ATLANTA — Many American Car Center customers and employees are frantic, looking for the next steps after the used car dealership shut its doors last week, documents show.
Bloomberg reported people familiar with the matter said an email was sent to workers Friday informing them the Memphis, Tenn. headquarters was shutting down and that operations would cease.
The company's website lists more than 40 locations mainly across the southeast, including nine in Georgia. The metro Atlanta car lots include locations in Chamblee, Conyers, Marietta, Riverdale, and Stone Mountain.
The Tennessee State Department of Labor also has a notice on its website saying the agency was notified of a permanent closure on Feb. 24, referencing hundreds of workers also lost their jobs behind the move.
11Alive visited the Chamblee location Tuesday and spotted cars being hauled off the lot. The store was also closed.
American Car Center
The car retailer's customers are frustrated by the news. Some are wondering what will happen next with their vehicles and contracts.
Tuesday, a message on American Car Center's website tells customers they should still continue to make payments to American Financial according to the terms of their agreement. However, they added, "American Financial is not currently able to accept payments to a live representative."
These are the options they listed for customers to continue to make payments:
- Pay online through the payment portal
- Pay by phone by calling (877) 720-4477
- Pay in person at a CheckFreePay location
An apology was also included in the message; they also mentioned updates would be posted on the website.
Georgia customers who can't make payments through the options the company provided can also file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division. They can be reached online or by calling 404-651-8600.
11Alive has reached out to American Car Center multiple times, but hasn't received a response. We also reached out to York Capital, who owns the company; those emails have not been returned yet.