SANFORD -- Bill Heard, one of the nation's largest car dealerships, is closing all 13 of its locations, including one in Sanford.
Dealership executives said financial pressures contributed to their decision, and this is the most recent turmoil the company faces.
In 2007, it dealt with a $50 million deceptive advertising lawsuit.
However, Tuesday's decision to close all the dealerships came as a shock to employees.
Workers told News 13 they had only two hours to pack up their belonging and leave.
"Monday morning they had a meeting saying ‘No, don't worry about it. We're staying open.’ Tuesday, they had a meeting. ‘Don't worry about the rumors. We're staying open.’ 3 o'clock today, they come in (and) say, ‘We're closed. Get your tools and get out," said Jeff Barton, who was laid off from Bill Heard Chevrolet.
Barton said workers aren't getting any severance packages, and a corporate manager told them their paychecks could bounce.
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