By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Abercrombie Chevrolet of Hartselle, a business with 53 years of experience in serving the public, is one of the victims of General Motors Corporation’s latest attempt to prevent bankruptcy and restore its profitability.
The business was notified by letter last week that its contract with GM will not be renewed effective Oct. 1, 2010, according to Alvin Abercrombie, the founder and owner.
The same letter was received by about 1,l00 other GM dealers throughout the nation, representing some 20 percent of the company’s franchised dealers.
The Abercrombie family released the following written statement: “We feel this serves to confirm our family’s allegations contained in our lawsuit filed against General Motors, Chevrolet Zone Manager Mike Moore, and GMAC for attempting to unfairly force us out of business after 53 years of continuous service. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many customers and friends for their business and support. It is our plan to immediately transition to a used vehicle sales and service operation.”
Abercrombie had filed suit earlier in the year alleging GM was attempting to force him out of business. Morgan County Circuit Judge Steve Haddock has given Abercrombie until June 30 to counter a motion by GM, Michael Moore and General Motors Acceptance Company to dismiss the claim.
A hearing on the case has been set for Aug. 6.
Abercrombie Chevrolet opened business in Carbon Hill in 1956 and operated there for nine years before purchasing Stewart Bros. Motor Co and relocating to Hartselle in 1965.
He added that the loss of the GM franchise would result in the loss of eight to 10 jobs.