Published: May 19, 2009 02:51 pm         

Drake Chrysler Dodge Jeep was part of cutbacks

Monticello — A local car dealer is among nine Kentucky dealers whose ties to Chrysler

will be severed. Drake Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, of Monticello, was part of the

nationwide cutback of about a quarter of the automaker's dealerships that

was announced last week.

Drake Chrysler Dodge Jeep has been selling Chryslers since the late

1960's. Rick Drake stated earlier this week that when he was notified on the

action last Thursday, it was a total surprise.

"I don't know why they picked out this particular dealership," he

stated. "There are some who sell a lot fewer who were kept."

Drake said that about 789 dealers were cut, which is about one in every

four dealers. He said he was joining a legal action along with other dealers

to challenge the selections made by the automaker.

"I just want to stress that we're still going to be here...We are still

in business," said Drake. "We will be stocking more Chevrolets and Pontiacs,

and we will still deal in used cars."

Drake said that plans are to eliminate the Chrysler dealerships by June

10.

Other Kentucky dealerships affected by the automaker's decision include:

Neil Huffman Dodge and Neil Huffman Chrysler Jeep in Louisville; Zimmer

Chrysler Jeep in Florence; Ray's Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Brandenburg; Brown's

Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Paintsville; Lee Chrysler Dodge in Pineville; and

Epp's Jeep in Middlesboro.

     

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