Store switches from test drives to blood drives

DETROIT — For the second time in 11 years, Livonia Chrysler-Jeep has been forced to close its showroom through no fault of its own.

The suburban Detroit dealership reopened in 2015 after President Colleen McDonald prevailed in her six-year battle over its termination as part of Chrysler’s bankruptcy reorganization. Business had been on a steady climb since then, until the store had to suspend sales last month under Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s rather surreal, being in a position like this again, knowing what we’ve done,” McDonald said.

But the dealership’s doors have not been completely shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused layoffs, school closures and stay-at-home orders throughout the U.S. Its showroom has become a makeshift site for much-needed blood donations as health care facilities become overwhelmed with patients fighting COVID-19.

After sales were halted March 24, the dealership…