Sad Day

fhenn · 06-07-2009, 01:34 AM

As some of you know I sold Dodges for over ten years. My old dealership was one that got the ax. This was the biggest dealership in Mississippi sold over 125 unit a month. The General Sales Manage called last Thursday and ask if I would come out of retirement and help out the last five days. When I walked in, there were only five offices in use the other ten were vacant. Walked out on the lot where we use to have 200 to 250 new units in stock there were only around sixty left We had a decent day more wanta be customers around than we had staff to help them out. Friday walked out into the shop the mechanics all Chrysler trained on the dealership money are down in the dumps cant blame them. rather sad over all I have known a lot of these people, and there are a lot of good people here a long time. I will go in Monday, and Tuesday, and Thursday I will retire once more and go camping with adult beverages. I guess I will marvel at the politics that brought us to this point

Edited by: fhenn

gball · 06-07-2009, 01:43 AM

Frank:

Sorry to hear that your old dealership is getting the axe. It is hard to understand how decisions are made as to wholoses their franchiseand who doesn't. Hopefully Chrysler and GM are making the right decisions and we will all benefit from these changes in the future. In the meantime pack up the trailer and head to the nearest campground.

**Lloyd** · 06-07-2009, 01:55 AM

Frank:
I can appreciate your feelings. I had a similar situation where I was employed. About 2-3 years after I retired the boss decided to give it up and sold out. After 40 years working there it left kind of a hollow empty feeling to see that happen. You think it will go on for ever, but nothing ever does. Change is inevitable. I am just happy that I was able to retire before it all happened. Maybe you should be also.

calliopeguy · 06-07-2009, 02:36 AM

My little brain just cannot understand how eliminating an outlet that gave the factory a reason to build AN ADDITIONAL 125 units a month is going to improve the auto industry. They candream up all kinds of theories on how to improve the production of the automobile but isn't the most important issue getting people to buy them??? Don't know if we even want to get into making fuel more available so people can afford to drive the auto/truck of their choice. Must be my old age thing that doesn't allow me to comprehend.

coastn · 06-07-2009, 04:22 AM

Frank-

I'll raise an Abita Amber (probably more than one) on Thursday in honor of your re-retirement.

Dayle1 · 06-07-2009, 04:24 AM

I too do not understand the strategy of cutting dealerships. If the owner and staff can make a go of it with less sales, why close it down? Having fewer dealerships, just means more customers will travel farther for sales and service and more likely to find a different dealership and brand closer to their home, which means additional sales decline and then even more closed dealerships. Sounds like a death sprial.

papa2 · 06-07-2009, 04:50 AM

Sad day indeed. Â*Sorry to hear that Frank. Â*

For all our sakes let's hope things turn around shortly.Â*

fhenn · 06-07-2009, 04:58 AM

I happen to agree with you Larry. In our case we had people coming to shop us from the whole state and a good part of La. This dealership is owned by a private individual Who has to use his own money sources to stay in business.With out making a fair profit he would be forced to shut down As I stated earlier he all ways kept 90 supply of units on hand. The remaining Dealer ship for Dodges is owned by Chrysler them selfs. They have been Losing several hundred thousand dollars month I guess they figure that with out compition they can make a profit. go figure. Just glad I am retired, and not having to go thru this closing

Hunter11 · 06-07-2009, 06:46 AM

Frank, I appreciate you being the go between for me on that truck Wilson had I like so much. I guess with all the uncertainty in the auto industry I just decided to wait a while and see how things play out. We have 36 month's before we can retire and everyday I wonder what is going to happen next with the economy that will keep us from doing that. I just keep wondering when things will turn around but don't see it happening any time soon. And to top it off now fuel prices are headed back up again.........

dalemac377 · 06-07-2009, 07:29 AM

Sorry to hear the news. We all have to wonder whether anybody that is involved in this whole mess knows what they are doing. I sure hope so, but I am not very confident. The plant that I helped build and startup in 1980, and the one I retired fromin 2004, just closed in April for lack of business. 120 people out of work.

fhenn · 06-07-2009, 08:24 AM

Russ I think I will join you Thursday I we will be just a few miles apart like 1400. My daughter and son in law are in Ouray this week with our Grand Daughter she will meet with my parents for the first time this is their first great grand child wish we could be there to see that. Well that is what telephones are made for..

fhenn · 06-09-2009, 10:32 PM

Done!!!!

seabee · 06-10-2009, 12:09 AM

just read an article that stated that 90% of the chrysler dealerships that were closed gave money to the Republican party.... that should tell you something about how Obama is doing things.

Walt

fhenn · 06-10-2009, 12:43 AM

Walt,
You are my kind of fellow two Schnauzers and conservative to boot. But I have to say that Janet has spoiled our Schnauzers, and I had nothing to do with it. I lived from 1975 to 1991 in Lancaster loved that area. One of these days I will have to renew my passport, and take the Cruiser up there. Janet has never been in that area

Edited by: fhenn

papa2 · 06-10-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

just read an article that stated that 90% of the chrysler dealerships that were closed gave money to the Republican party.... that should tell you something about how Obama is doing things.

Walt

Thanks for the chuckles and belly laugh Walt. Now that's funny, I don't care who you are.

coastn · 06-10-2009, 08:33 AM

Frank-

Hope the weather's better in Ouray than here in Breckenridge. Every day for the last couple of weeks it alternates between clouding up and raining or clouding up and snowing (like right now...39 degrees on June 10!

We got back from 6 weeks in AZ on May 16 when it was 72. I've had it..packing the trailer to head out for southern Utah by this weekend. Will be out a couple weeks, then back home for the 4th.

Cheers tomorrow!

fhenn · 06-10-2009, 09:56 AM

Some thing to be said living the south

Chrisnan23 · 06-10-2009, 10:42 AM

Global warming! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

papa2 · 06-10-2009, 11:03 AM

speaking of odd weather, our weather has been unseasonable...spring or fall like weather. Â*Highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s, lows in the mid 40s to mid 50s. Â*Very comfortable, but not summer like and certainly not normal. Â*I'm not sure I remember correctly, but seems like we only had a couple of days in the 80s in May and one in the 80s in April. very wierd

ClassicHammond · 06-10-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

just read an article that stated that 90% of the chrysler dealerships that were closed gave money to the Republican party.... that should tell you something about how Obama is doing things.

Walt

Since 80% of Chrysler dealerships support the republican party it is only possible to close down percentages in that neighborhood. This information wasn't left out on purpose..........was it ? I mean.............. that source was objective........wasn't it ?

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