KIM’s bringing Santa’s home here
December 8, 2009
Galeand Raymond Theriot
December 10, 2009
With slumping sales numbers, the Thibodaux Chrysler Center has decided to shut its doors. Consolidation efforts moved forward earlier this year and are expected to be complete by Dec. 31.
According to motor vehicle registration numbers, the Chrysler center sold only two vehicles in October and one in November.
The Chrysler center had over 100 employees, some of who will be offered positions at surrounding dealerships, including sister company Southland Dodge in Houma.
However, Frank Teuton, the general manager of the Thibodaux Chrysler Center and Southland Dodge, said he is unsure how many employees will be retained. “We’re not 100 percent [certain] who we’ll be bringing over.”
Teuton also said that employees were given notice of the consolidation 60 days ago.
The decision to merge the Chrysler center came after declining sales in 2008 and a major drop in sales this year. The Chrysler center pushed a mere 14 vehicles off their lot in October 2008: two cars and 12 trucks.
The decision to consolidate was a mutual agreement between the Chrysler center and its corporate headquarters. Teuton said, since bankrupty, “Chrysler has been actively wanting to consolidate [it’s operations].”
He also said the decision was spurred by low market shares and a bad economy.
As the consolidation process continues, Teuton said “a handful of cars…” have already been taken to Southland Dodge.
Thibodaux Chrysler Center has decided to close operations by Dec. 31 in the wake of low sales. A dampened economy and decreased market shares also played a role in the closure. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER
