A prominent Dalton car dealership says it will not close, in spite of an announcement from Chrysler/Dodge last week.

Jim Higdon, the Business Manager with Courtesy Dodge in Dalton said, "We’ve been here 20 years… we’re going to be here another 20."

Higdon said they received the letter from Chrysler/Dodge advising they could no longer be a franchise as of June 9. He said the dealership currently has 40 new Dodge’s that they hope to sell before that date. He says if they don’t, they will request an extension of the factory rebate deals currently being offered, although he added, "we hope to sell them all by the ninth."

The dealership will remain open under a yet-to-determined new name. Higdon said it would still definitely include the word "Courtesy." The dealership will sell used cars exclusively.

"We’re going to be the used car superstore," said Higdon.

He added that he does not believe the loss of the Chysler/Dodge franchise will be a serious blow to the business.

"As long as we keep our financing, I don’t think we’ll miss (the Dodge franchise)," said Higdon. "I like Dodge products. I’ve been selling them 11 years. But once we become the Used Car Superstore, I think it might be a blessing in disguise."

Learn more at www.courtesydodgeonline.com

WTVC