internet access may not be available in certain areas due to national disasters, such as earthquakes, or local government decisions. Surges in internet traffic on our platform, regardless of the cause, may seriously disrupt services we provide through our platform and in-store or cause our technology systems and our platform to shut down. If we experience technical problems in delivering our services over the internet either at national or regional level or system shut downs, we could experience reduced demand for our services, lower revenues and increased costs. Consequently, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected.

 

We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation.

 

In addition to the impact of COVID-19, our business could be adversely affected by the effects of Ebola virus disease, H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, avian flu, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, or other epidemics. Our business operations could be disrupted if any of our employees is suspected of having Ebola virus disease, H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, avian flu, SARS, or other epidemics, since it could require our employees to be quarantined and/or our offices to be disinfected. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that any of these epidemics harms the Chinese and global economy in general.

 

We are also vulnerable to natural disasters and other calamities. Fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks or similar events may give rise to server interruptions, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect our ability to provide products and services on our platform.

 

In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that any health epidemic, natural disaster or other calamities harms the Chinese and global economies in general. Our headquarters are located in Beijing, where most of our management and employees currently reside. Most of our system hardware and back-up systems are hosted in facilities located in Beijing. Consequently, if any natural disasters, health epidemics or other public safety concerns were to affect Beijing, our operation may experience material disruptions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business is subject to quarterly fluctuations and unexpected interruptions.

 

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, quarterly fluctuations in our revenues and results of operations. Our revenue trends are a reflection of consumers’ car purchase patterns. The holiday period following the Chinese New Year is usually in the first quarter, which may contribute to lower activity levels in that quarter of each year. As a result, our revenues may vary from quarter to quarter and our quarterly results may not be comparable to the corresponding periods of prior years. Our actual results may differ significantly from our targets or estimated quarterly results. The quarterly fluctuations in our revenues and results of operations could result in volatility and cause the price of our shares to fall. As our revenues grow, these quarterly fluctuations may become more pronounced.

 

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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

 

If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating some of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and our PRC subsidiaries are currently considered foreign-invested enterprises. Currently, our main websites are operated and our main business are run by our wholly-foreign-owned enterprises, or WFOEs, while our VIEs hold the title of a number of intellectual properties, operate certain of our websites and conduct certain of our business. Our WFOEs have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders, respectively, which enable us to (i) exercise effective control over our VIEs, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs, and (iii) have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests and assets in our VIEs when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we have control over and are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and hence consolidate their financial results under U.S. GAAP. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure” for further details.

 

In the opinion of JunHe LLP, our PRC legal counsel, (i) the ownership structures of our VIEs in China and our WFOEs that have entered into contractual arrangements with the VIEs, comply with all existing PRC laws and regulations; and (ii) the contractual arrangements between our WFOEs, the VIEs and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, our PRC legal counsel has also advised us that there is substantial uncertainty regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules; accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of our VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures, including:

 

·                  revoking the business licenses and other licenses and permits of our VIEs;

 

·                  discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operation through any transactions between our WFOEs and our VIEs;

 

·                  imposing fines, confiscating the income from our WFOEs or our VIEs, or imposing other requirements with which we or our VIEs may not be able to comply;

 

·                  requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, including terminating the contractual arrangements with our VIEs and deregistering the equity pledges of our VIEs, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control over our VIEs;

 

·                  restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of our initial public offering and the concurrent private placement of convertible notes to finance our business and operations in China; or

 

·                  taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business.

 

The imposition of any of these penalties would result in adverse effect on our ability to conduct certain part of our business. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government actions would have on us and on our ability to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements, if the PRC government authorities were to find our legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations. If the imposition of any of these government actions causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of our VIEs or our right to receive substantially all the economic benefits and residual returns from our VIEs and we are not able to restructure our ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements. Either of these results, or any other significant penalties that might be imposed on us in this event, would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We have entered into contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders for a portion of our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.

 

We have entered into contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders to conduct certain aspects of our businesses. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. For example, our VIEs and their shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct its operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests.

 

If we had direct ownership of our VIEs, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of our VIEs, which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, we rely on the performance by our VIEs and their respective shareholders of their obligations under the contracts to exercise control over our VIEs. However, the shareholders of our consolidated VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain portions of our business through the contractual arrangements with our VIEs. If any disputes relating to these contracts remain unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See “—Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.” Therefore, our contractual arrangements with our VIEs may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as direct ownership would be.

 

Our business may be significantly affected by the draft Foreign Investment Law and the newly adopted Foreign Investment Law.

 

In January 2015, MOFCOM published a draft Foreign Investment Law, the 2015 Draft FIL, for soliciting public comments. At the same time, MOFCOM published an accompanying explanatory note of the 2015 Draft FIL, illustrating legislative philosophy and principles of the 2015 Draft FIL. One of the core concepts of the 2015 Draft FIL is “de facto control,” which emphasizes substance over form in determining whether an entity is “Chinese” or foreign controlled. This determination requires consideration of the nature of the investors that exercise control over the entity. “Chinese investors” are individuals who are PRC nationals, PRC government agencies and any domestic enterprise controlled by PRC nationals or government agencies. “Foreign investors” are foreign citizens, foreign governments, international organizations and entities controlled by foreign citizens and entities. Under the 2015 Draft FIL, variable interest entities that are controlled via contractual arrangement would also be deemed as foreign-invested enterprises if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors. The 2015 Draft FIL proposes significant changes to the PRC foreign investment legal regime and, when implemented, may have a significant impact on businesses in China controlled by foreign invested enterprises primarily through contractual arrangements, such as our business.

 

MOFCOM solicited comments on the 2015 Draft FIL, but no new draft has been published since then. There is substantial uncertainty with respect to the final content, interpretation, adoption timeline and effective date of the 2015 Draft FIL. The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may materially impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in many aspects.

 

Subsequently, in December 2018, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress published a draft Foreign Investment Law and the National People’s Congress adopted the Foreign Investment Law, or the 2018 FIL on March 15, 2019. The 2018 FIL came into effect on January 1, 2020. The 2018 FIL does not comment on contractual arrangement with variable interest entity, however, it has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” to include investments made by foreign investors in China through means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. In addition, the concept of “de facto control” and related provisions as proposed in the 2015 Draft FIL are not included in the 2018 FIL. However, it is not explicit whether the 2018 FIL supersedes the 2015 Draft FIL in its entirety. On December 26, 2019, the Supreme People’s Court published the Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues concerning the Application of the Foreign Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China, which became effective on January, 1, 2020, pursuant to which the court shall rule in favor of the party claiming the invalidity of the investment agreement with respect to foreign investment in the “restricted” industry under the “negative list” or foreign investment in the “restricted” industry under the “negative list” that fails to comply with the requirements unless necessary mitigating measures are taken before the ruling.

 

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Both the 2015 Draft FIL and the 2018 FIL grant national treatment to foreign invested entities, except for those foreign invested entities that operate in industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list.” Both the 2015 Draft FIL and the 2018 FIL provide that only foreign invested entities operating in foreign restricted or prohibited industries will require entry clearance and other approvals that are not required by PRC domestic entities or foreign invested entities operating in other industries.

 

Since the 2018 FIL is relatively new, uncertainties exist in relation to its implementation and interpretation and there can be no assurance that variable interest entities controlled via contractual arrangements would not be interpreted as foreign investment activities in future practice or legislation. There can be no assurance as to when and whether the 2015 Draft FIL will be officially promulgated, or assurance as to whether our current corporate structure will be considered “Chinese-controlled” under the scheme of the 2015 Draft FIL. In the event that our variable interest entity contractual arrangements under which we operate our business are treated as foreign investment in the “restricted” or “prohibited” industry in the “negative list”, such variable interest entity contractual arrangements may be deemed as invalid and illegal, and we may be required to unwind the variable interest entity contractual arrangements and/or dispose of such business.

 

Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.

 

We refer to the shareholders of each of our VIEs as its nominee shareholders because although they remain the holders of equity interests on record in each of our VIEs, pursuant to the terms of the relevant power of attorney, each such shareholder has irrevocably authorized our WFOEs to exercise his, her or its rights as a shareholder of the relevant VIE.

 

If our VIEs or their shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may have to incur additional costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under PRC law. For example, if the shareholders of our VIEs refuse to transfer their equity interest in our VIEs to us or our designee if we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations.

 

All of these contractual arrangements are governed by and interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and disputes arising from these contractual arrangements between us and our variable interest entity will be resolved through arbitration in China. These disputes do not include claims arising under the United States federal securities law and thus the arbitration provisions do not prevent our shareholders from pursuing claims under the United Sates federal securities law. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to us.” Meanwhile, there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such arbitration should legal action become necessary. In addition, under PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and if the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.

 

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Contractual arrangements in relation to our VIEs may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our PRC VIEs owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.

 

Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE contractual arrangements were not entered into on an arm’s length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust the income of our VIEs in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by our VIEs for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn (i) increase its tax liabilities without reducing our WFOEs’ tax expenses and (ii) limit the ability of our PRC companies to continue to enjoy preferential tax treatment and other financial incentives. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on our VIEs for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Although our VIEs generate only a limited portion of our total income and incur limited costs and expenses among our PRC companies, our financial position could be adversely affected if our VIEs’ tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.

 

In addition, if for any reason we need to cause the transfer of any of the nominee shareholders’ equity interest in any of our VIEs, we might be required to withhold and pay individual income tax on behalf of the transferring shareholder who is an individual, on any capital gain deemed to have been realized by such shareholder on such transfer.

 

The shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

Conflicts of interest may arise out of the dual roles of the individual who is an officer of our company and a shareholder and director of our VIEs, as well as the entity who is both an affiliate of a shareholder of our company and shareholder of our VIEs. These shareholders may breach, or cause our VIEs to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and our VIEs, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control our VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with our VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

 

We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by our VIEs that are material to the operation of certain portion of our business if the entity goes bankrupt or becomes subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

 

As part of our contractual arrangements with our VIEs, our VIEs and their subsidiaries hold certain assets including intellectual property, license, permits and premise. If our VIEs go bankrupt and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Under the contractual arrangements, our VIEs may not, in any manner, sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their assets or legal or beneficial interests in the business without our prior consent. If our VIEs undergo a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the independent third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to Doing Business in China

 

Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

 

Substantially all of our operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.

 

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.

 

While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. The growth rate of the Chinese economy has gradually slowed since 2010, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese economy in 2020 is likely to be severe. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to us.

 

The PRC legal system is based on written statutes and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always consistent and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.

 

In particular, PRC laws and regulations concerning the used car e-commerce industry are developing and evolving. Although we have taken measures to comply with the laws and regulations that are applicable to our business operations and avoid conducting any activities that may be deemed as illegal under the current applicable laws and regulations, the PRC government authority may promulgate new laws and regulations regulating our industry and amend the existing laws and regulations in the future. See “—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Failure to obtain certain filings, approvals, licenses, permits and certificates for our business operations may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.” We cannot assure you that our practices would not be deemed to violate any PRC laws or regulations. Moreover, developments in the used car service industry and online used car transaction industry may lead to changes in PRC laws, regulations and policies or in the interpretation and application of existing laws, regulations and policies that may limit or restrict online used car transaction platforms like us, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

In addition, our PRC subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. Any changes in PRC laws and regulations related to foreign investment in China could affect the business environment and our ability to operate our business in China. For example, MOFCOM published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law on January 19, 2015, aiming to, upon its enactment, replace the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. Among other things, the draft Foreign Investment Law expands the definition of foreign investment and introduces the principle of “actual control” in determining whether a company is considered a foreign-invested enterprise. “Control” is broadly defined in the draft Foreign Investment Law to cover the following summarized categories: (i) holding directly or indirectly 50% or more of the equity interest, assets, voting rights, or similar equity interest of the subject entity; (ii) holding directly or indirectly less than 50% of the equity interest, assets, voting rights or similar equity interest of the subject entity, but having the power to secure at least 50% of the seats on the board of directors or other equivalent decision-making bodies, or having the voting power to exert material influence over the board of directors, at the shareholders’ meeting or over other equivalent decision-making bodies; or (iii) having the power to exert decisive influence, via contractual or trust arrangements, over the subject entity’s operations, financial, staffing and technology matters, or other key aspects of business operations. The draft Foreign Investment Law specifically provides that entities established in China, but ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors, will be treated as foreign-invested enterprises. If a foreign-invested enterprise proposes to conduct business in an industry subject to foreign investment restrictions, the foreign-invested enterprise must go through market entry clearance by MOFCOM before being established. According to the draft Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities would also be deemed as foreign-invested enterprises if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors, and accordingly would be subject to restrictions on foreign investments. However, the draft Foreign Investment Law does not address what actions will be taken with respect to the existing companies with a VIE structure. The draft Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. Substantial uncertainty exists with respect to its enactment timetable, interpretation and implementation. The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may materially impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in many aspects.

 

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From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.

 

Our business is susceptible to changes in government policies, including policies on automobile purchases, ownership, taxation, vehicle title transfers, and used car transactions across regions and provinces. Failure to adequately respond to such changes could adversely affect our business.

 

Government policies on automobile purchases and ownership may have a material impact on our business due to their influence on consumer behaviors. Since 2009, the PRC government has changed the vehicle purchase tax on automobiles with 1.6 liter or smaller engines several times. In addition, in August 2014, several PRC governmental authorities jointly announced that from September 2014 to December 2017, purchases of new energy automobiles designated on certain catalogs will be exempted from vehicle purchase taxes. In April 2015, several PRC governmental authorities also jointly announced that from 2016 to 2020, purchasers of new energy automobiles designated on certain catalogs will enjoy subsidies. In December 2016, relevant PRC governmental authorities further adjusted the subsidy policy for new energy automobiles. We cannot predict whether government subsidies will remain in the future or whether similar incentives will be introduced, and if they are, their impact on automobile retail transactions in China. It is possible that automobile retail transactions may decline significantly upon expiration of the existing government subsidies if consumers have become used to such incentives and postpone purchase decisions in the absence of new incentives. If automobile retail transactions indeed decline, our revenues and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Some local governmental authorities issued regulations and implementation rules in order to control urban traffic and the number of automobiles within particular urban areas. For example, Beijing municipal authorities adopted regulations and implementing rules in December 2010 to limit the total number of license plates issued to new automobile purchases in Beijing each year. Guangzhou municipal authorities also announced similar regulations, which came into effect in July 2013. There are similar policies that restrict the issuance of new automobile license plates in Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Guiyang and Shenzhen. In September 2013, the State Council released a plan for the prevention and remediation of air pollution, which requires large cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, to further restrict the number of motor vehicles. In October 2013, the Beijing government issued an additional regulation to limit the total number of vehicles in Beijing to no more than six million by the end of 2017. In addition to the quantity control of automobiles, some local governmental authorities have also adopted environmental protection policies and regulations in recent years, pursuant to which an automobile, failing to meet certain environmental protection requirements or standards, will not be able to obtain the license plate issued by relevant local governmental authorities.

 

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As some used cars cannot meet the environmental protection standards required in some regions, the above policies and regulations may restrict or adversely impact the transactions of such used cars. Such regulatory developments, as well as other uncertainties, may adversely affect the growth prospects of China’s automobile industry, which in turn may have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management named in the annual report based on foreign laws.

 

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, we conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, all our senior executive officers reside within China for a significant portion of the time and most are PRC residents. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process upon us or those persons inside mainland China. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, none of whom currently reside in the United States and whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state.

 

The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.

 

Shareholder claims that are common in the United States, including securities law class actions and fraud claims, generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in China.  For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for shareholder investigations or litigation initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. According to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC and no entities or individuals may provide documents or materials in connection with its securities activities to the overseas without proper authorization. While detailed interpretation of or implementation rules under Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law have yet to be available, the inability for an overseas securities regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by investors in protecting your interests. See also “—Risks Relating to the ADSs and this Offering—You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law” for risks associated with investing in us as a Cayman Islands company.

 

Regulation and censorship of information disseminated over the internet in China may adversely affect our business, and we may be liable for information displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our websites and mobile apps.

 

China has enacted laws and regulations governing internet access and the distribution of information through the internet. The PRC government prohibits information that, among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China or the public interest, contains terrorism or extremism content, or is reactionary, obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory, from being distributed through the internet. PRC laws also prohibit the use of the internet in ways which, among other things, result in a leakage of state secrets or the distribution of socially destabilizing content. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in sanctions or penalties such as revocation of licenses to provide internet content and other licenses, the shut-down of the concerned websites or mobile apps, and reputational harm. A website or mobile apps operator may also be held liable for censored information displayed on or linked to its website or mobile apps. We may be subject to potential liability for certain unlawful actions of users of our platform or for content we distribute that is deemed inappropriate. We may be required to delete content that violates PRC laws and report content that we suspect may violate PRC laws, which may reduce our consumer base. It may be difficult to determine the type of content that may result in liability for us, and if we are found to be liable, we may be prevented from operating our business or offering other services in China.

 

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PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents and enterprises may increase our administrative burden and restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities. If our PRC resident and enterprise shareholders fail to make any applications and filings required under these regulations, we may be unable to distribute profits to such shareholders and may become subject to liability under PRC law.

 

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, to replace the previous SAFE Circular 75, which ceased to be effective upon the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we may make in the future.

 

Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE to reflect any material change. If any PRC resident shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or update the registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiaries in China. In February 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, must be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.

 

In August 2014, MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Overseas Investment, and the National Development Reform Committee, or the NDRC, promulgated the Administrative Measures for the Approval and Filing of Overseas Investment Projects. In December 2017, the NDRC further promulgated the Administrative Measures of Overseas Investment of Enterprises, which became effective in March 2018. Pursuant to these regulations, any outbound investment of PRC enterprises in the area and industry that is not sensitive is required to be filed with MOFCOM and the NDRC or their local branch.

 

Mr. Kun Dai, who indirectly holds our shares through SPVs and who is known to us as a PRC resident, has completed the applicable foreign exchange registrations to the extent acceptable by SAFE in accordance with SAFE Circular 75 and SAFE Circular 37. We cannot assure you, however, that Mr. Kun Dai will continue to make required filings or updates in a timely manner, or at all. Moreover, we can provide no assurance that we are or will in the future continue to be informed of the identities of all PRC residents and PRC enterprises holding direct or indirect interest in our company, and even if we are aware of such shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents or PRC enterprises, we may not be able to compel them to comply with SAFE Circular 37 and outbound investment related regulations, and we may not even have any means to know whether they comply with these requirements. Any failure or inability by such individuals or enterprises to comply with SAFE and outbound investment related regulations may subject such individuals or the responsible officers of such enterprises to fines or legal sanctions, and may result in adverse impact on us, such as restrictions on our ability to distribute or pay dividends.

 

Furthermore, as these foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and implementation have been constantly evolving, it is uncertain how these regulations, and any future regulations concerning offshore or cross-border investments and transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of the foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations as well as the uncertainties involved, we cannot assure you that we have complied or will be able to comply with all applicable foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

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Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.

 

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarily relies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outside China, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates of the Renminbi could materially affect our reported results of operations.

 

The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. The value of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economic conditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. We cannot assure you that Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.

 

Any significant appreciation or depreciation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.

 

Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. As of the date of this annual report, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency or to convert foreign currency into Renminbi.

 

PRC rules on mergers and acquisitions may make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions.

 

The Anti-Monopoly Law, or the AML, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, which became effective in 2008, requires that when a concentration of undertakings occurs and reaches statutory thresholds, the undertakings concerned shall file a prior notification with MOFCOM. Without the clearance from MOFCOM, no concentration of undertakings shall be implemented and effected. Mergers, acquisitions or contractual arrangements that allow one market player to take control of or to exert decisive impact on another market player must also be notified in advance to MOFCOM when the threshold under the Provisions on Thresholds for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, revised in 2008, is triggered. If such prior notification is not obtained, MOFCOM may order the concentration to cease its operations, dispose of shares or assets, transfer the business of the concentration within a time limit, take any other necessary measures to restore the situation as it was before the concentration, and may impose administrative fines.

 

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Also, the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. Such regulation requires, among other things, that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) it is concerned with certain industries, (ii) such transaction involves factors that have an impact on the national economic security, or (iii) such transaction may lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise that holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. The approval from MOFCOM shall be obtained in circumstances where overseas companies established or controlled by PRC enterprises or residents acquire affiliated domestic companies.

 

In addition, PRC national security review rules, i.e. Provisions of Ministry of Commerce on Implementation of Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, which became effective in September 2011 and Notice of the General Office of State Council on Establishment of Security Review System Pertaining to Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, which became effective in March 2011, require acquisitions by foreign investors of PRC companies engaged in military related or certain other industries that are crucial to national security be subject to security review before consummation of any such acquisition. We believe that our business is not in an industry related to national security. However, we cannot preclude the possibility that MOFCOM or other government agencies may publish interpretations contrary to our understanding or broaden the scope of the security review in the future.

 

Moreover, the Administrative Measures for Enterprises’ Overseas Investment, or the Overseas Investment Rules, adopted by the NDRC on December 26, 2017 and will become effective on March 1, 2018, stipulates that for local enterprises (enterprises that are not managed by the state government), if the amount of investment made by the Chinese investors is less than US$300 million and the target project is non-sensitive, then the overseas investment project will require filing, instead of approval, with the local branch of the CSRC where the enterprise itself is registered. Although the NDRC has deregulated on overseas investment to certain extent, we are still subject to the procedures required by the NDRC before any of our PRC subsidiaries can conduct any overseas investment activities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—M&A Rules and Overseas Listings.”

 

PRC regulations on loans and direct investments by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC entities.

 

As an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiaries, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and our VIEs, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. Such loans to our PRC subsidiaries or our VIEs in China and capital contributions are subject to PRC regulations and approvals or filing. For example, loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE or its local branch. Besides SAFE registration, loans to our VIEs may also need to be filed with the NDRC or its local branches. Information about capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries must be filed with the PRC Ministry of Commerce or its local counterpart. In addition, the PRC government also restricts the convertibility of foreign currencies into Renminbi and use of the proceeds. On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated Circular 19, which took effect and replaced certain previous SAFE regulations from June 1, 2015. SAFE further promulgated Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, which, among other things, amend certain provisions of Circular 19. According to SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16, the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company is regulated such that Renminbi capital may not be used for business beyond its business scope or to provide loans to persons other than affiliates unless otherwise permitted under its business scope. On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated Circular 28, which stipulates that non-investment foreign-funded enterprises are allowed to make domestic equity investment with their capital funds on the premise that the Negative List is not violated and the projects invested thereby in China are true and compliant. Violations of the applicable circulars and rules may result in severe penalties, including substantial fines as set forth in the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations. If our variable interest entity requires financial support from us or our wholly owned subsidiaries in the future and we find it necessary to use foreign currency-denominated capital to provide such financial support, our ability to fund our variable interest entity’s operations will be subject to statutory limits and restrictions, including those described above.

 

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The applicable foreign exchange circulars and rules may significantly limit our ability to convert, transfer and use the net proceeds from our initial public offering and the concurrent private placement of convertible notes or any offering of additional equity securities in China, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As the foreign exchange related regulatory regime and practice are complex and still evolving and involve many uncertainties, we cannot assure you that we have complied or will be able to comply with all applicable foreign exchange circulars and rules, or that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or filings, our ability to contribute additional capital to fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

 

Increases in labor costs and enforcement of stricter labor laws and regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our business and our profitability.

 

China’s overall economy and the average wage in China have increased in recent years and are expected to continue to grow. The average wage level for our employees has also increased in recent years. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to those who pay for our services, our profitability and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, we have been subject to stricter regulatory requirements in terms of entering into labor contracts with our employees and paying various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules, employers are subject to stricter requirements in terms of signing labor contracts, minimum wages, paying remuneration, determining the term of employees’ probation and unilaterally terminating labor contracts. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may limit our ability to effect those changes in a desirable or cost-effective manner, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

In October 2010, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the PRC Social Insurance Law, effective on July 1, 2011 and amended on December 29, 2018. On April 3, 1999, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Funds, which was amended on March 24, 2019. Companies registered and operating in China are required under the Social Insurance Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Funds to, apply for social insurance registration and housing fund deposit registration within 30 days of their establishment and, to pay for their employees different social insurance including pension insurance, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to the extent required by law. However, certain of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs that do not hire any employees and are not a party to any employment agreement, have not applied for and obtained such registration, and instead of paying the social insurance payment on their own for their employees, certain of our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs use third-party agencies to pay in the name of such agency. We could be subject to orders by the competent labor authorities for rectification and failure to comply with the orders may further subject us to administrative fines.

 

As the interpretation and implementation of labor-related laws and regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practices do not and will not violate labor-related laws and regulations in China, which may subject us to labor disputes or government investigations. We cannot assure you that we have complied or will be able to comply with all labor-related law and regulations regarding including those relating to obligations to make social insurance payments and contribute to the housing provident funds. If we are deemed to have violated relevant labor laws and regulations, we could be required to provide additional compensation to our employees and our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

 

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Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee share ownership plans or share option plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

 

In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed Company, replacing earlier rules promulgated in 2007. Pursuant to these rules, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a qualified PRC agent, which could be the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas-listed company, and complete certain other procedures. The PRC agent shall amend the SAFE registration within three months in the event that there is any material changes to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes.

 

In addition, an overseas-entrusted institution must be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We and our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and who have been granted options are subject to these regulations. However, we cannot assure you that the SAFE registrations for the grantees of our stock options could be completed and updated in a timely manner. Failure to complete SAFE registrations or to amend such registrations in time may subject us to fines of up to RMB300,000 (US$43,092) for entities and up to RMB50,000 (US$7,182) for individuals, and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans.”

 

Dividends we receive from our subsidiaries located in the PRC may be subject to PRC withholding tax, which could materially and adversely affect the amount of dividends, if any, we may pay our shareholders.

 

The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, classifies enterprises as resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. The EIT Law provides that an income tax rate of 20% may be applicable to dividends payable to non-resident investors, which (i) do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC or (ii) have an establishment or place of business in the PRC but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC. The State Council of the PRC reduced such rate to 10% through the implementation regulations of the EIT Law. Further, pursuant to the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement between Hong Kong and Mainland China and the Notice on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties issued in February 2009 by the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”), if a Hong Kong resident enterprise owns more than 25% of the equity interest in a company in China at all times during the 12-month period immediately prior to obtaining a dividend from such company, the 10% withholding tax on dividends is reduced to 5% provided certain other conditions and requirements under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement between Hong Kong and Mainland China and other applicable PRC laws are satisfied at the discretion of relevant PRC tax authority.

 

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and we have 3 Cayman Islands subsidiaries, 3 British Virgin Islands subsidiaries, and 6 Hong Kong subsidiaries which in turn hold controlling equity interest of 34 PRC subsidiaries. If we and our Cayman Islands and Hong Kong subsidiaries are considered as non-resident enterprises and each of our Hong Kong subsidiaries is considered as a Hong Kong resident enterprise under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied relevant conditions and requirements, then the dividends paid to our Hong Kong subsidiaries by its PRC subsidiaries may be subject to the reduced income tax rate of 5% under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement. However, based on the Notice on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment; and based on the Notice on the Comprehension and Recognition of Beneficial Owner in Tax Treaties issued in October 2009 by the SAT, conduit companies, which are established for the purpose of evading or reducing tax, transferring or accumulating profits, shall not be recognized as beneficial owner and thus are not entitled to the abovementioned reduced income tax rate of 5% under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement. If we are required under the EIT Law to pay income tax for any dividends we receive from our subsidiaries in China, or if any of our Hong Kong subsidiaries is determined by PRC government authority as receiving benefits from reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, it would materially and adversely affect the amount of dividends, if any, we may pay to our shareholders.

 

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Under the EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China; such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders and materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise” and will be subject to the enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. The implementation rules define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, issued a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” text should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.

 

We believe that Uxin Limited is not a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations Relating to Tax—Enterprise Income Tax.” However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” If the PRC tax authorities determine that Uxin Limited is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of the ADSs. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 10% on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid to our non-PRC individual shareholders (including our ADS holders) and any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% which in the case of dividends may be withheld at source. Any PRC tax liability may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty. However, it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares.

 

In addition to the uncertainty as to the application of the “resident enterprise” classification, we cannot assure you that the PRC Government will not amend or revise the taxation laws, rules, and regulations to impose stricter tax requirements, higher tax rates, or retroactively apply the EIT Law. If such changes occur or if such changes are applied retroactively, such changes could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions.

 

We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC shareholders.

 

In February 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Public Notice 7. SAT Public Notice 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Public Notice 7 provides clear criteria for assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Public Notice 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017 and was amended on June 15, 2018. The Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of nonresident enterprise income tax. Where a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an indirect transfer, the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer other than transfer of Shares of ADSs acquired and sold on public markets may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.

 

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We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions that involve PRC taxable assets, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Public Notice 7 or Bulletin 37, or both. We have not filed certain filings under SAT Notice 7 filings for some of our historical share transfers and restructurings. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Public Notice 7 and Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 and Bulletin 37, or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The audit report included in this annual report is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in our annual report filed with the SEC as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because our auditors are located in the Peoples’ Republic of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB. On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operations in China. On April 21, 2020, the SEC and the PCAOB issued another joint statement reiterating the greater risk that disclosures will be insufficient in many emerging markets, including China, compared to those made by U.S. domestic companies. In discussing the specific issues related to the greater risk, the statement again highlights the PCAOB’s inability to inspect audit work paper and practices of accounting firms in China, with respect to their audit work of U.S. reporting companies. These statements reflect a heightened interest in an issue that has vexed U.S. regulators in recent years. However, it remains unclear what further actions the SEC and PCAOB will take to address the problem.

 

Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditor’s audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.

 

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The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements.

 

As part of a continued regulatory focus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in particular China’s, in June 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced bills in both houses of the U.S. Congress, which if passed, would require the SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor report issued by a foreign public accounting firm. The proposed Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based Listings on our Exchanges (EQUITABLE) Act prescribes increased disclosure requirements for these issuers and, beginning in 2025, the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges such as the Nasdaq of issuers included on the SEC’s list for three consecutive years. Enactment of this legislation or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause investor uncertainty for affected issuers, including us, and the market price of the ADSs could be adversely affected. It is unclear if this proposed legislation would be enacted. Furthermore, there has been recent media reports on deliberations within the U.S. government regarding potentially limiting or restricting China-based companies from accessing U.S. capital markets. If any such deliberations were to materialize, the resulting legislation may have material and adverse impact on the stock performance of China-based issuers listed in the United States.

 

Proceedings instituted by the SEC against Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. The firms were, however, advised and directed that under Chinese law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the CSRC.

 

In late 2012, this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against the PRC accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm. A first instance trial of the proceedings in July 2013 in the SEC’s internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against the firms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties on the firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before the SEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by the Commissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before a review by the Commissioner had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepted that future requests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms were to receive matching Section 106 requests, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they failed to meet specified criteria, during a period of four years starting from the settlement date, the SEC retained authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four China-based accounting firms was deemed dismissed with prejudice four years after entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. While we cannot predict if the SEC will further challenge the four China-based accounting firms’ compliance with U.S. law in connection with U.S. regulatory requests for audit work papers or if the results of such a challenge would result in the SEC imposing penalties such as suspensions. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

In the event the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” become subject to additional legal challenges by the SEC or PCAOB, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

 

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If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of the ADSs from Nasdaq Global Select Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of the ADSs in the United States.

 

The enforcement of stricter advertisement laws and regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our business and our profitability.

 

In April 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the PRC Advertising Law, effective on September 1, 2015 and amended on October 26, 2018. According to the Advertising Law, advertisements shall not have any false or misleading content, or defraud or mislead consumers. Furthermore, an advertisement will be deemed as a “false advertisement” if any of the following situations exist: (i) the advertised product or service does not exist; (ii) there is any inconsistency that has a material impact on the decision to purchase in what is included in the advertisement with the actual circumstances with respect to the product’s performance, functions, place of production, uses, quality, specification, ingredient, price, producer, term of validity, sales condition, and honors received, among others, or the service’s contents, provider, form, quality, price, sales condition, and honors received, among others, or any commitments, among others, made on the product or service; (iii) fabricated, forged or unverifiable scientific research results, statistical data, investigation results, excerpts, quotations, or other information have been used as supporting material; (iv) effect or results of using the good or receiving the service are fabricated; or (v) other circumstances where consumers are defrauded or misled by any false or misleading content. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations On Advertisement” for further details.

 

Our current marketing relies on advertising, via both online and offline channels. The laws and regulations of advertising are relatively new and evolving and there is substantial uncertainty as to the interpretation of “false advertisement” by the SAMR. If any of the advertisements that we publish is deemed to be a “false advertisement” by the SAMR or its local branch, we could be subject to various penalties, such as discontinuation of publishing the target advertisement, imposition of fines and obligations to eliminate any adverse effects incurred by such false advertisement. Some of our outdoor advertisements has historically been deemed as giving misstatement, resulting in fines by the local SAMR. The amount of the fine was not significant. We cannot assure you that the advertisement we publish in the future will not be subject to further penalties. And any such penalties may disrupt our business and our competition with competitors, which could affect our results of operations and financial conditions.

 

Certain of our leased property interests may be defective and we may be forced to relocate operations affected by such defects, which could cause a significant disruption to our business.

 

As to most of our leased properties, we are not provided with sufficient property title certificates or other supporting documents to prove the legitimate possession of the leased properties by the lessors. Our lease agreements therefore may not be enforceable, our rights as the lessee could be challenged by third parties and we may be forced to relocate if the lessors do not have legitimate rights upon the properties. We cannot assure you that such defects could be cured in time, or at all, and our business may be significantly disrupted with additional costs and expenses if we have to relocate.

 

Some of our leases have expired or will expire soon. We may not be able to successfully extend or renew such leases upon expiration of the current term on commercially reasonable terms or at all, and may therefore be forced to relocate our affected operations. This could disrupt our operations and result in significant relocation expenses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, we compete with other businesses for premises at certain locations or of desirable sizes. As a result, even though we could extend or renew our leases, rental payments may significantly increase as a result of the high demand for the leased properties. In addition, we may not be able to locate desirable alternative sites for our facilities as our business continues to grow and failure in relocating our affected operations could adversely affect our business and operations.

 

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Most of our lease agreements have not been registered with relevant governmental authorities. Failure to register the lease agreement will not affect its effectiveness between the lessor and the lessee, but such defectiveness may subject us to administrative fines, which will have a negative impact upon our financial results.

 

Although the planned purpose of certain of our leased properties is for residence only, we lease from our lessors for purpose of business. Pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, if our lessors have not obtained the consent of the owners of other properties in the same building in advance, the other owners may request our lessors to remove the impairment and compensate for their damages. Under such circumstances, our lessors may force us to relocate and our business will be interrupted.

 

We have been and may in the future be involved in legal and administration proceedings initiated by government authorities, property owners or any other third parties regarding our leasehold interests in or use of such properties. We cannot assure you that we can successfully defend ourselves against those claims or that our use of such leased properties will not be challenged in the future. In the event that our use of properties is successfully challenged, we may be subject to fines and forced to relocate the affected operations. In addition, we may become involved in disputes with the property owners or third parties who otherwise have rights to or interests in our leased properties. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to find suitable replacement sites on terms acceptable to us on a timely basis, or at all, or that we will not be subject to material liability resulting from third parties’ challenges on our use of such properties. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We may be required to register our business premises outside of our registered residence addresses as branch offices under PRC law.

 

Under PRC law, a company doing business at a fixed venue outside its registered residence address is required to register with the local branch of the SAMR where the business premise is located to set it up as branch office and obtain business license. We have not been able to complete the registration or establish branch offices for each of business premise operated by ourselves, and some of our service centers have been fined for such violation by the governmental authority as a result. The amounts of the fines were not significant. We have been making continual efforts to register and set up branch offices nationwide for our newly opened business premise and we cannot assure you that all required registration can be completed in a timely manner, due to the rapid growth of our business across the country and complex procedural requirements of governmental authority. If the PRC regulatory authorities determine that we are in violation of the relevant laws and regulations, we may be subject to penalties, including fines, confiscation of income and suspension of operation and our business, results of operations and financial condition could thus be adversely affected.

 

Risks Related to Our ADSs

 

The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

 

Since our ADSs became listed on Nasdaq on June 27, 2018, the trading price of our ADSs has ranged from US$1.41 to US$5.86 per ADS in 2019. The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the United States. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for the ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:

 

·                  variations in our revenues, earnings and cash flow;

 

·                  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;

 

·                  announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures by us or our competitors;

 

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·                  announcements of new service offerings, solutions and expansions by us or our competitors;

 

·                  changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

 

·                  conditions in China’s used car market and used car consumer financing market;

 

·                  changes in the operating performance or market evaluations of other online used car transaction platforms;

 

·                  detrimental adverse publicity about us, our services or our industry;

 

·                  additions or departures of key personnel;

 

·                  release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities;

 

·                  short seller reports that make allegations against us or our affiliates, even if unfounded;

 

·                  potential litigation or regulatory investigations; and

 

·                  general economic or political conditions in China or elsewhere in the world.

 

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which the ADSs will trade.

 

We have been named as a defendant in two class action lawsuits, which could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We have been named as a defendant in six putative shareholder class action lawsuits that could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation.” and “Item 8, Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

 

In addition, the stock market in general, and the market prices for internet-related companies and companies with operations in China in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. The securities of some China-based companies that have listed their securities in the United States have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings in recent years, including, in some cases, substantial declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of these companies’ securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies listed in the United States in general, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting, corporate structure or other matters of other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in any inappropriate activities. In particular, the global financial crisis, the ensuing economic recessions and deterioration in the credit market in many countries have contributed and may continue to contribute to extreme volatility in the global stock markets. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. Volatility or a lack of positive performance in our ADS price may also adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, most of whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.

 

Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.

 

We have a dual-class share structure such that our ordinary shares consists of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares with disparate voting powers. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to ten votes per share based on our dual-class share structure. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon (i) any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof or direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the voting power attached to such number of Class B ordinary shares through voting proxy or otherwise to any person or any entity which is not an affiliate of such holder, or (ii) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of a majority of the issued and outstanding voting securities of, or the direct or indirect transfer or assignment of the voting power attached to such voting securities through voting proxy or otherwise, or the direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of, a holder of Class B ordinary shares to any person that is not an affiliate of such holder, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares, or (iii) of Mr. Kun Dai ceases to be the ultimate beneficial owner of any outstanding Class B ordinary shares.

 

As of February 29, 2020, Mr. Kun Dai, the beneficially owner of all our issued Class B ordinary shares, beneficially owned 39.9% of the aggregate voting power of our company. As a result of the dual-class share structure and the concentration of ownership, holders of Class B ordinary shares will have considerable influence over matters such as decisions regarding mergers and consolidations, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. Such holders may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could have the effect of depriving our other shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the price of our ADSs. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.

 

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The dual-class structure of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the trading market for our ADSs.

 

S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have recently announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold no more than 5% of total voting power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of our ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our ADSs. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our ADSs.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for the ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs, the market price for the ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume for the ADSs to decline.

 

The sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of the ADSs could adversely affect their market price.

 

Sales of substantial amounts of the ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the ADSs and materially impair our ability to raise capital through offerings of equity or equity linked securities in the future. As of February 29, 2020, we had 887,617,391 ordinary shares outstanding, comprising of (i) 846,807,530 Class A ordinary shares (excluding the 16,562,988 Class A ordinary shares issued to our depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our Share Incentive Plan), and (ii) 40,809,861 Class B ordinary shares. Among these shares, 435,420,642 Class A ordinary shares are in the form of ADSs, which are freely transferable without restriction or additional registration under the Securities Act. The remaining Class A ordinary shares outstanding and the Class B ordinary shares will be available for sale, subject to volume and other restrictions as applicable under Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. To our knowledge, certain of our shareholders, including those affiliated with Mr. Kun Dai, our chairman and chief executive officer, had pledged a total of 93,170,300 Class A ordinary shares that represent approximately 10.5% of our share capital as of February 29, 2020 in favor of third-party lenders in connection with certain loans in an aggregate principal amount of approximately US$163.1 million, most proceeds of which were used to fund the purchase of shares in our company in the latest rounds of pre-IPO equity financings. The loans became due in June, November and December 2019, respectively, and the borrowers are currently in discussion with the lenders to seek extensions of the loans. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership footnote (1).” Subsequent to our initial public filing, the loan agreements with the third-party lenders were amended to add margin call provisions and top-up requirements regarding our shares. If any lender enforces its security interests in such pledged shares upon an event of default, triggering of the margin call and top-up requirements or other circumstances, or any borrower needs to use the pledged shares to repay the loan, the pledged shares may be sold on the public market. For example, in connection with a loan in the principal amount of US$100.0 million under a facility agreement entered into between Kingkey New Era Auto Industry Limited as borrower and Cathay Rong IV Limited as lender, Cathay Rong IV Limited enforced its security interests in shares pledged by Kingkey New Era Auto Industry Limited and as a result, 57,045,450 Class A ordinary shares were transferred to Cathay Rong IV Limited. Cathay Rong IV Limited may hold or dispose of these securities at its discretion, including on the public market, as repayment of the outstanding loan and satisfaction of other obligations under the facility agreement. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership footnotes (8) and (10).” We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of the ADSs.

 

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Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on a price appreciation of the ADSs for return on your investment.

 

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in the ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.

 

Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in the ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of the ADSs. There is no guarantee that the ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in the ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in the ADSs.

 

Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs.

 

Our memorandum and articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions, including a dual-class voting structure that gives disproportionate voting power to the Class B ordinary shares held by Xin Gao Group Limited, of which our founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Kun Dai, is the sole shareholder and sole director. Through Xin Gao Group Limited, and other entities affiliated with Mr. Dai which hold Class A ordinary shares, Mr. Dai beneficially owned an aggregate of 39.9% of the total voting power of our company as of February 29, 2020. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our Class A ordinary shares, in the form of the ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of the ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and the ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.

 

You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.

 

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2020 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

 

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Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies.

 

Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

 

As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.

 

Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. Substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, most of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.

 

The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to direct the voting of the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADS.

 

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as our registered shareholders. As a holder of the ADSs, you will not have any direct right to attend general meetings of our shareholders or to cast any votes at such meetings. You will only be able to exercise the voting rights which are attached to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs indirectly by giving voting instructions to the depositary in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you may vote only by giving voting instructions to the depositary, as the holder of the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. Upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will try, as far as is practicable, to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with your instructions. Where any matter is to be put to a vote at a general meeting, then upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will try to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. You will not be able to directly exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares unless you withdraw the shares, and become the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice of the meeting to withdraw the underlying shares represented by your ADSs and become the registered holder of such shares to allow you to attend the general meeting and to vote directly with respect to any specific matter or resolution to be considered and voted upon at the general meeting. In addition, under our memorandum and articles of association, for the purposes of determining those shareholders who are entitled to attend and vote at any general meeting, our directors may close our register of members and/or fix in advance a record date for such meeting, and such closure of our register of members or the setting of such a record date may prevent you from withdrawing the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs and becoming the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date, so that you would not be able to attend the general meeting or to vote directly. Where any matter is to be put to a vote at a general meeting, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. Under our memorandum and articles of association, the minimum notice period required to be given by our company to our registered shareholders for convening a general meeting is seven days. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to direct how the underlying shares represented by your ADSs are voted and you may have no legal remedy if the underlying shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested.

 

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You may experience dilution of your holdings due to the inability to participate in rights offerings.

 

We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be unable to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.

 

You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs.

 

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems it expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of the ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

 

We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for so long as we remain an emerging growth company. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new and revised accounting standards. Although we have adopted all the new accounting standards that have become effective so far, we intend to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards in the future. If we elect not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements or take advantage of other exemptions permitted under the JOBS Act, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important and our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates for new and revised accounting standards.

 

We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an “emerging growth company.”

 

As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq Global Select Market, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenues for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also permits an emerging growth company to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. However, we do not plan to “opt out” of such exemptions afforded to an emerging growth company.

 

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After we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we will need to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. Operating as a public company also makes it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.

 

Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:

 

·                  the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K;

 

·                  the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;

 

·                  the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

 

·                  the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

 

We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.

 

As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.

 

As a Cayman Islands exempted company listed on the Nasdaq, we are subject to the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. Currently, we rely on home country exemption for the requirement under Nasdaq Rule 5605(b)(1) that majority of the board of directors must be comprised of independent directors as defined under Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2). We also relied on home country practice in adopting our 2018 Second Amended and Restated Share Incentive Plan in November 2018 without seeking shareholder approval and not holding an annual shareholders meeting for the fiscal year of 2019.  If we continue to rely on these and other exemptions available to foreign private issuers in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they would otherwise enjoy under the Nasdaq governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

 

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We believe that we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of the volatility of the market price of our ADSs, which could subject United States holders of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares to significant adverse United States income tax consequences.

 

A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, will be classified as a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income, or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (generally based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). A separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to whether a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for that year. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities, net gains from the sale or exchange of property producing such income and net foreign currency gains. For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as passive assets and our goodwill associated with active business activity is taken into account as a non-passive asset.

 

In addition, a non-U.S. corporation will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more (by value) of the stock. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our VIEs as being beneficially owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes because we control their management decisions, we are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with these entities, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our U.S. GAAP financial statements.

 

Based on the market price of our ADSs and the composition of our assets (in particular the substantial amount of cash and other cash-like assets), we believe that we were a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2019 because the volatility of the market price of our ADSs caused us to narrowly exceed the asset test percentage threshold. Further, we believe that we will likely be classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year ending December 31, 2020 unless the market price of our ADSs increases and/or we invest a substantial amount of the cash and other passive assets we hold in assets that produce or are held for the production of non-passive income.

 

If we are classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (defined below) held an ADS or an ordinary share, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to the U.S. Holder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”

 

Item 4.                                                         Information on the Company

 

A.                                    History and Development of the Company

 

We commenced operations in August 2011 through Youxin Internet (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Youxin Hulian, to conduct used car auctions and other transaction related services.

 

In December 2011, we incorporated Uxin Limited in the Cayman Islands as our offshore holding company to facilitate financing and offshore listing. Shortly following its incorporation, Uxin Limited established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, Uxin Hong Kong Limited. In June 2012, in connection with our Series A financing, Uxin Hong Kong Limited established a wholly-owned subsidiary in China, Youxinpai (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., referred to as Youxinpai or one of our WFOEs. Since its incorporation, Youxinpai has established and acquired several wholly-owned subsidiaries, among which are Youhan (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Youhan, and Baogu Automobile Technology Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

 

In November 2014, we established UcarShow Holding Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uxin Limited. UcarShow Holding Limited established UcarShow HK Limited in Hong Kong. In January 2015, we established Uxin Used Car Limited, and in February 2015, UcarShow Holding Limited transferred all the interests it held in UcarShow HK Limited to Uxin Used Car Limited. In March 2015, UcarShow HK Limited established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Yougu (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd, or Yougu. Yougu acquired Youzhen (Beijing) Business Consulting Co., Ltd. from Youxinpai in September 2016.

 

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In November 2014, we established UcarEase Holding Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uxin Limited. UcarEase Holding Limited acquired GloryFin International Group Holding Company Limited, or GloryFin, which was incorporated in Hong Kong, and its three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kai Feng Finance Lease (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., or Kaifeng, Youqin (Shanxi) Finance Lease Co., Ltd., and Boyu Finance Lease (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

 

In November 2014, we established UcarBuy Holding Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uxin Limited. UcarBuy Holding Limited established UcarBuy HK Limited, which established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Youxin (Shanghai) Used Car Business Co., Ltd., which we refer to as Youxin Shanghai. In July 2019, Youxin Shanghai became a wholly-owned subsidiary of GloryFin.

 

Youxinpai and Yougu entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Youxin Hulian and Youxin Yishouche (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Yishouche, respectively, and their respective shareholders. Youxin Hulian and Yishouche are collectively referred to as our VIEs.

 

We have been conducting our 2C business through Yougu and Yishouche. Yougu operates the website www.xin.com and mobile apps for our 2C business and has obtained approval from Shanghai Communications Administration to conduct value-added telecommunications services in the scope of online data processing and transaction processing (operating e-commerce).

 

On June 27, 2018, our ADSs commenced trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “UXIN.” We raised from our initial public offering US$204.8 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting commissions and the offering expenses payable by us.

 

On April 26, 2020, our board of directors approved the change in our fiscal year end from December 31 to March 31. We will file a transition report on Form 20-F to cover the transition period from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020.

 

Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses

 

Since early 2018, when we began to fulfill online used car transactions for consumers, we have gradually shifted our strategic focus to our 2C online transaction business, which was previously referred to as “2C cross-regional business.” Through our 2C online transaction business, we help consumers buy the car of their choice online by providing them with a nationwide selection of used cars, a wide range of car-related value-added products and services as well as a full suite of supporting services to fulfill these online used car transactions. With our innovative online used car product and service offerings, we have created an innovative and unique used car buying experience for consumers centered around four key values — more selection, better prices, premium service and convenience. As a result, in order to better devote all our attention and resources towards developing and scaling up our 2C online transaction business, we have recently divested to our strategic partners our loan facilitation, salvage car and 2B related businesses, which are collectively referred to as the Divested Businesses.

 

Divestiture of loan facilitation business

 

In July 2019 and September 2019, we entered into a bind term sheet and definitive agreements respectively, with Golden Pacer to divest our loan facilitation related business, which we refer to as the Loan Facilitation Divestiture. In April 2020, we entered into supplemental agreements with Golden Pacer to modify and supplement certain terms and conditions in connection with the Loan Facilitation Divestiture, pursuant to which we divested our entire 2C intra-regional business and ceased to provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C online transaction business. In addition, we have divested the assets and liabilities in relation to our historically-facilitated loans for XW Bank to Golden Pacer as one of the pre-conditions for the transaction. As a result, assets and liabilities related to the historically-facilitated loans for XW Bank were reclassified on a net basis as net assets transferred on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and results of operations related to the divested business were reported as loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Prior to the Loan Facilitation Divestiture, we facilitated consumer auto loans for both new and used car transactions through our 2C business by entering into a series of arrangements with our customers and third-party financing partners who primarily funded the auto loans to our customers. After the Loan Facilitation Divestiture and through our business cooperation with Golden Pacer, Golden Pacer becomes our financing solution provider who directly works with third-party financing partners to facilitate auto loans, and we no longer provide loan facilitation related guarantee services in connection with our 2C online used car transactions. By referring the used car financing options provided by our financing solution providers to our customers, we continue to enable our consumers to conveniently access various auto financing products on our platform. The transaction closed upon the signing of the supplemental agreements in April 2020.

 

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Divestiture of salvage car business

 

In January 2020, we divested our salvage car related business to Boche, which we refer to as the Boche Divestiture. Assets and liabilities associated with the Boche Divestiture were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. The divested business was not presented as discontinued operations due to its insignificance to our overall business. The transaction closed in January 2020.

 

Divestiture of 2B business

 

In March 2020, we entered into definitive agreements to divest our 2B business to 58.com, which we refer to as the 2B Divestiture. Assets and liabilities associated with the 2B Divestiture were reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, and results of operations related to the 2B Divestiture were reported as loss from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The transaction closed in April 2020. As part of the transaction, we also entered into a business cooperation agreement with 58.com, pursuant to which we will provide 58.com with information related to used cars for sale by individuals.

 

B.                                    Business Overview

 

We are a leading national online used car dealer in China. As the online destination in China for consumers to buy used cars, we make it possible for consumers to choose from our nationwide selection of used cars and buy the car directly online from our platform through our 2C business. Prior to Mach 2020, we also operated 2B business where we primarily facilitated used car transactions between business customers via online auction. We have divested our 2B business pursuant to definitive agreements we entered into in March 2020. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses.”

 

Our mission is to enable people to buy the car of their choice. Consumers in China have been facing significant challenges when buying used cars via traditional supply chains, such as limited access to a wide selection of used cars, inconvenience in buying used cars from other cities and regions, lack of transparent and reliable information about car condition and complex transaction processes. Operated under the brand Uxin Used Car (优信二手车), our platform addresses these issues by providing consumers with a reliable and one-stop online car buying experience and enabling consumers to select from our nationwide selection of Uxin Certified used cars and access various car-related value-added products and services online throughout China.

 

We have transformed the used car buying experience in China through our innovative integrated online platform and offline service and fulfilment networks, which takes care of each step of the transaction process and covers the entire value chain. Our online platform ensures that consumers have access not only to an extensive nationwide selection of used cars, but also to a wide range of value-added products and services. Our offline infrastructure and networks allow us to effectively serve consumers and fulfill the transactions made online, such as car inspection, in-person car-buying consulting, car delivery, title transfers and other after-sales services. In particular, our inspection capabilities allow us to collect proprietary data, images and videos of used cars and generate accurate car condition reports, which allows for convenient car comparison and is crucial to consumers’ decision-making process of buying used cars online. With a significant amount of data aggregated on our platform, we are able to continue to innovate and improve our products and services to meet consumers’ varied needs. Together, our products and services provide consumers with the superior experience and peace of mind that our brand embodies. In fact, our name, Uxin (优信), translates to quality and trust in Chinese.

 

Our comprehensive products and services are supported by a number of critical foundations, including proprietary technology and data analytics capabilities, an extensive service network and unique online used car transaction fulfillment capabilities.

 

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·                  Data and Technology: Our patented and industry-leading car inspection system, Check Auto (查客), provides a comprehensive overview of a used car’s condition. Our AI- and big data-driven Manhattan pricing engine provides consumers and dealers with pricing insights based on each used car’s condition, as well as serving as an algorithmic foundation for determining the ranking of used cars listed on our platform according to each car’s price and performance data. In addition, based on a wealth of data we have on user behavior and used car inventory, our AI-enabled Lingxi (灵犀) intelligent recommendation system provides personalized car recommendations to consumers by analyzing their preferences, which makes it easier for them to find the car of their choice; and our AI-powered Edison intelligent user profiling system helps our customer service personnel and sales consultants better understand consumer profiles by analyzing their preferences in real time and predicting which used cars they are likely to buy, which enables us to create more effective sales strategies. Additionally, we provide 360-degree online car viewing functionality enabled by VR technology for some of the best-selling makes and models tagged as “super value cars” on our platform.

 

·                  Service Network: We leverage our service network to provide consumers with services and assistance at each step of the transaction process. We provide them with car-buying services through our sales and service network which covers more than 260 cities at prefecture level or above across China. To enhance customer experience, our sales consultants visit consumers at their convenience, such as coffee shop or their workplace, to provide professional car-buying consulting service and assist them in buying the car of their choice. In addition, we continue to upgrade and transform the entire buying process and transition online each step in the sales process. We are now offering online sales consulting and assistance services without the need to assign our sales consultant offline to assist in a purchase once the consumer demonstrates intention to purchase on our platform. Starting from December 2018, we have worked with third-party agents to enlarge our sales force in the effort to effectively expand our service outreach across China. Our agents provide in-person car-buying services primarily in local service centers. In addition, we have our customer service team process consumers’ pre-sales inquiries and after-sales matters through online chat and hotlines.

 

·                  Online Transaction Fulfillment Capabilities: Our unique transaction fulfillment capabilities are empowered by our nationwide logistics and delivery network, nationwide title transfer and vehicle registration service and industry-leading warranty programs. Our nationwide logistics and delivery network ensure timely delivery of used cars to consumers. Our title transfer and vehicle registration service efficiently handles a potentially time-consuming and complex process for consumers. Our warranty programs provide consumers with comprehensive post-sale protection.

 

We also collaborate with various third-party partners to provide a wide range of value-added products and services on our platform, such as auto financing options and insurance products, as well as after-sales services. For example, Golden Pacer, as our financing solution provider, assesses car buyers’ credit and connects those who apply for used car loans with financial institutions who subsequently fund the loans, which streamlines the car-buying process on our platform.

 

In May 2019, we entered into a strategic partnership with 58.com, China’s largest online market place for classifieds. Under the partnership, we are collaborating with 58.com to optimize and strengthen traffic and inventory acquisition, used car inspection, big data analytics and SaaS development. We further deepened our strategic partnership with 58.com through the divestiture of our 2B business to 58.com and the entry into a business cooperation agreement pursuant to which we will provide 58.com with information related to used cars for sale by individuals. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses.”

 

Since we launched our online used-car-buying product and service offerings in early 2018, we have been shifting our strategic focus to 2C online used car transactions. Our established relationships with approximately 25,000 dealers have enabled us to provide a nationwide selection of used cars on our platform, which attracts an increasing number of consumers to select and buy used cars from us. The growing recognition from consumers in turn attracts more dealers to join our network. Our dealer partners are typically small- or medium-sized retail dealers. This network effect will help us form a vibrant ecosystem among ourselves, our customers and our deal partners. Since we started to provide 2C online used car transaction services in 2018, we have witnessed significant growth in our business. The total number of online used cars transactions completed through our 2C platform has increased from 38,264 in 2018 to 97,100 in 2019, representing a 153.8% increase. The total 2C GMV of online used car transactions has grown from RMB4.4 billion in 2018 to RMB11.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) in 2019, representing a 155.3% increase.

 

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Our Platform and Services

 

As a leading national online used car dealer in China, we enable consumers to buy used cars online through an innovative integrated online platform and offline service and fulfilment networks through our 2C business. We mainly generate revenues from the fees we charge for fulfilling 2C online used car transactions and providing relevant value-added services. Before the divestiture of our 2B business, we also generated revenue from the fee we charge for facilitating 2B used car transactions on our 2B auction platform.

 

Our 2C business

 

Uxin Used Car (优信二手车), our 2C business, caters to consumers and primarily provides them with a nationwide selection of used cars, various car-related value-added products and services, and a full suite of supporting services to fulfill these online used car transactions. We historically provided services to consumers attracted to our platform by accompanying them to visit offline dealerships in local used car markets and assisting them in buying used cars from the dealers, which services we previously referred to as our “2C intra-regional business.” Starting in early 2018, we shifted our focus to enabling consumers to purchase used cars entirely online from our platform without the need to visit offline dealerships or see the actual car when making the purchase, which services we previously referred to as our “2C cross-regional business.” In July 2019, September 2019 and April 2020, we entered into a binding term sheet, definitive agreements and supplemental agreements, respectively, with Golden Pacer to divest our loan facilitation related business (the “Loan Facilitation Divestiture”), pursuant to which we divested our entire 2C intra-regional business to Golden Pacer. Before the Loan Facilitation Divestiture, our 2C business generated revenues from the fees we charged for transaction facilitation and loan facilitation services. We no longer provide any loan facilitation services since November 2019 as a result of the Loan Facilitation Divestiture, and our 2C business currently generates revenues from commission and value-added service fees. Our commission rate, as defined by the used car commission revenue divided by the GMV of our 2C business, increased from 4.6% in 2018 to 6.3% in 2019. Our value-added service take rate, as measured by the used car value-added service revenue divided by the GMV of our 2C business, increased from 3.8% in 2018 to 5.6% in 2019.

 

Since the launch of our online used car transaction services in early 2018, Uxin Used Car has achieved significant scale and growth. We had a real-time listing of over 110,000 used cars in the fourth quarter of 2019. In 2018 and 2019, our 2C business facilitated 38,264 and 97,100 online used car transactions, respectively, resulting in GMV of approximately RMB4.4 billion and RMB11.3 billion (US$1.6 billion), respectively.

 

User journey in our 2C business

 

For a typical Uxin Used Car consumer, the consumer’s buying journey is as follows:

 

·                  Online search: We provide an intuitive user interface to help the consumer navigate through a vast selection of used cars. The consumer can search by brand, price and other features. Built upon our technology capabilities in user categorizing and deep learning, our platform also personalizes and prioritizes the display of high-quality listings according to the consumer’s specific needs and requirements, which can make the decision-making process much more efficient.

 

·                  Evaluation of car condition: To improve transparency of the transaction process and strengthen consumer trust, each car listing on our platform includes an in-depth car condition report generated by our Check Auto system, including photos and videos of the interior and exterior of the car, records of prior accidents, repair and maintenance history, among others. Moreover, our Manhattan pricing engine also makes assessments on the fair value of listed cars by analyzing the car’s selling price and its condition as well as comparing it with the price estimate output from our Manhattan pricing engine. Our system marks the used cars of particularly good value as “super value cars.” We also provide VR-enabled 360-degree online car viewing functionality for some of the best-selling makes and models tagged as “super value cars.” Based on our comprehensive inventory database, our system also accommodates easy comparison of different cars across a multitude of features, including price, car condition and residual value. All this enables the consumer to make an informed buying decision.

 

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·                  Products and services:  When searching for used cars, the consumer can also view and choose from various value-added products and services, such as used car financing options and auto insurance products, offered by third-party providers on our platform. Once the consumer buys a car, we provide a full suite of supporting services to fulfill the online car purchase, such as nationwide logistics and delivery service, nationwide title transfer service, and assistance with vehicle registration for license plate. All of these products and services significantly lower the barrier to buy used cars online from our platform.

 

·                  Customer support:  At any step of the transaction process, the consumer can contact our pre-sales and after-sales customer service personnel through online chat or hotlines. Our online customer service center primarily handles pre-sales car-buying enquiries, such as preliminary questions on car price, car condition and used car financing options. Our sales consultants visit the consumer in person and provide professional car-buying consulting and assistance services. For example, our sales consultant assists the consumer in person in reading through the car condition report generated by Check Auto, recommends customized used car financing options and answers any car-buying-related questions. In addition, we continue to upgrade and transform the entire buying process and transition online each step in the sales process. We are now offering online sales consulting and assistance services without the need to assign our sales consultant offline to assist in a purchase once the consumer demonstrates intention to purchase on our platform. Our AI-enabled sales consultant assistance system, which integrates Lingxi intelligent recommendation system, Edison intelligent user profiling system and communication records generated from our online customer service center, empowers our sales consultants to provide more personalized and professional services by enabling them to understand the consumer’s specific needs and requirements in greater detail and automatically generating car comparison and recommendations accordingly. Our fulfillment management center primarily handles after-sales enquiries, such as questions on auto loan repayment, insurance claim and car repair covered by our warranty programs, as well as resolves customer complaints.

 

·                  Signing and delivery:  Once the consumer decides to buy the car, our service personnel will have him sign a purchase agreement after the consumer makes an earnest payment if the purchase is made with cash or down payment if the consumer chooses a financing option. Our nationwide logistics and delivery service ensures the car to be shipped in a timely manner to our fulfillment center, where our fulfillment service consultant will carry out a pre-fulfillment check on the car’s condition when the car arrives. Once confirmed the car is in good condition, we will register the car at local vehicle bureau and complete title transfers on behalf of our customer. We will invite the consumer to our fulfillment center to pick up the car when all procedures are completed. The consumer will make the rest of the payment at the fulfillment center if the consumer buys the car with cash in the first place.

 

·                  Post-transaction warranty: We provided two categories of certification, “Gold” and “Silver”, under our Uxin Certified (优信认证) program in 2019. Every Uxin Certified used car carries a 30-day return policy covering certain major damages caused by severe accidents provided that such damages exist as of the date of sale. In addition, we also provide a 3-day no-questions-asked return policy for some of the super value cars. The total return rate for 2019 was approximately 3%. For the used cars certified as “Gold”, we provide a one-year or 20,000-kilometer warranty covering repair of 15 major structural components; for those certified as “Silver”, we provide a half-year or 10,000-kilometer warranty covering repair of 5 major structural components. To further strengthen consumer trust in our platform, we have recently further upgraded and integrated our certification program. Every certified used car currently carries a one-year return policy covering certain major damages caused by severe accidents that occurred prior to the sale but were not originally identified through Uxin’s certificate program, as well as a one-year or 20,000-kilometer warranty covering repair of 15 major structural components. We provide these warranty programs to the consumer for no extra charge over our commission fee.

 

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For a typical Uxin Used Car dealer, the dealer’s journey is as follows:

 

·                  Inventory sorting:  Our offline employees who act as our “inventory shoppers” visit local used car markets on a daily basis and sort out the dealer’s used car inventory by employing a systematic approach which includes using scanning technology and image recognition software to ensure that the car is authentic and its condition is accurately reflected before it is listed, as well as to make sure that all the listings are up-to-date. Once the dealer has a new inventory, our inventory shopper will pre-negotiate the car price with him. If the dealer’s asking price is excessively high compared to the fair value estimate output from our Manhattan pricing engine, we will notify the dealer and propose a price adjustment before the car is inspected and listed on our platform to make sure our listing price is competitive.

 

·                  Inspection: We assign our inspection professionals to a standard and comprehensive inspection by using our Check Auto inspection system if the dealer’s asking price is within reasonable range.

 

·                  Listing:  Once inspected and qualified, the car will be listed on our platform for sale. Each car listing is accompanied by a Check Auto car condition report in the form of both picture and video. Additionally, our daily inventory sorting tour in local used car markets ensures any cars already sold are removed from our platform in a timely fashion. If the car has been listed on our platform for a certain period of time without being sold, we will contact the dealer and propose downward price adjustment to reflect the car’s latest fair value or make the price more competitive.

 

·                  Signing and delivery:  Once the car is sold on our platform, we will arrange for a pre-shipment check on the car’s condition before it is shipped to make sure the car is authentic and its condition is consistent with what our car inspection report describes. At the same time, our local inventory shopper verifies the car’s documentation. We will have the dealer sign a sales agreement if the car’s condition and documentations are both valid. Our inventory shopper also assists the dealer with logistics arrangement. When the car is shipped via our logistics and delivery network and arrives at our fulfillment center, we will contact the consumer for the rest of the fulfillment procedures.

 

We are dedicated to optimizing the selection of used cars listed on our platform. In addition to taking a more systematic approach to select and manage our online virtual inventory, we have established our dealer management system to ensure competitive inventory quality and prices as well as strengthen our relationships with the dealers.

 

Our 2B business

 

Launched in 2011, our 2B business, Uxin Auction (优信拍) catered to business buyers and sellers with a comprehensive suite of transaction solutions through our auction service, connecting businesses with one another across China, helping them source used cars and optimize their turnover as well as facilitating transactions among our business customers of different sizes across China. Business sellers included used car dealers, 4S dealerships which are authorized to sell the products of a single brand of automobiles and provide key automobile-related services, car rental companies, auto manufacturers and large corporations that may need to dispose of large fleets of used cars. Used cars were sold on Uxin Auction through online auction. In 2019, approximately 370,000 used cars were listed on our platform for auction. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, our 2B business achieved GMV of RMB17.4 billion, RMB15.3 billion and RMB6.8 billion (US$976.8 million), respectively. Our 2B business mainly generated revenues from the fee we charge for transaction facilitation services in 2019.

 

In March 2020, we entered into definitive agreements with 58.com to divest the entire 2B business. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses.”

 

Others

 

In 2019, we also generated revenues from other businesses including salvage car business and dealer inventory financing business.

 

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Salvage car business

 

Prior to the divestiture of our salvage car related business to Boche in January 2020, we facilitated salvage car transactions through our historical subsidiaries, Fairlubo Auction Company Limited and Zhejiang Dongwang. The sellers were primarily insurance companies and the buyers were primarily business buyers of salvage cars, such as car repair shops and used car dealers. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company— Divestitures of Our Loan Facilitation, Salvage Car and 2B Businesses.”

 

Dealer inventory financing (Easy Loan program)

 

We provide short-term inventory financing to retail dealers for up to two months through our Easy Loan program. We collect information from the dealer to assess the dealer’s credit profile and make credit decisions. If the dealer’s application is approved, we will work with third-party financing partners to provide funding to the dealer.

 

Our Service and Transaction Fulfillment Capabilities

 

Our nationwide service and transaction fulfillment capabilities comprise the follow components that provide crucial support to our online used car transaction business:

 

·                  Nationwide sales and service network. We provide consumers with car-buying services through our sales and service network which covers more than 250 cities at prefecture level or above across China. To enhance customer experience, our sales consultants visit consumers at their convenience, such as coffee shop or their workplace, to provide professional car-buying consulting service and assist them in buying the car of their choice. For example, our sales consultant may recommend a personalized used car or financing option according to the consumer’s specific needs and requirements, help him learn about the car’s condition by interpreting Check Auto video inspection report for him, and arrange for signing and delivery once he buys the car. As of December 31, 2019, we had a total of approximately 1,400 sales consultants across the country. We are currently upgrading and transforming the entire buying process and transitioning online each step in the sales process. We are now offering online sales consulting and assistance services without the need to assign our sales consultant offline to assist in a purchase once the consumer demonstrates intention to purchase on our platform. Starting from December 2018, we have also worked with third-party agents to enlarge our sales force in the effort to effectively expand our service network across China. Our agents provide in-person car-buying services primarily in local service centers. We follow a disciplined and systematic expansion process with respect to new service center openings. Once our agents select potential locations for the service centers, we will help them assess the feasibility based on various factors, including existing market competition, the size of potential customer base, population, car PARC, foot and vehicle traffic, local regulations on title transfers and license plate registration, and economic condition. As of December 31, 2019, we had over 1,100 service centers operated by third-party agents across China.

 

·                  Warranty and repair services.  We provided two categories of certification, “Gold” and “Silver”, under our Uxin Certified (优信认证) program in 2019. Every Uxin Certified used car carries a 30-day return policy covering certain major damages caused by severe accidents provided that such damages exist as of the date of sale. In addition, we also provide a 3-day no-questions-asked return policy for some of the super value cars. To further strengthen consumer trust in our platform, we have recently further upgraded and integrated our certification program. Every certified used car currently carries a one-year return policy covering certain major damages caused by severe accidents that existed prior to the sale, as well as a one-year or 20,000-kilometer warranty covering repair of 15 major structural components. We provide these warranty programs to the consumer for no extra charge over our commission fee.

 

·                  Value-added products and services. In addition to providing a nationwide selection of used cars for consumers to choose from, we also have a wide range of car-related value-added products and services available on our platform to make consumers’ car buying process a one-stop experience. We cooperate with used car financing solution providers and recommend personalized used car financing options to our customers according to their needs and profiles. We also cooperate with insurance solution providers to meet consumers’ need for auto insurance products. As of December 31, 2019, we partnered with 6 insurance companies and referred their auto insurance solutions to our customers through our platform.

 

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·                  Customer service. Our customer service team processes consumers’ pre-sales inquiries and after-sales matters through online chat and hotlines. Our online customer service center is primarily responsible for pre-sales car-buying enquiries, such as preliminary questions on car price, car condition and used car financing options. Our fulfillment management center mainly handles after-sales enquiries, such as questions on auto loan repayment, insurance claim and car repair covered by our warranty programs, as well as resolves customer complaints.

 

·                  Nationwide logistics and delivery network. We believe we are the first company in China which has built a nationwide logistics and delivery network for used cars. We currently collaborate with approximately 100 third-party logistics providers to ship used cars to our customers across China. All the logistics planning and delivery solutions are automated and output from our integrated intelligent logistics and routing system, which ensures a timely delivery and standard delivery fee. Through our order management system (OMS), transportation management system (TMS) and warehouse management system (WMS), we operate and manage our logistics and delivery network in a centralized and transparent fashion, which allows us to take a systematic approach to assigning shipment orders to logistics providers, coordinating the loading and unloading of used cars at each warehouse as well as monitoring and managing delivery progress. In addition, our fast-growing transaction volume brings better economy of scale to our platform, which in turn enables us to increase overall resource utilization and delivery efficiency by optimizing route planning and coordinating used car shipments among warehouses. As a result of the above, we have significantly improved our capabilities in operating used car logistics and delivery across China. For the purpose of monitoring each shipment, we temporarily install GPS device to track the car’s location in real time. A used car sold through our platform can be delivered to our customers typically within three to four business days via our logistics and delivery network. In 2019, our average delivery distance reached approximately 1,000 kilometers.

 

·                  Nationwide title transfers and vehicle registration. Title transfers for used cars in China typically involve de-registering a car with one owner and registering the car with another owner. As of December 31, 2019, we partnered with over 200 title transfer service providers to handle the entire title transfer process for our customers, which significantly simplifies their car buying process on our platform. In addition, we also provide flexible vehicle registration solutions to assist our customers in applying for license plates.

 

Technology

 

We leverage sophisticated technology to provide a differentiated user experience and improve our operations.

 

Check Auto inspection system

 

Our proprietary Check Auto system is an integrated, interactive vehicle inspection system that enables our inspection professionals to conduct a comprehensive examination of used cars listed on our platform. A significant portion of the inspection process is automated by our proprietary, state-of-the-art technology, including wearable digital glasses to record the inspection process, automatic diagnostics of car condition from video footage and image recognition technology that can automatically identify certain car condition. As a result, Check Auto improves both inspection accuracy and efficiency.

 

A mobile device serves as the hardware management and data collection terminal during each car inspection. Equipped with touch screen and voice command features, the mobile device is a highly interactive platform powered by our Check Auto inspection software. The mobile device is also connected to multiple inspection hardware devices, including wearable digital glasses, the vehicle on-board diagnostics system and a coating thickness gauge. Our inspection professionals follow the instructions prompted by the mobile device and interact with the software system through the touch screen and voice commands during the inspection process.

 

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An inspection by Check Auto involves a standard procedure that covers more than 300 documented check points. The inspection process may be adjusted depending on different makes and models.

 

After each inspection, our system automatically generates a comprehensive, standardized Check Auto report. Each condition report includes extensive information on the exterior and interior of the car, structure and engine condition, among many other characteristics. Key inspection points are indexed and marked in the comprehensive inspection video, and consumers can easily navigate through the video by selecting the inspection points that they are most interested in.

 

In addition to data collected through our systems, we cooperate with a number of third-party data providers for supplemental data included in our Check Auto condition report, such as details on each car’s accident and repair history, insurance claims and ownership records.

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had obtained 16 patents in relation to vehicle inspection. Check Auto is also recognized and trusted by both consumers and businesses. For example, we have licensed the system to several top car manufacturers for their own car inspection needs.

 

Manhattan pricing engine

 

Our AI- and data-driven Manhattan pricing engine provides significant pricing insights based on specific car condition. We leverage our Manhattan pricing engine to evaluate the residual values of used cars, which lays a solid foundation for many of our core services. In addition, we also continue to optimize the accuracy of residual value estimates based on the latest used car transaction data gathered on our platform as well as external data, such as the latest selling price of related new cars. In our 2C business, we also rely on the output from the Manhattan pricing engine to help consumers assess whether the listing price is in line with its fair market value, in order to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions.

 

Our platform has aggregated a wealth of data on user behavior, car condition and information as well as related transactions, which empowers and continually improves the Manhattan pricing engine. In addition, our Manhattan pricing engine maintains high accuracy by updating its algorithms on a real-time basis with the transaction data collected in the latest week. Since 2018, our platform has completed over 135,000 online used cars transactions through our 2C business, which has contributed valuable transaction-related data to our database. We have also cumulatively listed and collected proprietary data on over 4 million used cars for sale on our 2C platform.

 

Lingxi intelligent recommendation system

 

Based on a plethora of data we have on user behavior and used car inventory, our AI-enabled Lingxi (灵犀) intelligent recommendation system makes personalized car recommendations to consumers on our platform by analyzing their preferences, making it easier for them to find the car of their choice. Lingxi can also adjust its recommendations in real time according to the change of user preferences as it receives user behavior data on a real-time basis. In addition, Lingxi is also embedded with the module of user categorization which reveals user preference on every feature for a car and allows Lingxi to predict user preference for certain features. Our Lingxi intelligent recommendation system serves as a significant foundation for our business operations.

 

Edison intelligent user profiling system

 

Our AI-powered Edison intelligent system helps our sales consultants and customer service personnel to better understand potential buyers and provide effective services to them. Edison effectively studies and predicts user preferences for specific car features, such as certain make and model, car color, engine and gearbox, and constantly adjusts its prediction by monitoring user behavior data on a real-time basis. In addition, Edison can provide our sales consultants with insights on which used car the consumer is likely to buy through a process of matching car features with the consumer’s profile.

 

Virtual reality-enabled car viewing system

 

To further enhance user experience, we introduced a virtual reality-enabled car view system in the second half of 2018, which comprises of VR filming studio, automatic shooting system and back-end system. The VR viewing system enables us to capture consistent and high-resolution panorama car images and display these images on our mobile app and website. Our virtual reality-enabled car viewing system enables consumers to inspect every detail of the car, such as small scratches and wheel parts, in high-resolution images and enables a smooth viewing experience.

 

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Marketing and Brand Promotion

 

We focused our marketing efforts mainly on user acquisition in 2019. We have promoted our Uxin Used Car mobile app in various mobile application stores, such as Apple App Store and Xiaomi App Store. Our mobile apps are constantly ranked among the top in mobile app stores in online used car transaction category. We have also partnered with major search engines, auto vertical websites and apps as well as news feed apps to attract traffic to our platform. For example, we have entered into a strategic partnership with 58.com in May 2019, under which we have agreed to collaborate in the areas of traffic and inventory acquisition, used car inspection, big data analysis and SaaS development. As an established used car brand in China, Uxin has enjoyed high brand awareness among Chinese consumers. In May 2019, we were named as the only used car e-commerce brand in BrandZ’s 2019 Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Brands and the 71st most valuable Chinese brand on the list. As we continue to optimize our traffic acquisition channels, starting from 2020, we have also been working on enhancing NPS (Net Promoter Score) among our customers by continuously improving our service quality and customer satisfaction to further increase our brand awareness as well as the likelihood of existing customers to recommend or refer our products and services to other potential customers.

 

Competition

 

We operate in a highly competitive online used car market in every aspect of our business. We face intense competition from other used car transaction platforms and may also face competition from online used car listing services. Competition with other used car transaction platforms is primarily centered on the quality of service and customer acquisition. We may also face competition in attracting used car inventory.

 

Seasonality and Cyclicality

 

Seasonal fluctuations and industry cyclicality have affected, and are likely to continue to affect, our business. We generally generate less revenue during Lunar New Year holidays in the first quarter of each year. The market for used cars is also affected by the release of new cars. In addition, spending on automobiles in China has historically been cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as the budgeting and buying patterns of our consumers and businesses. Our rapid growth has lessened the impact of the seasonal fluctuations and cyclicality. However, we expect that the seasonal fluctuations and cyclicality will cause our quarterly and annual operating results to fluctuate.

 

Facilities

 

Our corporate headquarters are located in Beijing with office space of approximately 8,000 square meters as of December 31, 2019. We also have an office space of approximately 5,000 square meters in Xi’an mainly for our online customer service personnel and some of our product and technology personnel. We also have a total space of approximately 7,500 square meters in 32 cities for VR filming. In addition, we have local offices with an aggregate gross area of over 17,000 square meters for our 2C business in 102 cities. In 2019, we also had 7 regional transaction centers with an aggregate gross area of approximately 350,000 square meters for our 2B business across China. We lease all the facilities to conduct our business.

 

Intellectual Properties

 

Our intellectual property contributes to our competitive advantages among online used car transaction platforms in China. To protect our brand and other intellectual property, we rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws in China as well as imposing procedural and contractual confidentiality and invention assignment obligations on our employees, contractors and others. As of December 31, 2019, we had obtained 84 patents (of which 16 patents have been transferred and 16 patents have been non-exclusively licensed to an affiliate of 58.com in 2020 as part of the 2B Divestiture),  and two patents have been exclusively licensed in 2020 as part of the Loan Facilitation Divestiture), 940 trademarks (of which 11 trademarks have been transferred, 10 trademarks have been non-exclusively licensed and 79 trademarks have been exclusively licensed to an affiliate of 58.com in 2020 as part of the 2B Divestiture), 232 software copyrights (of which 25 software copyrights have been transferred and 16 software copyrights have been non-exclusively licensed to an affiliate of 58.com in 2020 as part of the 2B Divestiture, and 4 have been exclusively licensed in 2020 as part of the Loan Facilitation Divestiture), and 14 works copyrights (of which one works copyright has been transferred in whole, one has been transferred in part, and one has been non-exclusively licensed to an affiliate of 58.com in 2020 as part of the 2B Divestiture), 168 domain names (of which www.youxinpai.com has been transferred and www.chake.net has been non-exclusively licensed to an affiliate of 58.com in 2020 as part of the 2B Divestiture) and have entered into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreement with employees, consultants, contractors, and other business partners.

 

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Regulation

 

This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China.

 

Regulations on Company Establishment and Foreign Investment

 

The establishment, operation and management of companies in China is governed by the PRC Company Law, as amended in 2005, 2013 and 2018. According to the PRC Company Law, companies established in the PRC are either limited liability companies or joint stock limited liability companies. The PRC Company Law applies to both PRC domestic companies and foreign-invested companies, unless otherwise provided in the relevant foreign investment laws and regulations. Additionally, the registration for a PRC Company’s establishment, modification, and termination shall comply with the provision of Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of Company Registration which was amended by the State Council on February 6, 2016, and information about investment activities of foreign investors shall be filed in accordance with the Measures of Information Reporting of Foreign Investment promulgated by the MOFCOM and the SAMR on December 30, 2019 and went into effect on January 1, 2020.

 

Foreign Investment Law

 

On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law and on December 26, 2019, the State Council published the Implementation Rules of the Foreign Investment Law, both of which went into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced three existing laws on foreign investments in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic invested enterprises in China. The Foreign Investment Law establishes the basic framework for the access to, and the promotion, protection and administration of foreign investments in view of investment protection and fair competition.

 

According to the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities, or otherwise organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investor”) within China, and the “investment activities” include the following situations: (i) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, establishes a foreign-invested enterprise within China; (ii) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, shares in assets, or other like rights and interests of an enterprise within China; (iii) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, invests in a new project within China; and (iv) investments in other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations, or the State Council.

 

According to the Foreign Investment Law, the State Council shall publish or approve to publish a negative list stipulating the special management measures for the access of foreign investment in certain industries, or the “negative list.” The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign-invested entities, except for those foreign-invested entities that operate in industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list.” The Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign investors shall not invest in the “prohibited” industries, and shall meet certain conditions stipulated under the “negative list” for making investment in “restricted” industries. The currently effective “negative list” is the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of Foreign Investment (2019 version), or the 2019 Negative List, jointly published by NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce on June 20, 2019 and went into effect on July 30, 2019. On December 26, 2019, the Supreme People’s Court published the Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on Several Issues concerning the Application of the Foreign Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China, which went into effect on January, 1, 2020, pursuant to which the court shall rule in favor of the party claim the invalidity of the investment agreement with respect to foreign investment in the “restricted” industry under the “negative list” or foreign investment in the “restricted” industry under the “negative list” that fails to comply with the requirements unless necessary mitigating measures are taken before the ruling.

 

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Furthermore, the Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign-invested enterprises established according to the Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law of the PRC, the Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law of the PRC or the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law of the PRC may maintain their current structure and corporate governance within five years after the implementing of the Foreign Investment Law.

 

In addition, the Foreign Investment Law also provides several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in the PRC, including, among others, that local governments shall abide by their commitments to the foreign investors; foreign-invested enterprises are allowed to issue stocks and corporate bonds; except for special circumstances, in which case statutory procedures shall be followed and fair and  reasonable compensation shall be made in a timely manner, expropriation or requisition of the investment of foreign investors is prohibited; mandatory technology transfer is prohibited; and the capital contributions, profits, capital gains, proceeds out of asset disposal, licensing fees of intellectual property rights, indemnity or compensation legally obtained, or proceeds received upon settlement by foreign investors within China, may be freely remitted inward and outward in RMB or a foreign currency. Also, foreign investors or the foreign investment enterprise should be imposed legal liabilities for failing to report investment information in accordance with the requirements.

 

Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services

 

China’s telecommunication related businesses (including internet business) are still at an early stage of development, the laws and regulations of which still remain subject to many uncertainties. On September 25, 2000, the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, or the Telecom Regulation, was issued by the PRC State Council, which was amended and became effective on February 6, 2016, as the primary governing law on telecommunication services by PRC companies. The Telecom Regulation draws a distinction between “basic telecommunication services” and “value-added telecommunication services.” The Catalog of Telecommunications Business, or the Telecommunication Catalog, was issued as an appendix to the Telecom Regulations to categorize telecommunications services as basic or value-added, and information services via public communication networks such as fixed networks, mobile networks and Internet are classified as value-added telecommunications services. According to the Telecommunication Catalog, value-added telecommunication services include online data processing and transaction processing business (operating e-commerce business), internet information services business and other value-added telecommunication services.

 

On March 5, 2009, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, issued the Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating Permit, or the Telecom Permit Measures, which took effect on April 10, 2009. The Telecom Permit Measures were later amended on July 3, 2017 and the amendment took effect on September 1, 2017. The Telecom Permit Measures confirm that there are two types of telecom operating licenses for operators in China, namely, licenses for basic telecommunications services and licenses for value-added telecommunications services, or the VATS License. The license granted will set out the operation scope of the enterprise which details the permitted activities of such enterprise. An approved telecommunication services operator shall conduct its business in accordance with the specifications listed in its VATS License. In addition, a VATS License holder is required to obtain approval from the original permit-issuing authority in respect of any change to its shareholders.

 

Regulation Relating to Internet Information Services

 

On September 25, 2000, the State Council promulgated the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the Internet Measures, which were later amended in January 8, 2011. Under the Internet Measures, a VATS License shall be obtained before conducting profitable internet information services in the PRC, and a filing requirement shall be satisfied before conducting non-profitable internet information service. The provision of information services through mobile apps is subject to the PRC laws and regulations governing Internet information services.

 

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In addition, on June 28, 2016, the State Internet Information Office promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Application Information Services, or the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, to strengthen the regulation of the mobile apps information services. Pursuant to the Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, an internet application program provider must verify each user’s mobile phone number and other identity information under the principle of mandatory real name registration at the back-office end and voluntary real name display at the front-office end. An internet application program provider must not enable functions that can collect a user’s geographical location information, access user’s contact list, activate the camera or recorder of the user’s mobile smart device or other functions irrelevant to its services, nor is it allowed to conduct bundle installations of irrelevant application programs, unless it has clearly indicated to the user and obtained the user’s consent on such functions and application programs. Furthermore, in December 16, 2016, the MIIT promulgated the Interim Measures on the Administration of Pre-Installation and Distribution of Applications for Mobile Smart Terminals, or the Mobile Application Interim Measures, which took effect on July 1, 2017. The Mobile Application Interim Measures require, among others, that internet information service providers must ensure that a mobile apps, as well as its ancillary resource files, configuration files and user data can be uninstalled by a user easily, unless it is a basic function software, which refers to a software that supports the normal functioning of hardware and operating system of a mobile smart device.

 

The content of the internet information is highly regulated in China and pursuant to the Internet Measures, the PRC government may shut down the websites of internet information providers and revoke their VATS Licenses (for profitable Internet information services) if they produce, reproduce, disseminate or broadcast internet content that contains content that is prohibited by law or administrative regulations. Internet information services operators are also required to monitor their websites. They may not post or disseminate any content that falls within the prohibited categories, and must remove any such content from their websites, save the relevant records and make a report to the relevant governmental authorities. Additionally, as the internet information service providers, under the PRC Tort Liability Law, which became effective in July 2010, they shall bear tortious liabilities in the event they infringe upon other person’s rights and interests due to providing wrong or inaccurate content through the internet. Where an internet service provider conducts tortious acts through internet services, the infringed person has the right to request the internet service provider take necessary actions such as deleting contents, screening and de-linking. Failing to take necessary actions after being informed, the internet service provider will be subject to its liabilities with regard to the additional damages incurred. Where an internet service provider knows that an internet user is infringing upon other persons’ rights and interests through its internet service but fails to take necessary actions, it is jointly and severally liable with the internet user.

 

Regulation Relating to E-Commerce

 

Online data processing and transaction processing business (operating e-commerce business) is a value-added telecommunication service, and e-commerce operation shall be required to obtain VATS License.

 

On January 26, 2014, the SAMR, promulgated the Administrative Measures for Online Trading, which strengthen the protection of consumers and impose stringent requirements and obligations on online business operators and third-party online marketplace operators. Online business operators and third-party online marketplace operators are prohibited from collecting any information on consumers and business operators, or disclosing, selling or providing any such information to any third party, or sending commercial electronic messages to consumers without their consent. Fictitious transactions, deletion of adverse comments and technical attacks on competitors’ websites are prohibited as well. In addition, third-party online marketplace operators are required to examine and verify the identifications of the online business operators and set up and retain relevant records for at least two years. Moreover, any third-party online marketplace operator that simultaneously engages in online trading for products and services should clearly distinguish itself from other online business operators on its marketplace platform.

 

On August 31, 2018, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the PRC E-Commerce Law, or the E-Commerce Law, which became effective on January 1, 2019. The E-Commerce Law establishes the regulatory framework for the e-commerce sector in the PRC for the first time by laying out certain requirements on e-commerce operators, including e-commerce platform operators like us. Pursuant to the E-Commerce Law, e-commerce platform operators are required to (i) take necessary actions or report to relevant competent government authorities when such operators notice any illegal production or services provided by merchants on the e-commerce platforms; (ii) verify the identity of the business operators on the platforms;(iii) provide identity and tax related information of merchants to local branches of State Administration for Market Regulation and relevant tax authorities; or (iv) record and preserve goods and service information and transaction information on the e-commerce platform. The E-Commerce Law also specifically stipulates that e-commerce platform operators shall not impose unreasonable restrictions or conditions on the transactions of their business operators on the platforms. According to the E-Commerce Law, failures to comply with these requirements may subject the e-commerce platform operators to administrative penalties, fines and/or suspension of business. In addition, for goods and services provided via e-commerce platforms and pertinent to the life and health of consumers, e-commerce platform operators shall bear relevant responsibilities, which may give rise to civil or criminal liabilities if the consumers suffered damages due to the e-commerce platform operators’ failure to duly verify the qualifications or the licenses of the business operators on the platforms or to duly perform their safety protection obligations as required by the E-Commerce Law.

 

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Regulation Relating to Foreign Investment Restriction on Value-Added Telecommunications Services

 

Pursuant to the Provisions on Administration of Foreign Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FITE Regulation, promulgated by the State Council on December 11, 2001 and amended on September 10, 2008 and February 6, 2016, except as otherwise provided by MIIT, the ultimate foreign equity ownership in a value-added telecommunications services provider shall not exceed 50%. Pursuant to the Circular of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology concerning Lifting Restrictions on the Proportion of Foreign Equity in Online Data Processing and Transaction Processing Business (Operating E-commerce Business) promulgated by the MIIT on June 19, 2015, the online data processing and transaction processing businesses (operating e-commerce business) could be 100% owned by foreign investors. Moreover, for a foreign investor to acquire any equity interest in a value-added telecommunications business in China, it must satisfy a number of stringent performance and operational experience requirements, including demonstrating good track records and experience in operating value-added telecommunications business overseas. Foreign investors that meet these requirements must obtain approvals from the MIIT and MOFCOM or their authorized local counterparts, which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals. Pursuant to publicly available information, the PRC government has issued telecommunications business operating licenses to Sino-foreign joint ventures in very limited circumstances.

 

The 2019 Negative List also imposes the 50% restrictions on foreign ownership in value-added telecommunications business except for operating e-commerce, domestic multi-party communications services, store and forward services, and call center services business. In addition, the services for releasing information by the public through internet are listed as businesses that are prohibited for foreign investors under 2019 Negative List.

 

On July 13, 2006, the MIIT issued the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-added Telecommunications Business, or the MIIT Circular, which requires foreign investors to set up a value-added telecommunications business foreign-invested enterprise and obtain a VATS License to conduct relevant value-added telecommunications business in China. Under the MIIT Circular, a domestic company that holds a VATS License is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the license to foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance, including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. Furthermore, the relevant trademarks and domain names that are used in the value-added telecommunications business must be owned by the local VATS License holder or its shareholder. The MIIT Circular further requires each VATS License holder to have the necessary facilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such facilities in the regions covered by its license and all value-added telecommunications services providers shall improve network and information security, enact relevant information safety administration regulations and set up emergency plans to ensure network and information safety.

 

Regulations on Information Security and Privacy Protection

 

Internet content in China is regulated and restricted from a state security standpoint. On December 28, 2000, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress enacted the Decisions on Maintaining Internet Security, later amended on August 27, 2009, which subject violators to criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) use the internet to market fake and substandard products or carry out false publicity for any commodity or service; (ii) use the internet for the purpose of damaging the commercial goodwill and product reputation of any other person; (iii) use the internet for the purpose of infringing on the intellectual property of any person; (iv) use the internet for the purpose of fabricating and spreading false information that affects the trading of securities and futures or otherwise jeopardizes the financial order; or (v) create any pornographic website or webpage on the internet, provide links to pornographic websites, or disseminate pornographic books and magazines, movies, audiovisual products, or images. The Ministry of Public Security has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the Internet in ways which, among other things, would result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content, and require internet service providers to take proper measures including anti-virus, data back-up and other related measures, to keep records of certain information about its users (including user registration information, log-in and log-out time, IP address, content and time of posts by users) for at least 60 days, and to detect illegal information, stop transmission of such information, and keep relevant records. If an internet information service provider violates these measures, the Ministry of Public Security and the local security bureaus may revoke its operating license and shut down its websites.

 

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Table of Contents

 

PRC governmental authorities have enacted laws and regulations on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. In December 28, 2012, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection to enhance the legal protection of information security and privacy on the internet. In July 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users to regulate the collection and use of users’ personal information in the provision of telecommunication services and internet information services in China. Telecommunication business operators and internet service providers are required to establish its own rules for collecting and use of users’ information and cannot collect or use users’ information without users’ consent. Telecommunication business operators and internet service providers are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with, collected personal information.

 

On November 7, 2016, Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress published the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, which took effect on June 1, 2017 and requires network operators to perform certain functions related to cyber security protection and the strengthening of network information management. For instance, under the Cyber Security Law, network operators of key information infrastructure shall store within the territory of the PRC all the personal information and important data collected and produced within the territory of PRC and their purchase of network products and services that may affect national securities shall be subject to national cybersecurity review. On May 2, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China issued a trial version of the Measures for the Security Review of Network Products and Services (Trial), which took effect on June 1, 2017, to provide for more detailed rules regarding cybersecurity review requirements.

 

Regulations on Auction Business

 

On April 24, 2015, Auction Law of the People’s Republic of China was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the purpose of regulating and administrating the business operation of auction. Pursuant to the Auction Law, “auction” refers to a way of selling particular goods or property rights to the bidder who offers the highest price in the form of public bidding. According to the Measures for the Administration of the Circulation of Used Cars promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce and three other ministries on August 29, 2005 and amended on September 14, 2017, “used car auction” refers to the business activities whereby a used car auction enterprise transfers a used car to a bidder that offers the highest price through public bidding. According to The Specifications for Used Cars Transaction promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce on March 24, 2006, where an auction is conducted through the internet, the color photo of the car and information of auctioned car shall be published on internet. The publication period shall not be less than seven days. An enterprise engaging in activities of auction should undergo the review and approval procedure with relevant government authority and obtain the license for auction business. Any entity engaging in the auction business without the license may be subject to enforcement action, including orders issued by the relevant regulatory authorities to cease the auction business, confiscation of any illegal gains, or imposition of fines.

 

Regulations on the Circulation of Used Cars

 

On August 29, 2005, the Measures for the Administration of the Circulation of Used Cars, or the Used Cars Measures, were promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, the Ministry of Public Security, the SAMR, and the State Administration of Tax, or the SAT, for the purpose of intensifying the administration of the circulation of used cars, regulating the business operations of used cars, guaranteeing the legitimate interests and rights of both parties to transactions of used cars and promoting the sound development of the circulation of used cars. The Used Cars Measures stipulate that an archival filing system for the operators of used car markets and operators of used cars shall be established. The operators of used car markets and operators of used cars that have handled the registration in the administrative department of industry and commerce according to law and obtained the business license shall go to the administrative department of commerce at the provincial level for archival filing within 2 months as of obtaining their business license. The administrative department of commerce at the provincial level shall report the information on the archival filing of the operators of used car markets as well as operational subjects of used cars to the administrative department of commerce of the State Council on a periodic base. The Used Cars Measures further stipulate that (i) a business operator of a used car market, a retail enterprise and brokerage entity of used cars shall possess the qualification of an enterprise legal-person and shall complete the registration procedures with the administrative department of industry and commerce, and (ii) the establishment of an auction enterprise of used cars (including a foreign-funded auction enterprise of used cars) shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Auction Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Measures for the Administration of Auction, and shall be handled according to the procedures as prescribed by the Measures for the Administration of Auction, which means that an auction enterprise of used cars shall obtain an Approval License for Operation of Auction before it engages in auction of used cars. On March 24, 2006, the MOFCOM promulgated the Specifications for Used Car Trade, or the Specifications, which set forth detailed criteria and requirements for the purchase, sale, dealing, auction, evaluation, trading and post-sale services in respect of used car.

 

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