WASHINGTON -- The nation's automotive crisis is squeezing auto dealers and their employees. A report Monday from the National Automobile Dealers Association said 900 of 19,700 new car dealerships closed in 2008. 50,000 employees lost their jobs.

In Ohio, new car dealerships employ 40,937 people. They also rake in $23 billion in sales each year. An average of 43 employees and $24 million in yearly sales are lost each time a dealership closes its doors.

Auto dealers and their Washington, D.C.-based lobbyists are asking Congress and President-elect Obama to extend the bailout given to U.S. automakers. "These are desperate times in many communities around the country,” said industry lobbyist Annette Sykora.

Dealers who spoke with Newscenter 7 suggested Congress consider offering a tax credit to those who buy a new car. They said a "tax incentive" could lure more customer to Miami Valley automotive showrooms.

Cities suffering from tight budgets, Dayton included, stand to lose money if the downturn continues. Justin Hyde, automotive reporter for the Detroit Free Press, said, "Dealerships are usually the largest collectors of sales taxes in most communities. If their sales fall, you start seeing money for government falling down. Their services have to be cut."