MOUNT VERNON — With Chrysler’s announcement Thursday of the elimination of 789 of its 3,200 dealerships, local dealer Ross Jeep-Eagle Inc. was on the list of dealerships that will no longer have an agreement with the company.
“The only thing I can tell you, 100 percent positive of, is that Ross is still going to be here no matter what happens,” said Ronald Ross, president of Ross Jeep-Eagle Inc. “We are not going to be laying anyone off.”
Ross explained Chrysler can not make the decision to close any dealerships, it was simply choosing which dealerships would be selling new vehicles. Fourty-seven Ohio dealerships were on Chrysler’s cut list.
“[Chrysler is] not closing down dealerships they are pulling their franchises,” said Ross. “There are dealerships that will no longer be selling Jeep and there are dealers that are no longer going to be able to sell Chrysler. But for some [dealerships], I’m sure that is what their livelihood was and there are lots of other [dealerships] that are going to be just fine in the preowned market.”
Although, not completely certain how the lack of a franchise agreement with Jeep will affect his business, Ross is certain he will continue to offer preowned vehicles as well as service for his customers.
“Obviously this will affect [us] as we will not be able to sell brand new Jeeps. I will only be able to sell preowned,” he said.
Ross said that the details are still being worked out and things are not “set in stone.”
“This list is out and our name is on the list,” he said.
Ross said that there is a possibility his company will look into other vehicles to sell on the lot, and they are in the process of appealing Chrysler’s decision.
GM is expected to make conference calls today to dealerships to discuss its cuts.
