Some dealerships will close in the Tri-States
Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 4:36 p.m.
Read more: Local, State, Economy, Business, Community, Consumer, Car, Dealerships, Car Dealers, Chrysler, Bankruptcy
Chrysler wants to get rid of almost 800 dealerships nationwide.
The automaker asked a bankruptcy court to shrink the number of dealerships by early next month because of low sales. Of those dealerships are in western Illinois.
Bob Ridings in Jacksonville, Pike County Chrysler Center in Barry, Cross Jeep in Macomb and Shottenkirk Toyota Chrysler Dodge on Broadway in Quincy.
Below is the news release KHQA received from Greg Shottenkirk, the president of Shottenkirk Automotive Group.
It appears to us through Chrysler's re-organization, that in order to shelter their brand and improve the strength of their franchises, they are moving towards having all of their brands under one roof.
In Quincy, since we have dual franchises, Chrysler/Dodge and Toyota, under the same roof, they will not allow us to continue as a dual franchise dealer with an import brand like Toyota.
Make no mistake; this decision is in no way, a reflection on our dealership, our people, our performance, or our community. This was a decision made at the corporate level based on the goals of the new Chrysler organization.
Moving forward, we're quite happy to continue as a top regional Toyota dealer at a time when they are positioned as the industry leader.
Nothing is final until June 9, and in the meantime, we will continue to sell and service Chrysler and Dodge vehicles at the same level of professionalism and courtesy that Shottenkirk customers have come to expect from us over the last 45 years.
