Chrysler to Shutter 13 Stores in Georgia

Big Three automaker Chrysler has announced it will close nearly 800 of its dealerships, including more than a dozen here in Georgia. The company said its network is antiquated and has too many stores competing with each other.

Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection in late April, citing weak domestic sales. Thirteen Chrysler dealerships in Georgia will close, including two in Newnan. The others are in Acworth, Claxton, Clayton, Cleveland, Dalton, Decatur, Jackson, Milledgeville, Savannah and Thomaston.

In a written statement, U-S Treasury officials say the company’s decision to shut down dealers was a "necessary" step to help the troubled carmaker rebound. The Obama administration's auto task force "played no role" in deciding which or how many dealers would close in the consolidation plan, the Treasury said.