GM dealers expect word on plans to cut 1,100 shops

[May 15, 2009]  DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Corp. dealers across the nation are awaiting word from the company on whether they will be fired.

GM says it will notify 1,100 U.S. dealers on Friday that their franchise agreements will not be renewed.

Dealers expect to hear either by telephone or FedEx letters that will begin arriving in the morning.

The company says it has too many dealerships for too few sales and must make the cuts as part of its government-ordered restructuring plan.

The cuts come a day after Chrysler LLC told a quarter of its dealers that their services are no longer needed.

[Associated Press; By TOM KRISHER]

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