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Batavia Chrysler to stay open as hundreds of others close nationwide

By Billie Owens

The Castilone Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealership in Batavia will stay in business.

The owner, Steve Castilone, was told about the decision this morning. It will continue to sell and service the brands for the Chrysler Corporation's as well as Chrysler's new partner, Fiat, of Italy.

Chrysler has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. 

According to an interview with WTBA, the news is a relief for Castilone.

Audio: Steve Castilone talks about receiving the letter this morning.

Audio: Steve Castilone talks about his business, which began as Hawley Motors generations ago and is was the oldest family owned Chrysler dealership in the nation.

Nationally, 789 dealership were told today they will be shut down.

George Richardson

Man, Funke and Hawley's was the first place I saw closed circuit video. I looked great in black and white and I got a free apple. Every kid in Batavia who could make it over there looked good in B&W and got free apple. All of our parents too, once a year when the new models arrived.

May 14, 2009, 5:37pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

This was taken from "R-News" :

"Chrysler announced it wants to close 789 dealerships, including four in our area.

Barry Dodge in Brockport, Marketplace Chrysler Plymouth in Rochester, Patrick Pontiac in Henrietta and Webster Chrysler Jeep are all scheduled to close. Patrick's dealership will remain open but will no longer offer the Jeep line."

The article goes on to say that Chrysler based their decision on sales volume, Castilone must be doing very well if he out sells some of these "Bigger Guys", we should be thankful that Batavia has such a dealership, and will continue to have them!

May 14, 2009, 10:23pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

I also just saw a video on WKBW (Chanel 7, Buffalo) that stated that GM will close 1,100 dealerships by the end of next year! One wonders how Zigrossi will fair! Maybe Howard can look into this?

May 14, 2009, 10:31pm Permalink

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