From what I understand, the closing of lower performing dealerships helps the "Factory" because they no longer need to support them by holding paper and/or covering warranty expenses and the cost of delivering parts and other means of support. Yes, the dealerships purchased franchises from the Factory, however when in bankruptcy, all contracts are rendered null and void.
This also graphically illustrates how deeply in bed with the Unions Prez. Obama is. Instead of voiding their contracts, he gave the UAW partial ownership of the company. To me, that's kind of like handing the keys to your new car to your drunken dim witted brother that has ruined 3 of his own cars. Hopefully, the leadership of the unions will see how their myopic behavior has helped wreak havoc on a great industry that has really vastly improved its product over the past 2 decades.