WASHINGTON (March 26, 2010) - The following is a statement by Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA):

“The announcement by Chrysler today of its intent to reinstate 50 dealers is a move in the right direction. This, coupled with previous contracts or Letters of Intent awarded to 36 other closed dealerships, brings the total to 86 dealerships that could be reinstated. NADA views this as a good faith effort, and hopes that this carries forward in Chrysler's continuing settlement and arbitration discussions with the other terminated dealers.”