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Nearly a year after General Motors Corp. stunned dealers by saying it would stop making its Oldsmobile line, the Columbus dealership that likely stood to lose the most is nearing a settlement with the automaker.
Chris Haydocy, dealer-principal of Haydocy Pontiac GMC Truck Oldsmobile Buick, said GM has made his family an offer for the financial loss it expects to incur as a result of GM's decision.
"They put all their cards on the table," Haydocy said. "Now it's my decision to accept it or reject it. ... In essence we have a verbal agreement."
Olds dealers around the city are in varying stages of negotiations with GM, but Haydocy faced a problem that separated it from the rest: The dealership built an Oldsmobile showroom with GM's help shortly before the automaker announced last Dec. 12 that it would pull the line.
Dan Heintz, general manager and vice president of Immke Cadillac Oldsmobile Honda on Sawmill Road, settled with GM two months ago. Immke will continue selling Oldsmobiles until production ends in 2005.
Meanwhile, Jim Gill, owner of Chesrown Oldsmobile GMC Kia Inc. on Karl Road, continues talks initiated last January.
"I've learned patience," Gill said. "It's been a pretty good process. Other than the initial shock of...