Chrysler closing list names Pelham dealership

Published 12:09 pm Thursday, May 14, 2009

Chrysler LLC will close down 789 auto dealerships, including Susan Schein Chrysler Dodge in Pelham, according to a plan filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Thursday.

Other Birmingham-area dealerships on the closing list include Don Drennen Chrysler Jeep Inc. in Hoover, Terry Sligh Automotive Inc. in Oneonta, Miller-Sutherlin Automotive LLC in Pell City and Greater Birmingham Dodge Chrysler, which closed last week. Susan Schein will remain open as a Chevrolet dealership.

The dealerships being shut down nationwide represent 14 percent of Chrysler’s total sales, and about half the dealerships sell fewer than 100 vehicles per year, the carmaker said. About 44 percent of the dealerships sell vehicles other than Chrysler brands, which include Dodge and Jeep.

Other dealerships affected statewide include Anderson Motor Co. Inc. in Lanett, Bondy’s Jeep in Dothan, Classic Automotive Inc. in Cullman, Glynn Smith Jeep in Opelika, Greenville Motor Co. in Greenville, Superior Jeep Chrysler Plymouth in Anniston, Pierson Jeep in Gadsden, Cloverleaf Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Huntsville and Victor Motor Co. in Prattville.

Chrysler is asking the court to authorize and approve its plan. The dealerships will have until June 9 to close their Chrysler franchises.