CHENANAGO – In the wake of bankruptcy, General Motors announced it would rejected the franchise agreements of 18 percent of its total dealerships while Chrysler cut nearly 25 percent of its entire network, claiming the closures were necessary for the survival of the companies.

Of the 1,1000 GM outlets that received notice, each of the four dealers in Chenango County, Benedict Corporation, Christman Motor Sales Inc., both of Norwich, McCredy Motors Inc. in Sherburne and Scoville-Meno Chevrolet Inc. in Bainbridge, all said they had been offered a place in the restructured company and would not be closing their doors.

Of the 789 announced closures, the sole Chrysler dealership in the county, Norwich Dodge Chrysler Jeep, in Norwich, also confirmed Thursday that it was spared the chopping block.

“I’m proud to say we’re part of the New General Motors and I’m also proud to say I’m looking forward to working with General Motors for the next 20 years before I retire,” said Christman’s owner Thomas L. Morrone.

Benedict’s owner, Trip deCordova read aloud a letter he received from GM dated June 1.

“On behalf of the entire GM team, as GM embarks on an exciting new future, I am extremely pleased that Benedict Corporation has been identified by GM as one of its key dealers.”

Spencer McCredy of McCredy Motors also confirmed that he had received GM’s letter and would sign it by the June 12 deadline.

Steve Scoville, president of the Scoville-Meno Family of Dealerships, issued a statement May 19 announcing the retention of the automotive group’s GM and Chrysler franchises, including its GM dealership in Bainbridge.

“We truly thank all our sales, service, parts, and body shop customers, who through their loyal patronage have made our longevity and success a reality over the past three decades,” said the statement.

According to GM’s website, all outlets not being closed are required to sign a new reorganizational agreement by June 12. None of the local dealerships wished to discuss the specifics of their new agreements with GM or how those changes may affect their future business, saying that the legality of the agreements made them confidential.

While Chrysler plans to close its 789 dealerships next week, less than a month after informing the franchise owners, GM will allow most of its standing agreements to expire in October of 2010 with the canceled franchises.

Those who do not accept the proposed agreement will face a similar fate and would only be allow to remain open until the 2010 deadline, when their contract agreements with GM expire.

Despite the greater recession and the car industry’s turmoil, some dealer’s are reporting good business.