After bankruptcy and merger with Italian automaker Fiat, Chrysler officials hope to emerge stronger, vibrant, and viable.
Clarkston Chrysler Jeep has a good chance of taking part, said owner Chuck Fortinberry.
‘Lots of questions have not yet been answered,? Fortinberry said. ‘The difficult part is consolidation of the national distribution network.?
As Chrysler’s leadership evaluates dealership locations, Clarkston has a good shot, he said.
‘Clarkston is a great community. It’s a growing area with good demographics,? he said. ‘I think they will still want representation in this marketplace. My plan is to be here and support the community as I have been for 24 years.?
He expects decisions to be announced this summer.
‘It won’t be six months, probably six weeks,? he said.
Federal involvement in the automobile industry, including $4 billion to Chrysler, has been a mixed blessing, Fortinberry said.
‘Any time the government gets involved, it make things more difficult,? he said. ‘It comes with strings attached. But without them, we’d be gone. It’s the lesser of two evils.?
The new partnership should help, opening markets around the world, he said.
‘I’m bullish on it,? he said. ‘We can’t survive in just the North American market anymore.?
For more information, call Clarkston Chrysler Jeep, 8105 Big Lake Road, at 248-620-4200.