General Motors has reversed course and spared its Winchester dealer from a restructuring plan that would have eliminated his franchise agreement next year.
Mike Wilson, the only dealer of new GM vehicles in Winchester, told the Herald-Leader on Monday that GM granted his appeal, one of only a handful approved nationwide. The dealership sells Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick and GMC products.
"I was concerned, but I was never worried," said Mike Wilson, who assumed ownership of the dealership in 1998.
He said GM originally targeted him because the dealership wasn't measuring as high as GM liked with its sales effectiveness for the Pontiac and Buick brands.
But Wilson compiled stats showing its favorable performance on many other indicators. He also noted that the company acquired the Pontiac, Buick and GMC franchises only a couple of years ago and that when it did, it became the fourth owner in a five-year span.
He also credited advice that he received from Ed Peper, the head of Chevrolet whom he met a few years ago and called as he prepped the appeal. "I knew what I might need to focus on and what General Motors might consider for a viable appeal," he said.
