Economy claims another Las Vegas auto dealership

By Kyle B. Hansen

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 | 4:02 p.m.

Integrity Chrysler Jeep Dodge announced today that the dealership will close May 29 after being “buffeted by both dramatic decreases in sales and difficulties in the credit markets.”

The dealership, at Interstate 215 and Rainbow Boulevard, said stakeholders tried without success for months to come up with a plan to keep the business open. Management informed 120 employees on Monday of the pending termination of the dealership’s franchises and the closure.

“We understand that the loss of a job, especially in this economic climate, is a traumatic event and we want to do all within our ability to help our people manage through the difficult circumstances,” General Manager Dave Wick said in a statement.

“In addition to providing information about changes in insurance coverage and other benefits, we are encouraging personnel to utilize company resources such as computers, Internet, fax machines, etc., to help facilitate their planning,” Wick said in the statement.

In an interview today, Wick said customers who have purchased cars at the dealership, which boasts that it is the largest Chrysler dealer on the West Coast, can go to other dealers for service.

“Warranties are supported by the manufacturer, and they can take the vehicle to any Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership and those will be honored,” he said.

The manufacturer and finance companies will decide what to do with the existing inventory at the dealership, he said.

The company’s Web site says it was established in 2004 by Greg Bashant, who is listed on the secretary of state’s Web site as president of the company. Wick would not discuss ownership of the business.

Integrity’s closure comes a day after an anonymous source said in an Associated Press story that Chrysler is planning to eliminate 800 of its 3,200 dealers on Thursday.

Wick said the decision to close the dealership was made locally and was unrelated to any reported plans by Chrysler. Chrysler, which has received $4 billion in government loans, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York on April 30.