Chrysler problems

[Spiffy McMoron]

*sigh*

I work at a Chrysler dealership in the parts department. As I'm sure you're all aware, things have been a little tough for Chrysler lately.

This, of course, leads to people asking questions about their cars--will you still be able to get parts for them? Will my warranty still be covered? Will the dealership start selling other cars?

(Yes, yes, and no)

I understand the concerns that people have, but a lot of it is unfounded--we're not going out of business, that Chrysler USA (and not Chrysler Canada) declared bankruptcy, and we are doing this to remain in business.

Saturday I'm working with J, whom I've bitched about mentioned on several occasions--so you know my day has started off well. J answers a phone call that I put on hold, and it's a guy asking those aforementioned questions. Their conversation goes on for about 5 minutes, with J talking about restructuring. I didn't have the time to follow all of the conversation, but pretty soon they started talking about old muscle cars, the new half-tons, and I'm pretty sure I heard J use the phrase "media conspiracy on Chrysler".

It's going to be an interesting couple of months at work...

[draftermatt]

Good luck! I certainly wouldn't want to be dealing with that right now.

It could be worse. A local Buick/GMC/Pontiac just went belly up the other week, and didn't even announce it to their employees.

I wonder what kind of message that's sending to owners of those brands of cars in the area.

[Spiffy McMoron]

It could be worse. A local Buick/GMC/Pontiac just went belly up the other week, and didn't even announce it to their employees.

Wow...that's pretty bad! Do you know if the dealership was told to shut down by GM, or did the company just go bankrupt?

EDIT TO ADD: I've been the butt of a few jokes at work. A year and a half ago I bought a (fairly new) Pontiac car. I am now the proud owner of a classic automobile!

[coldcupofjoe]

Wow...that's pretty bad! Do you know if the dealership was told to shut down by GM, or did the company just go bankrupt?

There's been quite a few GM dealerships shut their doors around here with no notice. From what I've heard about some of them, GM didn't tell them to, but suggested very strongly that it might be in their best interest.

[draftermatt]

Wow...that's pretty bad! Do you know if the dealership was told to shut down by GM, or did the company just go bankrupt

That I don't know. The Dealership was right next to a Pontiac dealer for years. When things started to go bad the two dealers attempted a merger, but from what I've heard the VP of the Pontiac dealer screwed something up (and screwed over the owner/President).

So the Buick/GMC dealer picked up Pontiac as well.

According to my 2nd cousin who worked in the body shop, and my best friend's father who was a mechanic there, early in the week they were hearing rumors that things were going bad (with the company), and their paychecks all bounced! But management assured them things were fine.

Then by the end of the week they were closed for good. And my best friend said "the owners really f****ed things up"

The bouncing paycheck thing leads me to believe it was the company. But there is a very successful Chevrolet/Cadillac dealer in the same town that hired most of the defunct dealers people.

I'm guessing that that dealer will pick up Buick and GMC assuming that GM doesn't nix them as well.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

EDIT TO ADD: I've been the butt of a few jokes at work. A year and a half ago I bought a (fairly new) Pontiac car. I am now the proud owner of a classic automobile!

I has a Saturn. I'll probably be joining you in the classic car club soon, seeing as how Saturn is evidently going to be sold or folded, and nobody seems to be rushing to buy them.

[coldcupofjoe]

I has a Saturn.

Off topic. What kind of Saturn do you own?

On topic. There's an investment group made up of several Saturn dealership owners that have been rumored to be interested in buying Saturn. I can't seem to find a link to anywhere that doesn't require a password right now though.

Nissan has also been sniffing around that particular tree as well.

I've heard some other stories about the future of Saturn but a vanishing act hasn't been among them.

Maybe I just want to believe that though.

[draftermatt]

I've heard some other stories about the future of Saturn but a vanishing act hasn't been among them.

Maybe I just want to believe that though.

The article I read announcing Pontiac getting the ax said that GM will likely try and sell Hummer, Saab & Saturn and if they can't they'll probably nix them as well.

Honestly I can't see Buick and GMC surviving this, same with Mercury.

As long as Chrysler and Fiat's deal goes down and they get through Ch 11 ok I can't see them getting rid of any brands as Jeep has such a loyal following.

[Andara Bledin]

Wow...that's pretty bad! Do you know if the dealership was told to shut down by GM, or did the company just go bankrupt?

All the articles state that GM will start sending out notices to dealerships on the 11th, so that isn't the reason for that shop closing.

Since there were paychecks bouncing, my guess would be major mismanagement.

^-.-^

[PepperElf]

so you mean i can't buy a fiat at my local chrysler?

jk... but good luck