New York - As many as 80 stores closed in last 18 months

[XDCX]

A news report quoted the president of the Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers that as many as 80 dealerships have closed in New York over the past 18 months.

Here's a link to the news report: http://www.dailygazette.com/news/200.../0914_Hybrids/

Many parts of the East Coast have a heavy concentration of dealers that carry the same brand. This dates back to the 1920s and 1930s when the manufacturers felt the best method to increasing sales was to add more dealerships.

The combination of a slow economy, high fuel prices and low consumer confidence have been more than many of the stores could weather.