KENSINGTON, Md. — Fitzgerald Auto Malls recently received a mixed bag of resolutions concerning the future of its franchise operations tied to Chrysler and General Motors.

First, the company learned Chrysler had reinstated its Chrysler and Jeep franchises in Florida.

According to the company, the Florida arbitrator described owner Jack Fitzgerald as a consumer advocate. Fitzgerald believes Chrysler singled him out because of his pro-consumer way of doing business.

"The Florida win is good news, and I thank our customers for coming out and supporting us," Fitzgerald stated.

Despite the good news in Florida, Fitzgerald lost its arbitration case to keep his Chrysler rooftops in Maryland.

But what delighted dealership management the most was that it did not have to go through any arbitration process with GM. Fitzgerald said he is "very grateful" to GM for listening to his customers and not forcing Fitzgerald Auto Malls through arbitration.

"On balance, we feel this is a great victory for our customers and we appreciate and will always remember their support," Fitzgerald added.

The company showed empathy to all Chrysler and GM dealers who were affected when the automakers declared bankruptcy last year.

"The new executives claimed that cutting dealers was a way for manufacturers to become profitable," Fitzgerald declared.

"Effected dealerships across the United States lost their businesses overnight, but much more was lost. Employees lost their jobs and communities who looked to the local dealers as pillars of strength for charitable work and donations suffered," he added.