Winfield Motor Co., Zeller Motors to remain open
Both Cowley County Chrysler dealers survived the cut when the bankrupt automaker told 789 dealers it would drop them.
By Garrett Pruitt
Cowley County’s two Chrysler dealerships learned Thursday that they made the cut.
Chrysler LLC, now in bankruptcy, sent notices to all 3,200 of its U.S. dealers. Seven hundred eighty-nine were told they would no longer sell Chrysler products. Winfield Motor Co. and Zeller Motors in Arkansas City were on the list of dealers that will be franchised by the company that comes out of the bankruptcy.
“We were lucky enough to be one of the ones who were not cut,” said Larry Raber, president of Winfield Motor Co. He said he had lost sleep waiting for the announcement. “It’s not a good deal for a lot of people.”
Mark Robbins, owner of Zeller Motors, was happy but careful. “I don’t think we’re out of the woods as far as the company is concerned,” he said.
Chrysler is working toward a partnership with the Italian automaker Fiat. Until that happens, the United Auto Workers and the federal government are expected to hold most of the shares in the new company.
Dealers in the region expected to lose Chrysler lines include Countryside Motors in Wellington, Stevens Chrysler Jeep Dodge in west Wichita and Wilson Chevrolet in Stillwater, Okla.