"I received a letter (last week) from GM, saying they want a dealership in Rugby."

In fact, the letter was in part a new franchise agreement with the new restructured GM, Diebold said."/>
"I received a letter (last week) from GM, saying they want a dealership in Rugby."

In fact, the letter was in part a new franchise agreement with the new restructured GM, Diebold said."/> Local dealers not affected by GMC, Chrysler bankruptcy | News, Sports, Jobs - The Pierce County Tribune
×
×
homepage logo

Local dealers not affected by GMC, Chrysler bankruptcy

By Staff | Jun 4, 2009

Despite bankruptcy filings by auto giants Chrysler, and most recently, General Motors, Rugby’s two dealerships – D&S Motors and M.J. McGuire’s – will continue to operate, and rumors otherwise are not true.

“Nothing is going to change,’ said Brian Diebold, of D&S Motors.

“I received a letter (last week) from GM, saying they want a dealership in Rugby.”

In fact, the letter was in part a new franchise agreement with the new restructured GM, Diebold said. Most of the downsizing of dealerships will occur in mid-sized and large metro markets as opposed to smaller towns where low-volume dealers can prosper.

Diebold said GM wants to maintain its presence in very extensive small town and hub-towns, which would characterize Rugby.

No changes are expected in warranties or obtaining parts and service work.

The restructuring of GM will mean changes in production plants, and ultimately the end of the Pontiac line. Some of its models likely will be shifted into the Chevy or Buick divisions.

Diebold said Pontiac hasn’t been a real popular GM brand around here, so its discontinuation won’t cause much of a concern. Plans call for Saturn and Hummer brands to be sold to overseas automakers.

Although several Chrysler dealerships are scheduled to be closed, M.J. McGuire’s is not among them, according to a dealer spokesperson. It will continue to offer Ford, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products. The local lot is owned by Don Bessette, based in Minot. Chrysler, the nation’s third largest automaker, filed for bankruptcy earlier this spring.

Both local dealers appreciate the business of local and area residents and look forward to serving their customers in the future.