Saturday, November 29, 2008
Jackson Lincoln-Mercury Pontiac - Honolulu, HI
Bill Heard - Multiple locations
World's best-selling Chevy dealer closing doors at all 13 stores
Bill Heard Enterprises sells more Chevy cars and trucks than any dealer in the world, but that distinction isn't enough to keep the doors open at the dealer's 13 stores. The soft economy, fuel prices and an over-reliance on the sales of trucks and SUVs were the reasons stated for the demise of these Chevy superstores. Another possible reason for the mass closure could have something to do with a pending suit against Bill Heard Enterprises involving signature forgery and deceptive marketing that could result in up to $50 million in fines.
2,700 people worked at the stores, and now all of those workers are out of a job. The dealer consortium didn't give workers any notice, either. Managers were told yesterday at 2PM that the stores were closing, and the doors are locked today. Customers with vehicles in the service area were told to pick up their cars, fixed or not, and customers arriving to pick up their new cars were given back their trade-ins. What a mess. We know GM is looking to cut back on its overpopulated dealer-body, but we're pretty sure the General would want the situation handled better than this.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Stay tuned for updates on which stores get bought.
Ellis Brooks - San Francisco
Dear Valued and Loyal Customers:
It is with great sadness I announce to you that after 53 years as a proud Chevrolet dealer, we have come to an extremely difficult and emotional decision.
After December 15, 2008, we will no longer be a New Car General Motors dealer.
We’ve been through tough economic times before but with the added burden of union pension problems and the onerous taxes and conditions legislated by our city we find this necessary at this time.
While we will not be operating as a new car dealership, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SELL THE CLEANEST USED VEHICLES MONEY CAN BUY!
Our dealership in Yreka, Ellis Brooks Motors, where we have Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac and Honda, is not affected by this change.
Cordially,
Marie K. Brooks, President
John Brooks, General Manager
Arthur Brooks, Facilities Manager
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