As reports surface that Chrysler may cut a quarter of its franchises across the nation, nervous Ventura County auto dealerships are struggling to stand out in an industry that has been crushed by higher fuel prices, the economy and shifting customer tastes. [Editor’s note: Read a related story about Chrysler dealerships in the Tri-Counties here.]

Chrysler, which has received $4 billion in government loans, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late April. Despite losing 400 dealers in the past year, the Associated Press said the company is looking to eliminate 800 more, news that could prove fatal to the few remaining Chrysler dealerships in the Tri-Counties.

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