Link:
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...NA06/809220374
Amy Wilson - Automotive News
DETROIT — Through August, General Motors trimmed its U.S. dealership count this year by 226 stores, to 6,550.
And through year end, GM's U.S. sales chief expects the closure rate to quicken. The final toll for 2008? It could be 350 to 400 closed stores, said Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of North America vehicle sales, service and marketing. That's what GM expects, not a target, he said.
That would compare with a reduction of 260 stores in 2007 and 87 stores in 2006. Given the industry sales downturn this year and the projection for 2009, GM wants consolidation activity to pick up, LaNeve told Automotive News.
GM Dealership Count* as of September 1, 2008:
Chevrolet: 3,786
Pontiac: 1,083
Buick: 557
Saturn: 404
Cadillac: 301
GMC: 289
Saab: 106
Hummer: 24
Total: 6,550
*Note: GM says stores with multiple franchises are counted under the brand considered to be the controlling franchise.
Full article at link.