Local Dealership Reacts to General Motors Changes

Latest from Associated Press:
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he's "absolutely committed" to the survival of the domestic auto industry.

Today, he's given GM and Chrysler some tough deadlines for restructuring. He's also demanding some painful concessions from creditors, unions and others.

In a White House speech, Obama said the companies - and the auto industry - must stand on their own, not as "wards of the state" supported by tax dollars.

GM is getting 60 days worth of financing to restructure, while Chrysler is getting up to $6 billion and 30 days to complete a deal with Italian automaker Fiat. The Obama administration also replaced GM's CEO Rick Wagoner with the company's chief operating officer, Fritz Henderson.

Here in Savannah…
Even in these tough times, local dealerships are staying positive. Dan Vaden Chevrolet is part of Vaden Automotive Group. Its vice president tells us he's confident things will only get better.

The key phrase of the day for Bill Daniel with Vaden Automotive Group is "think positive" even though Monday started with bad news about General Motors.

"Everybody was pumped up. You can't let things going on outside your control have anything to do with how you feel," says Bill. They choose to stay positive.

Overall, March has been a good month for Dan Vaden Chevrolet, good deals and good customers. "I think part of it is the good weather but also people are beginning to say, “Hey. We're ok. We're gonna be okay.’”

Bill says there's nothing wrong with the automotive industry that a little consumer confidence can't cure. Vaden dealerships have been around for nearly 50 years.

"At times like this, people want to go to places they trust. They can depend on. We see a lot of very positive people," says Bill. And that's what keeps he and his coworkers going in these tough times.

"Sure the information comes from national and Washington and you just wonder what will happen next. I think the important thing is that we are making progress as a country. We're making progress as an industry," says Bill.

"I'm optimistic that what the president is doing is going to make a positive change. I really am."

Bill says financing is a little more challenging, but they can do it. He also credits their success to members of the military who have been great customers. Overall, Bill thinks if they stay positive, changes nationally won't hurt them locally.