Area Chrysler dealers fighting back with petition

Area Chrysler dealers who are facing the company's effort to revoke franchises are fighting back.

A visit to Corwin's dealership Web site, www.corwinjeep.net, brings up a window that not only sums up the viewpoint of many Chrysler dealers but also calls for action. Corwin, as well as New City Auto Sales of Weirton and Pavlik Chevrolet-Chrysler in Weirton have joined with a group of dealers who want customers to send their thoughts to Congress.

The special window on the Corwin Web site includes a link to www.petition2congress.com, a site that offers a free opportunity to express opinions about major issues to Congress. There is a link on the site entitled, "Stop Chrysler and the Government From Terminating Dealers."

Corwin said while he doesn't expect efforts to be successful at reversing Chrysler's decision to use its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to end the service and franchise agreements of 789 dealers, he thinks it can at least be delayed. And there's a more important principle at stake.

"I think people need to understand that this is a blueprint going forward to what could be done to other businesses. My son the other night put it best. He said, 'What if the government decides that I should only milk 30 cows instead of 60?' Where does this stop," Corwin said.

Further, Corwin emphasized that eliminating dealers means less competition, which means higher prices to consumers.

"It's free. You send a free e-mail on petition2congress.com. Type Chrysler in the search box and put your comments in there," he said.

The introduction to the petition on the Corwin Web site says, "As you know, Chrysler has disenfranchised us. Hopefully, we can continue our great service as a full-service used Jeep dealer. In the meantime, we will fight them in court ... Stop this madness. Stop the unlawful, immoral termination of Chrysler dealerships across the country."

The introduction to the petition goes on to state that Chrysler has taken taxpayer money and is using it to "put at least 40,000 hard-working Americans out of work, many of whom will lose their homes and life savings as a result."

"This assault on the middle class must be stopped," the petition states.

The dealerships call on Chrysler to buy back dealer vehicle inventories and pay for the terminated franchises.

"Hiding behind bankruptcy laws in order to destroy lives and voice franchise contracts may be legal, but it is immoral and un-American," the statement reads.

When interviewed after hearing word from Chrysler last week, Corwin emphasized he wants to avoid bankruptcy because "that stiffs other people."

As of Thursday afternoon, 5,526 letters and e-mails had been sent regarding the Chrysler action through petition2congress.com.

(Giannamore can be contacted at pgiannamore@heraldstaronline.com.)