Ya know, when it comes right down to it, selling cars is just another form of retail.
The only reason why the top dogs at Isuzu are telling their zone managers that they are not "going out of business" is because they want to avoid a panic. The last thing they want to do is create a negative vibe through the company.
I worked for a shoe store once, and they did the same thing there. Noone knew until the last minute that our store was closing. it usually happens quick because they don't want the employees walking out.

Time will tell.