SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: December 15, 2000 CHASE MANHATTAN BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Originator of the Trust referred to herein) CHASE MANHATTAN AUTO OWNER TRUST 1997-A - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Issuer) (Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter) United States 333-7575 22-2382028 - ----------------------------- ----------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of incorporation) Number) Identification No.) 802 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 ------------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (302) 575-5033 Item 5. Other Events: Chase Manhattan Auto Owner Trust 1997-A is the issuer of 5 classes of Asset Backed Notes and a single class of Asset Backed Certificates. The notes and certificates are serviced in accordance with the Sale and Servicing Agreement, dated as of February 28, 1997, as amended. The parties to the Sale and Servicing Agreement are: Chase Manhattan Bank USA, National Association ("Chase USA"), as seller and as servicer, and Chase Manhattan Owner Trust, as issuer. On December 15, 2000, Chase USA, as servicer, distributed monthly interest to the holders of the notes and certificates. Chase USA furnished a copy of the monthly statement to certificateholders for the series as required by the Sale and Servicing Agreement. A copy of the monthly statement to certificateholders is being filed as Exhibit 20.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. Item 7(c). Exhibits Exhibits Description --------- ----------- 20.1 Monthly Statement to Certificateholders with respect to the December 15, 2000 distribution. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Dated: December 26, 2000 By: THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as Servicer By: /s/ Patricia Garvey -------------------------------- Name: Patricia Garvey Title: Vice President INDEX TO EXHIBITS ----------------- Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 20.1 Statement to Certificateholders dated December 15, 2000 delivered pursuant to Section 5.8 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of February 28, 1997.