Chrysler Wants to Cut Dealer Base

11/14/96

Chrysler Corporation, including Dodge, Plymouth, and Jeep/Eagle, has 4600 auto retailers that have averaged a projected profit of $462,000 for 1996. Thomas Pappert, Chrysler VP Sales says that the company plans some consolidation moves that will result in 600 fewer dealers by the year 2000. It seems that when franchises were awarded over the years it was sort of hit/miss--Chrysler awarded dealership to whoever had the money for them. Now, however, the corporation plans to get more scientific about territorial exclusivity.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel