Tarbox appeals Chrysler franchise terminations

NEW YORK - Two Chrysler dealerships in Southern New England are appealing a bankruptcy judge’s order terminating their franchises and those of more than 700 others.

Tarbox Motors in North Kingstown and Tarbox Chrysler Jeep in Attleboro filed a notice of appeal on Friday, saying that they were appealing the decision to U.S. District Court.

Earlier this month, U.S. Judge Arthur Gonzalez ruled that Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler LLC could terminate the franchise agreements of 789 of its dealers as part of its restructuring plan.

Chrysler said it needed to reduce its dealer base to emerge from bankruptcy protection as a stronger company.

But the dealers argued in court that the move would result in the shuttering of hundreds of dealerships.