The Liberty Vindicator

Elvin Hayes, Liberty-Dayton GM AutoWorld dealer, said he would rather not sell new cars if it means being in business with the government.

Now that General Motors has filed bankruptcy, and the government has a 60 percent controlling interest over the corporation, Hayes is opting out of his relationship with GM.

Liberty-Dayton has been selling new cars on N. Main in Liberty since the 1950s, Hayes said.

Within just months the dealership will be exclusively pre-owned cars, which Hayes said is their biggest seller even with new cars to offer.

Typically the dealership sells about 350 new cars per year, Hayes said.

Wanting to maintain privacy, peace of mind and avoid making financial commitments demanded of the bankrupt auto maker, Hayes said he would rather serve the used car buyer.

In 1999, Hayes was with Ford who demanded a building change that iconized the brand and required a multi-million dollar commitment.

GM is now doing the same requiring a $3.6 million new building.

Hayes said a GM dealer in Texas City made that investment but lost his dealership through the car maker anyway.

He chooses not to take that risk.

"I think the government, right now, is involved in everything," Hayes said, quick to point out that he is an American citizen and loves his country but is concerned about a growing trend for government involvement, such as in health care.

In this case, "they are using bankruptcy to break down every law," Hayes said of the government-controlled GM.

The thirty employees at the dealership will keep their jobs and Hayes said they will continue to offer parts, service and body repair to customers.

The poor economy, Hayes said, is driving buyers toward less expensive pre-owned cars.

"GM on my sign will not stand for Government Motors," said Hayes.

Speak Out - comments from our readers
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the The Liberty Vindicator.

Wendy wrote on Jun 17, 2009 12:15 PM:

" test "

JK wrote on Jun 13, 2009 2:37 PM:

" Good for you sir. We get the leaders we deserve and we are fools. "

Speak Out - submit your comments
Comments may be reviewed for content before being posted