>>>"If Chrysler survives then having less dealers should help the ones remaining."<<<<
Would someone please explain to me, in very simple terms, how having less dealers buying cars is going to help the manufacturer?
As I understand it the dealer's apy for the cars when they order them via their floor plan. The more dealers buying cars to sell seems like it would help the companies.
What am I missing?
In a large number of places, there are several Chrysler dealers within a short drive of each other. By closing (pruning) dealerships, essentially eliminating competition, it allows the remaining ones to be stronger.
A large percentage of the closed (closed may be the wrong term) dealerships sold several different manufacturers, so they wont feel the pinch as bad.
Other dealerships that were revoked had a greater volume of used sales compared to new vehicle sales.
Banks have de-valued Chrysler vehicles to such a point (over 30% from my source) that dealer principals have had to put their homes and other property up as collateral. I imagine that many of these "closings" were voluntary as a result of that de-valuation.
Also, having to produce less vehicles (for dealership floorplans) is essential. Ive read someswhere that Chrysler has over 300k vehicles sitting on lots unsold. Chrysler has to carry these cars for several months? dragging down profits. Dealers dont actually "buy" the cars sitting on the lots for 90 days ( i believe).
While it sucks for the employees, its necessary for the survival of Chrysler.
Just wait till GM goes through this exact thing next week
