Economy claims another business

[bubbiesdad]

Economy claims Harry Lane ChryslerSave Email Print

Posted: 9:36 AM Mar 9, 2009

Last Updated: 2:13 PM Mar 9, 2009

Reporter: Brian Gregory

Email Address: brian.gregory@wvlt-tv.com

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Harry Lane Chrysler

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WVLT) -- The weakened economy appears to be claiming another East Tennessee car dealership.

VolunteerTV.com has obtained a letter, sent to employees on Friday, announcing the closing of Harry Lane Chrysler-Plymouth-Kia on North Peters Road in West Knoxville.

According to the letter signed by by Kenny, Mary and Kellye Lane, the dealership will operate for approximately 45 days and then continue with a skeleton workforce to "finalize details."

The letter sent to employees on Friday says: "After the passing of Mr. Harry Lane, the founder of Harry Lane Chrysler-Plymouth-Kia Inc., we have tried to move forward in his footsteps and carry on the car business he truly loved. To our regret, with the current economic conditions, we must start the process of closing the dealership."

Reached on the phone Monday morning, Kenny Lane confirmed the letter, but disputed the dealership was closing.

"We're not closing, we're just restructuring," Lane said. "We're having a little rough time, but we're sticking together."

When asked by a reporter why the letter sent to employees specifically mentions the dealership is closing, Kenny Lane said, "We're doing everything in our power to stay open."

The letter says the parts and service department will remain open.

Harry Lane Chrysler becomes the second high profile East Tennessee dealership to close in recent months.

Lifetime Kia of Morristown closed just two days before the end of 2008.

[TGO David]

Daimler-Chrysler itself is on its death bed. It's no surprise to me that any of their dealerships are closing shop.

[Guest jackdog]

Ford dealer here in Dover, went down for good last week, after 58 yrs in business.

They were a good group to deal with.

[Magiccarpetrides]

Sometimes working out of a trailer isnt such a bad thing. I actually took a KIA we had down there for repairs and my shade tree mechanic up the road in Sevierville ended up fixing it. I hate to see people lose their jobs, but.....

[ftncityfatboy]

Sometimes working out of a trailer isnt such a bad thing. I actually took a KIA we had down there for repairs and my shade tree mechanic up the road in Sevierville ended up fixing it. I hate to see people lose their jobs, but.....

since the old man died, couldn't have happened to a better bunch. they folk's are not high on my list of favorite business's in knoxville. if only harry were still alive....