Minneapolis auto dealer Denny Hecker was hospitalized last night after an auto accident in Plymouth, Minn.

Hecker, 56, is in fair condition at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbindale, Minn., after the vehicle he was driving went off a dark Minneapolis-area road and struck a utility pole about 8:15 p.m., the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported today. Hecker was alone at the time.

John Austin, a spokesman at Hecker's Minneapolis group, said Hecker was "banged up pretty good, but he's not in any life-threatening condition."

Hecker's business network is reeling. In mid-October, Chrysler Financial withdrew floorplanning support for several dealerships and pulled credit for his leasing and rental car operations. Hecker closed six dealerships, laying off 400 employees, and sold three stores in Minnesota and California.

Hecker had owned 16 stores in Minnesota and three in California that handled 17 brands. He also owns Advantage Rent A Car of San Antonio and a national leasing business.

On Nov. 13, Hecker sued Chrysler Financial, charging that his credit line was cut off without adequate warning.

Other parts of Hecker's empire may be for sale, Automotive News reported in Monday's edition. Spokesman Austin said last week: "We're looking at all options. We're trying to work out a new business model."

Source:- http://www.autonews.com/article/20081204/ANA05/812049958/1078

RCS