Demise of dealerships

Re “Chrysler spreads the pain with move to drop dealers,” May 15

The Times reports that, to better compete against the likes of Toyota, Chrysler is reducing its number of dealerships by 789 (about 24%).

Sounds dramatic, but according to figures provided by The Times, if Chrysler wishes to create efficiencies in cars sold per dealership similar to that of Toyota, it actually needs to reduce its number of dealerships by about 76%. Obviously, it is not even coming close.

It’s sad to think that even at the brink of total failure, Chrysler is unwilling to emulate the model of its foreign competitor.

Chris Brewster

San Diego

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The forced closing of new-car dealerships is a glaring example of the inexperience and lack of business acumen of President Obama and his political appointees.

The dealerships are independent businesses and should be left to succeed or fail on their own.

The only results of the closings will be to push business to other, mostly foreign, car dealers, reduce sales tax revenues to cities and counties and put thousands more out of work.

Is there any common sense left in Washington?

David R. Gillespie

Bonita, Calif.