economy

The auto market's struggles isn't just about dealerships closing, it's also resulting in tremendous consolidation.

Major Fortune 500 companies owning dealerships isn't new (AutoNation, Sonic Automotive), but now smaller groups are seeing the current state of the auto industry as an opportunity to expand.

Family-owned car dealerships are hit the hardest in these times. They don't have the resources to keep going, to feed the family, without the constant stream of revenues.

A few points on the so-called "bailout" of the auto industry.

While I'm not an economist, I do have some grip on logic. When you add everything up, I believe the loans are absolutely necessary for our economy.

1. GM, Chrysler and Ford going bankrupt will cost us four times more than the loans. So let's not think we're saving money, or our economy, by allowing them to enter bankruptcy. We just get hit more in the wallet.