His family beside him, Chuck Fortinberry is ready to fight.
‘This is far from over,? said Fortinberry, owner of Clarkston Chrysler Jeep in Springfield Township. ‘We’re well capitalized, we’re profitable. We have a great staff.?
Fortinberry and the 788 other dealerships on Chrysler’s rejection list must stop selling new vehicles and servicing warrantees by June 9, a bankruptcy-recovery measure they are challenging in court.
‘I just had a conference call with the community of affected dealerships,? he said. ‘I’m joining a motion to set aside the sale.?
A hearing is set for June 3, where they will request postponement of the consolidation plan.
‘Chrysler is using bankruptcy as an excuse to circumvent franchise protections,? Fortinberry said. ‘We’re requesting a continuance to give us time to work this out.?
According to Chrysler, dealers were rejected based on sales and customer service to create a smaller, more profitable network of larger dealerships.
‘I’m in the top 17 percent of dealerships in the country,? Fortinberry said. ‘I sold 12,000 cars for them and they’re telling me I’m a bad dealer. It’s insulting.?
Earning Chrysler’s 5-Star rating every year since 1997, Time Magazine’s 2005 Quality Dealer Award, remodeled two years ago, the car manufacturer should not have put Clarkston Chrysler Jeep on the reject list, he said.
‘I understand the necessity over time to consolidate dealerships, but this is unconscionable,? he said. ‘Why not let the market conditions determine it.?
The dealership also sponsors Chamber of Commerce events throughout the year, hosts the annual Harrison Charity Ride, employs 33, and pays about $60,000 in property and business taxes to Springfield Township and Clarkston Community Schools every year.
Whatever happens, the dealership will remain in business as Clarkston Motors, he said.
‘We’ll continue to offer top services, professional body repair. We’ll still support the community as we always have,? he said. ‘We’ll look at other franchises in the marketplace.?
The dealership is offering remaining new cars at or below wholesale, and will continue to offer used cars, service, parts, and body shop.
‘Preowned, certified cars, backed by me,? he said. ‘We’re not going to leave an empty building.?
Fortinberry and his family appreciate letters, e-mails, calls, and visits from supporters in the community.
‘The outpouring of support has been overwhelming,? he said. ‘I want to thank everyone for their support.?
‘It’s really touching to see and hear from so many in the community, people we don’t even know,? said Dana Fortinberry, his wife. ‘It’s an amazing thing. This is a great community. It’s why we love it.?