The engine driving the Big Three American automakers continues to sputter, but Orion’s Chrysler dealership is hanging on for the ride.
Last week, Chrysler announced it would be closing around 800 dealerships nationwide this summer.
Orion’s Palace Chrysler Jeep or Milosch Dodge were not on the list.
‘It’s good to still be here to service the local community,? Milosch said.
The dealership received a letter saying that they would be among those retained as Chrysler, who is currently in bankruptcy, restructures.
‘It’s unfortunate that times have lowered down enough that Chrysler had to close some of us down,? said Brian Milosch.
Chrysler did request the Milosches combine the two operations at their 3800 Lapeer Road location, according to Milosch, who said it was a welcome change.
‘They want Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge under one roof,? he said.
Not only does it help bring all the company’s brands under one banner, but it helps to better service the customer, according to Milosch.
The 3800 Lapeer Road location has a bigger and sleeker showroom, more accessories for sale and services that will include detailing and, soon, an oil change.
They will continue to sell used vehicles from the former Dodge location, three or so acres on 677 Lapeer Road, for the time being.
Milosch said it’s currently unknown whether the property could be put on the market in the near future.
Sales, he added, have been strong.
‘Chrysler is still doing good,? he said. ‘We’re not seeing a huge slowdown in sales.?
Dealerships in Clarkston, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Troy and Royal Oak weren’t so lucky, and were among those on the list of dealerships to close this summer.
Whether Palace Chrysler Jeep would benefit sales-wise when they do shutdown, Milosch was skeptical.
He said so many people will have lost their jobs in the area by then, he doesn’t expect to see a noticeable increase in sales.
As for the future of Chrysler, Milosch said the only thing anyone can do is wait and see what happens
‘It’s the big unknown right now,? he said.
General Motors also recently announced that it would shut down around 1,000 dealerships across the country, though as of this printing, they hadn’t been announced.
Representatives for Wally Edgar Cheverolet would not comment on the dealer closings.