Jun 9, 2009 5:55 pm US/Central
Twin Cities Dealership Gets Reprieve From GM
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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For the 80 employees of Walser Buick this is a good day to be at work.
CBS
At least one of the Minnesota auto dealers ordered closed by GM and Chrysler will remain open. On Monday night, Walser Buick employees got the word that GM changed its mind and the Bloomington dealer will not be shut down.
For the 80 employees of Walser Buick this is a good day to be at work.
"We came out on top and we're happy to be here and we plan to remain here for quite some time," said Sales Manager Troy Laugen.
Last month the dealer was one of 2,000 nationwide that Chrysler and GM announced would have their dealership licenses revoked. Walser executives say they were stunned because sales were steady.
"We were actually profitable, not wildly but in this economy that's a good thing. We're the number two dealer in the state so when we go the letter we were pretty surprised," said Doug Sprinthall of Walser Automotive.
When Walser got word of the closing it went to Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar for help. The senator set up a meeting with top GM executives and Walser made an appeal directly to them.
Long time customers like, Bruce Mehlhop who just bought a car here, say they are less worried about service.
"I was concerned what I would have to do with my vehicle once the lease ran out so its good news for them and for me," said Mehlhop.
WCCO checked with the other Minnesota Chrysler and GM dealers that were ordered closed and so far they have not gotten the kind of good news Walser has received.
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