17:08 RTRS GM’S LANEVE SAYS 1,100 DEALERSHIPS ‘WERE IN DANGER OF GOING OUT OF BUSINESS ANYWAY’
17:09 RTRS GM’S LANEVE SAYS 400-500 DEALERSHIPS TARGETED FOR CLOSURE HAD AVERAGE SALES OF 35 UNITS PER YEAR
Each, we wonder, or between the lot?
GM’s statement in full just out:
As noted in our recent S-4 filing and updated Viability Plan, General Motors plans to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 stores today to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010.
This process starts today, as GM begins contacting dealers regarding its long term planning. Approximately 1,100 underperforming and very small sales volume U.S. dealers will be advised that GM does not see them as part of its dealer network on a long-term basis. In most cases, existing franchise agreements run through October of 2010.
In addition, we will be updating about 470 Saturn, Hummer and Saab dealers on the status of those brands and we will be discussing how the remaining dealers will support our retail plans going forward. While additional cuts will be made, we believe the vast majority, over 90 percent, of the remaining dealers will be offered a chance to remain with GM. However, specific dealer issues, further attrition and additional possible dealer network actions are expected to bring the number of future GM dealers to around 3,600 by the end of 2010, as described in the Plan. The actual number could vary given levels of attrition, etc. outside of GM’s control.