Local Chrysler dealers await final word

Robert Perri, a sales manager at a St. Charles Chrysler dealership, is on "pins and needles" awaiting news Thursday that will decide the fate of his business.

Like general managers from other suburban dealerships, he has heard of Chrysler's plans to fire up to 800 of its 3,200 dealers on Thursday, but is unaware of the details.

"I have no notice and have heard no rumors. I wish I knew what's going on," said Perri, of Richard Chrysler Jeep Dodge in St. Charles.

General managers from suburban dealers are optimistically awaiting the big announcement. Chrysler, which filed for bankruptcy protection on April 30, wants fewer dealers so those remaining will be more profitable. Some experts speculate urban areas will be hit harder.

"I think everybody is worried," said Phil Nepomuck, a manager at Bill Kay Chrysler of Naperville. "We're just taking a wait-and-see approach," the sales manager said.

"I'm very concerned," said Perri of St. Charles, adding that he hopes his dealership's high sales volume will help the business survive.

Meanwhile, other dealers expressed confidence they'll make it through the cuts amid the uncertainty. "We're fully confident that we will be up and running, business as usual on Thursday," said Joe St. Germain of Zeigler Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Schaumburg.

He said staff is also optimistic. "It's been a positive atmosphere in here," he said this afternoon.

Andy Davis at DuPage Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Wheaton said it's business as usual at his dealership. "I have no idea what will happen Thursday. We'll just roll with the punches," he said.

Many dealers have experienced a boom in sales in May, which may be because of all the publicity surrounding Chrysler and the deals on its cars.

"The deals are bigger than ever," Davis said in Wheaton. "For example, you can get $11,000 off on a Grand Cherokee," he said.

Nepomuck agreed that sales have picked up since the cash incentives rolled in. "You can save $10,000 or $11,000 on a brand-new minivan. If you're in the market to buy, right now is the time. There's a huge savings," he added.