CHRYSLER CUTS SPENCER DEALERSHIP - Company Cuts 70% Of WV Dealers

(05/14/2009)
A Spencer Chrysler dealer is one of 17 WV franchises that are being cut by the auto marker.

Owner Pete Lopez, owner of Spencer Auto Group, told MetroNews, "There's no reason for this!"

Seventeen out of 23 Chrysler franchises in West Virginia, or 70 percent, have been informed they are no longer dealers.

Lopez contends Chrysler's decision doesn't make financial sense, saying "There's no reason whatsoever for them to take our dealership...We've never been in the red. We've been in the black since I've been out here."

Lopez says the decision came as a surprise because the dealership is in good in financial shape.

Lopez is concerned what will happen Friday, because GM is also cutting dealerships, and Spencer Auto Group's other franchise is GM.

"I came out here two years ago and bought this dealership. Tomorrow I could have no franchise at all," he said.

Lopez expressed concern for his 15 employees and their families, saying he will resist the auto outfits decision.