From WFPL's Kristin EspelandChrysler announced Thursday that it wants to close hundreds of U.S. dealerships as part of its bankruptcy plans.The troubled automaker announced plans to close nearly 800 of its Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealerships across the country.Close to 20 dealerships in Kentucky and Indiana could be affected, including several in the Louisville area.But they may not go quietly.The National Association of Auto Dealers is launching a public relations and Capitol Hill lobbying campaign to try to convince the Obama administration to intervene.In a written statement, an association spokesperson said dealers understand the company is in financial trouble. But they believe they shouldn’t pay the price for it.The spokesperson also says nearly 40,000 jobs nationwide could be in jeopardy because of the closings. The manufacturer filed for bankruptcy two weeks ago.The Louisville-area dealerships being targeted include Neil Huffman Dodge, Alex Montgomery in Mt. Washington, Ray's Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep in Brandenburg and Coyle Dodge in New Albany, Indiana.A complete list of dealerships targeted for closing can be found here.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.