Chrysler to shutter four Lansing-area dealerships

By Mark Bashore, WKAR Radio

East Lansing, MI – East Lansing, MI (WKAR Radio)
Chrysler has identified four Lansing area dealerships it wants to shut down due to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The dropped dealers include Story Chrysler Jeep on Michigan Avenue in Lansing and Beacon Sales in Charlotte.

David Howe, General Manager at Beacon Sales, says his company will continue offering used cars and other services. "The only thing we're really losing out on at this point is just the new car franchise, which is Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep...a big part of our livelihoods here in Charlotte for over 50 years. It's quite a blow to us."

Howe says he hasn't decided whether to appeal Chrysler's decision.

To cut costs, the carmaker named 40 locations it wants to close in Michigan and over 700 across the country. The other rejected Lansing-area dealerships are Bee's in St. Johns and Signature in Owosso.

General Motors dealerships targeted for closing could be notified beginning Friday.