General Motors Corp. CEO Fritz Henderson (AP file photo)

GM, Chrysler execs go to Senate Wed.

Henderson, Press to answer questions about dealers

Updated: Monday, 01 Jun 2009, 11:38 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 01 Jun 2009, 11:37 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Top executives from General Motors and Chrysler will appear before a Senate committee Wednesday to address concerns about hundreds of dealership closings as the two automakers work through government-led bankruptcies.

GM CEO Fritz Henderson and Chrysler President Jim Press will appear before the Senate Commerce Committee chaired by Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, who has questioned the large-scale closing of dealerships.

Chrysler has announced plans to close about a quarter of its 3,200 U.S. dealerships by June 9. GM plans to drop about 20 percent of its dealers by late next year.

The lawmakers will also hear from dealers affected by the changes.

GM filed for bankruptcy protection Monday and Chrysler is hoping to emerge from bankruptcy within weeks.