Auto dealers who sell GM brands worry that images of the UAW strike against GM could hurt the brands' image, but in the short run, they said they have plenty of inventory and believe a short strike will help alleviate some of their excess stock of new cars and trucks. John Santilli, own of the Santilli Center for Automobiles in Brockton, Mass., a suburb of Boston, said the strike will impact business. In addition to Dodge and Nissan, he sells GM's Cadillac brand there. And it's been his strongest performer. "My guys are freaking out," Santilli said. "Yesterday, I was excited they might not build more trucks, because I'm gagging on them. We certainly don't need any more Escalades," he said. But then he realized his most important model was in jeopardy.
See "Dealers worried more about image than inventory", Sarah A. Webster, Detroit Free Press, September 24, 2007