By Cathy Spaulding and Donna Hales
Muskogee Chrysler Jeep Dodge officially closed its doors, according to a statement released by the owner of the dealership.
Six vehicles remained on the lot at 1711 W. Shawnee Bypass as of Wednesday afternoon.
“Muskogee Chrysler Jeep Dodge has ceased its operations at 1711 W. Shawnee Bypass, effective Nov. 26, 2009,” Jim Miles said in the statement. “A number of problems involved in the Chrysler Corp. bankruptcy filing, including unavailability of new vehicle inventory during peak selling season and the loss of Chrysler Financial as a source of dealer financing have contributed to this action.”
GMAC, which handles financing for General Motors, took over financing for Chrysler Corp. after the automaker filed for bankruptcy in April.
Tony Sapienza, a spokesman for GMAC, said the finance company had been conducting an audit of the Muskogee dealership for the past week. He said the audit was “a regular part of doing business.
“We are in the process of working things out with the dealer,” Sapienza said. “We have no other details and no comment. This dealer had been approved for post-interim financing.”
The business news Web site Bloomberg.com said 90 percent of the 1,500 Chrysler dealerships that applied for GMAC financing were approved.
Kathy Graham, a spokeswoman for Chrysler Corp., said the corporation has not been notified of any status of the Muskogee dealership, stating it would be a local decision.
“They can have up to a month to notify us,” Graham said.
“We are actively working with several parties to ensure that a Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership will operate in Muskogee and serve the needs of this area,” according to Miles’ statement.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email
Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email
