Chickashanews.com

July 9, 2009

Holt to close Yukon Chevy shop, focuses on Chickasha

Staff and wire reports

John Holt will close his Chevrolet dealership in Yukon and concentrate on John Holt Chevrolet in Chickasha.

GM targeted Holt’s Yukon dealership for closure even though the dealership has posted its best sales in 10 years.

Holt says that although the dealership hasn't historically performed well, its future seemed bright.

"That was my argument with General Motors. We were on our way to doing some great things with this store, but historically it has not performed,” he said.

Holt appealed the decision to close his dealership but lost. With the Chickasha location doing much better, he realized it was better to give up on Chevrolet. Holt said he signed a wind down deal with GM that will ultimately lead to the dealership closing.

"If you didn't sign it, and you fought it, you lose in bankruptcy court and you lose all your rights as a dealer right then," Holt said.

He says he now will focus on his dealership in Chickasha. Fifteen of the 40 workers at the Yukon dealership reporteldy will transfer to the Chickasha store.