AutoNation

Overview: AutoNation, Inc. is the largest automotive retailer in the United States, operating a vast network of new and used vehicle dealerships, collision centers, and parts distribution facilities. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AutoNation has played a transformative role in the automotive retail sector since its founding in 1991 by Steven Richard Berrard and H. Wayne Huizenga. The company evolved from Republic Industries, which was originally established in 1980 as a waste disposal business, before pivoting to automotive retail in the 1990s. AutoNation is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol AN and is recognized for its scale, operational standardization, and innovative customer protection programs.[1][4][6]

Products: AutoNation offers a comprehensive suite of automotive products and services, including the sale of new and pre-owned vehicles from major manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus. The company also provides automotive repair and maintenance, wholesale parts, collision repair, and finance and insurance products. AutoNation-branded used car megastores and collision centers further diversify its offerings, while its finance arm, AutoNation Finance, supports vehicle purchases through direct and indirect lending.[1][2][4]

Market Position: With over 300 locations and approximately 25,100 employees as of 2025, AutoNation commands a dominant position in the U.S. automotive retail landscape. The company reported annual revenues of $26.3 billion in 2024, reflecting its status as a retail powerhouse. AutoNation’s geographic diversification, brand recognition, and aggressive acquisition strategy have enabled it to consolidate fragmented dealership markets and maintain a leading market share. Its standardized operations and unified branding, implemented in 2013, have further strengthened its competitive edge.[1][2][4]

Growth: AutoNation’s growth has been driven by strategic acquisitions, geographic expansion, and operational innovation. The company’s aggressive consolidation in the 1990s and 2000s included the acquisition of major dealership groups and car rental companies, such as Alamo Rent A Car and Maroone Automotive Group. While AutoNation experimented with standalone used-car megastores, it ultimately refocused on integrated dealership operations. Recent years have seen continued investment in digital retailing, expansion of AutoNation USA used vehicle stores, and significant share buybacks, with $1.28 billion in board authorization remaining as of October 2025.[1][4][7]

Real Estate: AutoNation’s real estate portfolio includes hundreds of franchised dealerships, collision centers, and parts distribution centers, primarily located in metropolitan markets across the Sunbelt region. The company’s real estate strategy emphasizes high-visibility sites with ample frontage and parking, supporting both sales and service operations. While specific site requirements are not publicly disclosed, AutoNation’s continued expansion and investment in new formats, such as AutoNation USA stores, indicate ongoing demand for prime commercial real estate in growth markets.[1][2][4]