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Dealerships Expecting Changes After Chrysler's Sale To Fiat

Last updated on Thursday, June 11, 2009

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Bankrupt Chrysler has closed nearly 800 of its franchises, including Gene Beltz Shadeland Dodge and Palmer Dodge in Indianapolis.

But with Chrysler being acquired by the Italian carmaker Fiat, many of those dealerships are selling other brands or more used cars.

Gary Huffman, part-owner and President of Palmer Auto Group, says Palmer Dodge had been selling and servicing Chrysler products since 1956.

He says it's conceivable that Palmer will someday attempt to regain a Chrysler franchise.

For now, he's looking to triple his used-car inventory.

Huffman says the first day without Chrysler was a very busy day for his service department.

Kevin Kahlo is still in business at Kahlo Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep in Noblesville, where he expects to wait no more than about 18 months for his showroom to see the new small car built at Chrysler plants in this country with Fiat technology.

Kahlo says the new Chrysler is likely to undergo the same kind of streamlining that brought the decision to halt production of GM's Pontiac vehicles.

Kahlo says, "down the line I figure what's going to probably happen is Dodge will be trucks, Jeeps will be SUV's and Chrysler will cars and minivans."

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