We're Not Going Anywhere...

For Immediate Release


Tuesday, June 2, 2009, without any fanfare or media attention, General Motors notified, by FedEx delivery, all 6,000 dealers across the country providing them with personalized instructions as to the status of their franchises going forward. Two weeks ago, GM notified 1,100 dealers that their agreements would not be renewed. Today, the phase-out options were spelled out for these 1,100 plus an additional 500 dealers across the country.


With each letter was attached either a “Participation Agreement”, a “Wind-down Agreement”, or in some cases- both. A “Participation Agreement” provided a dealer operator with the terms and conditions that would allow their franchises to be assumed by the new GM. A “Wind-Down Agreement” informed the dealers that their location was not viable beyond the expiration of the dealer agreement as of October 31, 2009. These dealer agreements will be assumed by the new GM but will not be renewed. The wind-down provided some assistance to the dealer to aid them in winding down their operations over the next 16 months, allowing them to sell down vehicle inventory and parts over time. Terms of either agreement are non-negotiable and are not subject to any appeal process. Just like that- your future as a GM dealer has been determined by a letter!


Northwest Hills Dealerships in Torrington is pleased to announce that GM informed the dealership that “it has been identified by GM as one of its key dealers for the Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC Truck brands.” As a result, the dealer franchise agreements will be assigned to the New GM and the dealership will continue to operate in Torrington representing these great brands.


Regrettably, Northwest Hills was not as fortunate in retaining the Cadillac brand and as a result, will no longer be able to sell Cadillac’s beyond October 31, 2010. “While we were very excited that GM recognized the importance of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC in Torrington, we were very disappointed to learn that it decided to eliminate the Cadillac division from Litchfield County as it has had such a proud history in the area” said Kevin Sullivan, General Manager of Northwest Hills, “part of GM’s restructuring includes creating a limited Cadillac dealer network, comparable in quantity and locale to that of Lexus, Mercedes, or Infiniti- and to create larger volume stores. One of the many problems with that decision, as I see it, is that Litchfield County residents will then be required to travel a substantial distance to purchase a Cadillac.” Northwest Hills intends to sell Cadillac’s through October 31, 2010 and will continue to service them beyond then.


GM had previously announced the gradual elimination of the Pontiac brand, and therefore, Northwest Hills will wind-down its Pontiac sales arm by the end of October 31, 2010 as well. The warranties of all GM vehicles, including Pontiac, will continue to be honored by GM, and performed by Northwest Hills Dealerships.


“We are thrilled to be able to continue to represent GM with Chevy Buick and GMC in Torrington. My family has had a long history with GM going back to 1954, when my grandfather, John Kenney, became the dealer at O’Neill’s Chevrolet Buick in Avon, and my father, Larry Sullivan, a GM dealer since 1986” said Kevin Sullivan. “The Sullivan family is looking forward to the new GM- leaner, greener, and stronger than ever!”


About Northwest Hills Dealerships: owned an operated by the Sullivan family since 1998, they operate Northwest Hills Chevrolet Pontiac and Northwest Hills Chrysler Jeep on 2033-2065 East Main Street in Torrington and Northwest Hills Cadillac Buick GMC, downtown at 790 Main Street in Torrington. For further information, please contact Kevin Sullivan at 860-482-0700 or visit www.nwhcars.com