Chrysler Dealers Keep Selling as Company Revamps

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Chrysler's plan to merge with an Italian automaker is back on track. Dealers opposed the merger because it meant they would lose their franchises, but a metro dealer said his business is a bright spot in the ailing auto industry.

Westpoint Chrysler can hardly keep vehicles on the lot, even in the midst of Chrysler's bankruptcy.

The cars and trucks in the lots aren't being sold at rock-bottom prices, but the incentives are attractive.

Michael Jones visited WestPoint Chrysler with hopes of purchasing a new truck.

"The pulling power, fuel mileage is good on them and it's just all around a good-looking truck," Jones said.

Westpoint Chrysler can hardly keep some of the newer models in stock.

"Business has been way up ever since Chrysler went into bankruptcy and people know that they're going to come through it and everything is going to be alright," General Manager Brad McRae said.

Nearly 800 dealerships lost their franchise rights Tuesday. Some like Dathan Wilson's Chevrolet and Jeep worked to clear the lot. McRae bought seven of Wilson's jeeps.

"Dathan is a friend of mine and I want to help him out and help get rid of the last little bit of inventory that he had," McRae said. "We could use all of it."

Last month, Wilson received one of the dreaded letters announcing the end of his franchise. That same day, Chrysler invited McRae to join the new-restructured company, which boosted his sales.

"I think people can have confidence that they come in here today and that we're going to be here tomorrow," McRae said. "They're going to be taken care of."

McRae also said the government has guaranteed parts and services for those Chrysler vehicles, just like it did for GM.

In preparation for bankruptcy, Chrysler shut down several of its factories, and they're slated to re-open in a few weeks.