[mark-r]

GM/Ford/Chrysler have a symbiotic relationship with their dealers - they both need each other to survive. Neither wants to see a new upstart that might someday eat their lunch.

Presumably if the makers had a do-over, they might try direct to the consumer themselves, but the present conditions make that impossible.

[Igglyboo]

Uh no they don't. The dealers need the manufacturers to survive, the manufacturers could easily open their own dealerships and sell their cars cheaper while running the old dealers out of business.

The dealerships do not benefit the manufacturer.