Chrysler To Sell Controversial Los Angeles Dealership

When it opened last year Chrysler‘s Motor Village, located in downtown Los Angeles, made quite the impression, though not entirely a good one.

The corporate owned store was created by shutting down a franchise dealer, which caused quite an upset among local Chrysler dealers who argued that the company breached state franchise laws which bar it from opening up and running a store within 10 miles of other dealers.

Now after almost a year, the Auburn Hills, Michigan based automaker plans to sell Motor Village to New Century Automotive Group, after a constant stream of complaints from local auto retailers.

North Hollywood based New Century is owned by Dennis Lin, a successful Southern California car dealer who operates multiple import brand stores in the region.

As part of the agreement, Chrysler will retain ownership of the land and buildings, through its realty division, though New Century will own the franchise rights and inventory.

“I really think that Chrysler Group and Fiat are a great marriage,” stated Lin during a recent press statement. “We have Fiats now and more coming in the near future. I’m excited about the new and improved Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram products that were launched this year, and the new product coming out now for 2012. I’m very comfortable adding Chrysler Group and Fiat to the product lines I already sell.”

Part of the reason New Century was attracted to Motor Village, was not only the downtown LA location, but also the way the facility is set up, with individual sections for each vehicle brand, as well as it’s loft appearance, which provides a somewhat intimate, sophisticated ambiance, distinctly different from most modern dealerships.

[Source: Left Lane News]