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Britt Chrysler Jeep on list of Virginia dealers to lose Chrysler contract Date published: 5/15/2009
BY BILL FREEHLING
Britt Chrysler Jeep on U.S. 1 in Fredericksburg is among 789 dealers across the nation that would lose their ability to sell new Chrysler vehicles under part of a restructuring plan filed yesterday by the bankrupt automaker. The list includes 26 dealers in Virginia that sell Chrysler, Jeep and/or Dodge vehicles. It would take effect in about a month if a bankruptcy judge approves the plan. Eddie Arnold has owned the Fredericksburg dealership for 23 years. He said the uncertainty surrounding Chrysler's bankruptcy filing has caused "tremendous disruptions" in the sales process, especially for Chrysler-brand vehicles. He said Jeep has been less affected. He also said Chrysler has been very secretive throughout. Arnold noted that his dealership will conduct business as usual, selling and servicing new Jeeps and Chryslers, for the next month. He's not sure what will happen on his property after that, but he said it could morph into a used-car sales and service center. He'll also look at selling a different brand of new cars. The announcement has no bearing on the Mazda, Volkswagen and Suzuki dealerships in Spotsylvania that bear the Britt family name. Those are owned by Bill Britt, who is Arnold's brother-in-law. Some of the rejected dealers also sell products other than Chrysler, and yesterday's filing by Chrysler LLC in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York has no bearing on that. A bankruptcy court judge must first approve Chrysler's request before the dealerships are closed. Rejected Chrysler dealers will be under court review for the next several weeks, said Michael Allen, spokesman for the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. HARD CHOICES, NO APPEAL The 789 on the list represent about a quarter of Chrysler's 3,200 U.S. dealerships. Chrysler LLC said in the filing that the network is antiquated and has too many stores competing with each other. Chrysler Vice Chairman Jim Press called the cuts difficult but necessary. He said the list of dealers is final and there will be no appeal process. Chrysler has received $4 billion in federal loans and has been operating in bankruptcy protection since April 30. Its sales this year are down 46 percent compared with the first four months of last year; it reported a $16.8 billion net loss for 2008.
Date published: 5/15/2009
When I was looking for a 2006 Magnum, I looked at Britt. They generously offered to come down off the sticker price by $300. I bought at Steve White in NC for almost $6000 less. I'm glad to see a rip-off artist get their comeuppance.
Have passed it many times on Rt301 across from Port Royal.. They have Ford and Chrysler products on the same lot. First time I have ever seen that.
my heart goes out to all the dealers closing, although i am glad rappahannock motors is staying open, thay have been great to me as a dealer. i know my vehicle will always be safe with them performing my state inspections. sorry to the ones that have to close. we will miss you. good luck to everyone!!!
I have purchased numerous vehicles from Rapphannock Motors in King George and get all my service work done in their shop. There is no other dealership more entitled to represent the Chrysler nameplate. The Modesitt family is fantastic to deal with and their employees have all been there for years. Great home town feel so close to the city. Congratulations to Rappahannock Motors!
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