WASHINGTON -- The chiefs of General and Chrysler told Congress on Wednesday they have too many dealers to support their slimmed down operations and sacrifices must be shared as they fight to overcome bankruptcy and survive, according to The Associated Press.
They acknowledged that slashing dealerships is causing pain in communities around the country.

GM is aiming for "fewer, stronger brands as well as fewer, stronger dealers," GM President Fritz Henderson said in testimony prepared for the Senate Commerce Committee. "These are tough times for everyone in the GM family."

Chrysler President James Press told the panel in prepared remarks: "Poor performing dealers cost us customers...If they don't sell cars, we don't either."

Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., suggested both companies were abandoning customers and dealers, some of whose families have been in the business for decades.

"I don't believe that companies should be allowed to take taxpayer funds for a bailout and then leave local dealers and their customers to fend for themselves with no real notice and no real help," Rockefeller said in an opening statement. "That is just plain wrong."