The automotive retail landscape has been dramatically reshaped as both Chrysler and GM together have terminated almost 2,000 dealers as part of their on-going restructuring efforts. They were able to use the bankruptcy process to circumvent strong state franchise laws to shed dealers. At times there appeared to be no rhyme or reason to the selection process, leaving both dealers and consumers perplexed. Last week, as new details and documents surfaced explaining why certain GM dealership agreements would not be renewed in 2010, Automotive Traveler's Jim Brennan updated his previously published story with additional updates on the GM closures.
In the next few days, Automotive Traveler will start a series featuring the story behind some of these closings and their impact on individual communities. While we will attempt to simply report on each closing, we think that readers will find it difficult not to take sides, especially if they live in a community where these closings hit home. And if you read more, you'll see how a certain morning talk show host has taken to the airwaves to plead the case for saving her parent's dealership from termination.
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