UPDATE: Leep stunned by Chrysler closing of Gurley-Leep dealership

By JIM MEENAN, Tribune Staff Writer

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 14, 2009 at 11:46 AM EST

Story Updated: May 14, 2009 at 1:10 PM EST

Mike Leep Sr., president of the Gurley Leep Automotive Family, was stunned when he got the news Thursday.

Donna Lochmandy, owner of Heart City Automotive in Elkhart, was not.

Both were among area dealerships that were informed by Chrysler that they would no longer have their Chrysler dealerships as part of the company’s reorganization in bankruptcy.

"You could have knocked me over with a feather," Leep said, referring to when he received word Thursday morning. "It was totally without warning. I am extremely disheartened.

"We have been with Chrysler since Dec. 10, 1970 –– with just a few years off –– that I was not a dealer.

"Our customer satisfaction index was the best in our area and we treated our customers fairly.

"Obviously, they have another plan. And we had 39 wonderful years with Chrysler."

Leep said his group will re-evaluate its options. He said he did not believe there was any way to fight the closing in a bankruptcy. "Luckily we are not just stuck with one manufacturer," he said, "so we will have other options with this facility."

Donna Lochmandy, owner of Heart City Automotive in Elkhart, which also sells Toyotas and used cars, was not surprised to find her dealership’s name on the list of those that would be cut.

"I was very much expecting it," she said. "We have only the Chrysler franchise here (not Dodge and Jeep). We have been selling just a few Chryslers a month."

Lochmandy said it would not affect the amount of employees she has.

"We do a good Toyota and used car business and we have a good service department," she said.

Other local dealers on the list include Sorg South in Warsaw and Siemans Imports Inc. in St. Joseph.

However, Siemans Chrysler Products on Red Arrow Highway in Bridgman did survive.

So did Tyler Automotive’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Niles.

"We are extremely relieved," said Scott Tyler, its owner. "We have been a loyal Chrysler dealer for many, many years.

"We take our current and future relationship with Chrysler very, very seriously and we value it highly. We will be a Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, GEM and Fiat dealer going forward."

Tyler said he believed his dealerships long-standing ability to service customers along with a convenient location (off U.S. 12 and just up Indiana 933 on S. 11th Street in Niles) on the Michigan/Indiana border, also played a role in the decision.

Continue to check this Web site and read Friday’s South Bend Tribune for updates on this story.

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