I see that Chrysler and GM will be closing thousands of car dealerships because of their current financial crises. What a shame.

My father (and mother for that matter) owned and personally operated a car dealership for over 25 years. He bought a Studebaker franchise back in 1952. He worked long hours as the only salesman, from 8 in the morning to 9 at night. It was a small operation with only 5-6 men and my mother taking care of business.

When Studebaker went under, he picked up a Lincoln-Mercury line, small potatoes in the car industry. But he survived with hard work and dedication, and, he was quite successful by the time he retired. (I was discouraged from getting involved in the dealership and taking over. Besides, I wasn't interested.)

I can't imagine what would have happened to our family and his employees' families if my father had to disband his dealership. He built up an honest reputation and made a decent living selling cars. He was highly respected in the community.

Yes, the automobile business is a cutthroat survival of the fittest. But I don't think a car dealer should be "forced" out from the headquarters. The company can't sell cars without the local dealer wheeling and dealing. If the product is available, customers will pick and choose the right vehicle for their needs. In other words, the decision to close up shop should be left up to the dealer. As long as the automobile company is still in business, leave it to the dealer to make or break his own dealership. And lots of luck!