In June of 2009, General Motors issued a "wind down" letter to Bell Chevrolet-Olds, Inc. in Sistersville, WV. This letter stated that GM will not renew the dealership's franchise agreement in October of 2010. The reason stated for non-renewal of the Chevrolet Sales & Service Agreement is Low Volume of New Car Sales.

By chance, I have a letter in my possession that was addressed to Lawrence (Buck) Chevrolet dated 1918 that their Chevrolet franchise in Sistersville and surrounding areas was in jeopardy because of their Low Sales Volume. Buck Chevrolet went on to serve the community for 53 years prior to selling the dealership to Bell Chevrolet in 1971.

Bell Chevrolet's termination will cause a great hardship for its employees, customers and friends who buy from and get service at the Sistersville facility. Many of our customers will be forced to travel inconvenient distances to purchase and have their cars & trucks serviced.

Bell Chevrolet has appealed the decision by GM to Federal Arbitration as have 1579 other dealers throughout the United States. It will be the arbitrators duty to balance the economic interest of the covered dealership, the economic interest of the covered manufacturer, the economic interest of the public at large and shall decide, based on that balancing, whether or not the covered dealership should be added to the dealer network.

Bell Chevrolet, its employees, customers and friends seek your help in restoring its ability to remain a GM dealer, keeping alive a 39 year tradition.