GM spares most area dealers (GM to end 1,100 dealer franchises across the nation)

Most area GM dealers were spared word Friday that the struggling automaker will end their franchise agreements, but not before some anxious moments. GM on Friday informed 1,100 dealers around the country, almost 20 percent of its U.S. network, they would lose their franchises with the Detroit-based automaker by the end of 2010.

Jamie Marsh, of Bill Marsh Automotive Group in Traverse City, said his family's dealership, which includes Buick, GMC and Pontiac brands, was spared.

"We haven't heard anything. I'm taking that as good news," Marsh said. "We did not expect (a letter), but you never know."

GM sent out the notices one day after Chrysler LLC informed dozens of Michigan dealers it will pull out of their operations within the next several weeks. Those included dealerships in Petoskey, Cheboygan and Ludington.

Marsh said GM dealers received an e-mailed video Friday from Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of North American sales and marketing, outlining the company's draw-down plans. Marsh said GM will offer its dealers some help during the phase-out period.

"Their intention is to provide what they called 'wind-down assistance,'" Marsh said. "I think it will make for a little softer landing than what we saw with Chrysler."