Reid says the
key to saving GM
is buying ‘local,’
buying ‘American’


By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – Amidst recent reports of GM’s bankruptcy filing, local GM dealer Mike Reid, owner of Country Chevrolet in Benton, is reassuring customers that everything is “business as usual.”

Reid says the company’s current status will in no way affect daily operations at his dealership.

“We are still receiving merchandise from GM and parts are always available,” he said. “There is not going to be a warranty or a service interruption for customers,” he added.

GM had filed chapter 13 in the wake of mounting debt citing more than $170 million in debt. This is the fourth largest bankruptcy in American history.

The Detroit automaker backs Reid’s statement that warranty coverage, service and customer support will continue uninterrupted, and that plants will continue to make cars and trucks.

Suppliers and GM’s 235,000 employees worldwide will continue to be paid, as well.

GMAC Financial Services said in a statement that it will continue to provide automotive financing to GM and Chrysler dealers and customers, and the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. said workers’ pension plans remain safe.

Reid said, “You have to remember, we have to support not only local, but American businesses, as well. GM used to be the number one car maker and we have to get them back in the black and back to the top.”

To continue to encourage customers to take advantage of savings, even in a slumping eceonomy, Reid said banks have gotten back in the “lending spirit” following months of cautious behavior amidst talks of recession.

“We are offering 0 percent for 60 months on some vehicles and with upcoming rebates, now is the time to buy.” Reid said the only thing local customers will have to worry about at his dealership is trying to decide which vehicle they want to take home.

GM will be shedding its Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab brands and cut loose more than 2,000 of its 6,000 U.S. dealerships by next year.

That could result in more than 100,000 additional job losses if those dealerships are forced to close. Reid said he does not expect to be one of those dealerships.