Notwithstanding the terms, conditions, or provisions of any franchise, or the date such franchise was executed, each franchisor shall indemnify and hold harmless its franchisees against any losses, including, but not limited to, court costs and attorney fees reasonably incurred, or damages arising out of complaints, claims, or suits, whether or not meritorious, relating in whole or in part to claims under section 1345.72 of the Revised Code, or to the manufacture, assembly, or design of motor vehicles, parts, or accessories, to damage corrected by the franchisor prior to receipt of a motor vehicle by the franchisee, or relating to other functions of the franchisor beyond the control of the franchisee, including, but not limited to, the selection by the franchisor of parts or components for the motor vehicle and any damage to merchandise occurring in transit to the franchisee where the carrier is designated by the franchisor. The franchisee shall give notice to the franchisor within twenty-eight days of service of summons on the franchisee of pending suits in which allegations are made that come within this section and shall cooperate with the franchisor in the defense of such suits.