When GM set out to reduce its dealer count by 2,000 units last year, it was met with grave resistance. At first, many dealers tried to invalidate the move, resulting in the creation of the Committee to Restore Dealer Rights (CDRD). Founded by Tammy Darvish, Jack Fitzgerald and Alan Spitzer, the CDRD lobbied Congress to outlaw The General’s plan.

Turning out to be unsuccessful, the CDRD was then able to pass an arbitration law that gave dealers a chance to reinstate. Of the 1,350 dealers set for closure, 1,160 took the opportunity to arbitrate. Of these 1,160 dealerships, 661 were retroactively reinstated and 499 have the option to contact GM for reinstatement or compensation – and “GM would consider it.” Of that 661, however, none include the seven stores owned by Darvish, Fitzgerald, and Spitzer, who believe GM is getting retribution for their involvement with the CDRD.

Stay tuned as we find out more. In the mean time, we invite Darvish, Fitzgerald, and Spitzer (individually or otherwise) to either write in to us or participate in the GM Authority Weekly Podcast. We would love to hear their story!

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]