GM dealership closures
By: Kristin Mazur
Updated: May 15, 2009
After Chrysler announced yesterday that they would not be renewing nearly 800 dealer agreements GM today is following in the same footsteps. Don Ayres here in Fort Wayne is one of over 1000 dealers expected to have their agreements terminated.
"You dont want to think that youre on that list but you know that its coming" says Sara Ayres, Vice President of Don Ayres Dealership.
Ayres is still in shock after her familys dealership was placed on a list with over 1000 other dealers; a list of GM dealers whose agreements with the auto maker will be terminated come October 2010.
Ayres says that after being in business with GM for 40 years so it is a little bit of a shock.
In a letter sent to 1100 dealers GM said the locations slated to close were chosen based on sales volume, customer feedback and pairings with competing brands. Ayres is unsure why their dealership was chosen. She suspects that it is perhaps because Don Ayres doesn’t not carry the Buick brand.
GM says that fewer dealers could result in an increase in profits. However, Ayres doesnt fully agree with this calling the statement a little “short-sided.”
These dealer closings are not set in stone. No dealers are being shut down right at this moment.
