Customer Update:
 
These are indeed difficult economic times for all of us--particularly us in the automotive business.  Every day it seems there is a new challenge.  Today there is an article about me in the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal rehashing old news.  While I cannot control negative press, I can choose to remain positive and share with you my thoughts.
 
Last year I closed or sold certain dealerships that had been financed by Chrysler Financial and I have been in litigation with Chrysler Financial ever since.  Chrysler Financial also financed certain real estate and is seeking to foreclose its mortgages on that real estate.  Despite these distractions, I have continued to operate my remaining 8 dealerships that are not financed by Chrysler Financial and continue to provide excellence in sales and service to our customers.  Chrysler Financial does hold mortgages on the real estate where three of my current dealerships operate.  These foreclosure actions on the real estate do not and will not affect the dealership operations— only who will own the real estate.  In any event, I retain the redemption rights on any of these properties subject to foreclosure.  Hence this 60-day period is just one of many milestones in the process.  The ultimate disposition of the property remains to be seen.
 
With the conclusion of the sale of Advantage Rent A Car to Enterprise in early April, 2009, I will continue to concentrate my efforts on the day to day operations of the dealerships and other owned companies.  I am asking everyone at the dealerships to put their best efforts forward to serve you, our customers, and make your experience what you have come to expect from me.  Quality products, knowledgeable staff and a friendly place to do business.  I’ve been fortunate enough to serve the Twin Cities for over 25 years and I plan on continuing that service for a long time to come.  I have never been more proud of my staff and together we are strong and will survive these adverse times if we stay focused on doing the best job we can. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Denny