AutoNation
American automotive retailer operating franchised dealerships, used-vehicle outlets, and vehicle service businesses.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
AutoNation is an American automotive retail company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its business combines franchised dealerships selling new vehicles, used-vehicle retailing, finance and insurance products, parts, repair, maintenance, and other services associated with vehicle ownership. The company operates across the United States and represents a range of major vehicle manufacturers through dealership franchises, while also selling used vehicles and providing after-sales support. The business originated in the mid-1990s under Republic Industries, which was controlled by entrepreneur H. Wayne Huizenga. Republic initially pursued a national used-car superstore model and began assembling automotive retail operations under the AutoNation name in 1996. The initial network consisted of twelve locations. Republic also acquired a series of rental-car companies, including Alamo Rent A Car, National Car Rental, Spirit Rent-A-Car, Value Rent-A-Car, Snappy Car Rental, and EuroDollar Rent A Car. These acquisitions reflected an ambition to build a broad transportation-services group, although the rental operations were later separated from the core automotive retail business. Republic expanded its dealership portfolio through acquisitions such as Maroone Automotive Group and Drivers' Mart. In 1998, after divesting much of its waste-disposal business and emphasizing automobiles, the company changed its corporate name to AutoNation. The early national used-car superstore strategy proved difficult to operate profitably. Under chief executive Mike Jackson, the company closed its newly built AutoNation USA used-car megastores, separated its rental operations, and retained a more decentralized model based on recognizable local dealership identities and manufacturer franchises. During the 2000s and 2010s, AutoNation developed into one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. It expanded through dealership acquisitions, represented both domestic and imported marques, and emphasized scale in vehicle sales, financing, parts, and service. In 2013, the company began replacing many local dealership group names with the AutoNation brand, a national rebranding initiative covering approximately 210 franchises. The company reported selling its eight-millionth vehicle in 2011, its nine-millionth in 2013, and its eleven-millionth in 2017. By 2022, it had reported selling fourteen million vehicles since its founding. AutoNation has also pursued adjacent automotive businesses and partnerships. In 2017, Waymo selected the company to maintain and repair a fleet of autonomous vehicles. In 2023, AutoNation acquired RepairSmith, a mobile automotive repair and maintenance provider, strengthening its effort to extend service beyond traditional dealership facilities. The company has also used philanthropy and sports marketing to promote breast-cancer awareness, including the DRV PNK branding of Inter Miami CF's stadium in Fort Lauderdale. AutoNation remains an active U.S. automotive retailer. Its principal economic activities are vehicle sales and the recurring service, parts, financing, and protection products connected with those sales. The company has periodically adjusted its brand architecture, inventory mix, digital capabilities, service network, and acquisition strategy in response to changes in vehicle demand, manufacturer relationships, technology, and consumer purchasing behavior.
History
AutoNation's history began within Republic Industries, the diversified company associated with H. Wayne Huizenga. In the mid-1990s, Republic sought to create a national automotive platform alongside its other businesses. It started acquiring dealerships and organizing a used-vehicle retail network. In 1996, twelve retail locations operated under the AutoNation name, establishing the foundation of what would become a large U.S. automotive dealership group. Republic's early strategy was broader than dealership retail. In 1996 it acquired Alamo Rent A Car, and in 1997 it added National Car Rental, Spirit Rent-A-Car, Value Rent-A-Car, Snappy Car Rental, and EuroDollar Rent A Car. Republic attempted to consolidate its new- and used-car operations with the rental businesses. It also acquired Maroone Automotive Group in 1997 and Drivers' Mart in 1998, expanding its dealership and used-vehicle presence. A group of Saturn dealerships acquired in 1997 was later sold back to Saturn because the locations did not meet sales expectations. In 1998, Republic Industries sold part of its waste-disposal operation through a public offering of Republic Services stock and used the resulting corporate restructuring to focus attention on automobiles. The company changed its name to AutoNation. That period also included litigation with CarMax over alleged copyright and trademark infringement. Although CarMax initially received a jury award, the award was overturned on appeal. The initial national used-car-superstore concept was not sustainable. Steve Berrard, the company's first chief executive, left in 1999. Mike Jackson, previously associated with Mercedes-Benz USA, became chief executive and redirected the enterprise. Jackson separated the car-rental operations into ANC Rental, closed the recently developed AutoNation USA used-car megastores, and ended plans to impose a single AutoNation identity on every retail location. The company instead emphasized regional dealership brands that had stronger local recognition and manufacturer relationships. H. Wayne Huizenga was replaced as chairman by Jackson in 2003. During this period AutoNation continued operating as a major franchised dealer group while selling used vehicles and providing financing, parts, and service. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma caused substantial damage to the company's downtown Fort Lauderdale building, prompting a move to another nearby facility. In 2006, management announced that AutoNation would reduce orders from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler and increase the relative share of imported brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. The decision reflected management's expectation that the U.S. manufacturers would lose market share and showed how the company used its multi-brand dealership portfolio to adjust inventory exposure. During the Great Recession, AutoNation introduced a Payment Protection program in 2009. The offer was designed to reduce purchase anxiety by committing to buy back a vehicle at market value if the owner lost employment. The retailer subsequently reached major cumulative sales milestones, reporting eight million vehicles sold by 2011 and nine million by 2013. AutoNation reversed its earlier preference for local dealership identities in 2013. It announced a national rebranding program covering approximately 210 franchises, with support from leading vehicle manufacturers. The initiative aimed to create one recognizable consumer-facing brand across the country while preserving the underlying manufacturer franchise structure. The company later reported reaching eleven million cumulative vehicle sales in 2017 and fourteen million in 2022. The company expanded its relevance to emerging automotive technologies during the 2010s. In 2017, Waymo selected AutoNation to maintain and repair its autonomous-vehicle fleet. AutoNation also became involved in breast-cancer awareness and related charitable activities. Its partnership with IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay supported the Racing for Cancer charity, and its 2021 naming-rights agreement with Inter Miami CF produced the DRV PNK Stadium identity in Fort Lauderdale. The COVID-19 pandemic brought both operational disruption and public scrutiny. AutoNation furloughed employees and applied for federal Paycheck Protection Program support. Media reports criticized the scale of the company's application in light of its size and dealership network. The company later announced that it would return $77 million to JPMorgan Chase. Leadership also changed: Cheryl Miller resigned as chief executive in 2020, Mike Jackson returned temporarily, and Mike Manley became chief executive in 2021 after Jackson's retirement. In 2023, AutoNation acquired RepairSmith for $190 million. The transaction extended the company into mobile repair and maintenance and supported a broader strategy of serving customers throughout the vehicle-ownership lifecycle. AutoNation remains an active public U.S. automotive retailer with operations spanning new and used vehicles, finance and insurance, parts, repair, maintenance, and related mobility services.
- 2023
RepairSmith acquired
[1]AutoNation acquired RepairSmith for $190 million to expand mobile vehicle repair and maintenance.
- 2021
DRV PNK Stadium naming agreement
[1]AutoNation secured naming rights for Inter Miami CF's Fort Lauderdale stadium.
- 2020
Pandemic-relief loan repayment announced
[1]After criticism concerning its Paycheck Protection Program borrowing, AutoNation announced the return of $77 million.
- 2017
Waymo maintenance partnership announced
[1]Waymo selected AutoNation to maintain and repair autonomous vehicles.
- 2013
National rebranding launched
[1]Approximately 210 dealerships began transitioning from local group names to the AutoNation identity.
- 2011
Eight-millionth vehicle sold
[1]AutoNation reported becoming the first U.S. auto retailer to reach eight million cumulative vehicle sales.
- 2009
Payment Protection program announced
[1]AutoNation introduced a vehicle buyback promise linked to customer job loss during the recession.
- 2003
Mike Jackson becomes chairman
[1]Jackson succeeded Huizenga as chairman of the board.
- 1999
National used-car megastore strategy abandoned
[1]Mike Jackson closed AutoNation USA stores and separated the rental business into ANC Rental.
- 1998
Republic Industries becomes AutoNation
[1]After restructuring around automotive operations, Republic Industries adopted the AutoNation corporate name.
Products and positioning
A large-scale, multi-brand U.S. automotive retailer combining manufacturer-franchised dealerships with used vehicles, finance and insurance, parts, repair, maintenance, and increasingly mobile and digital service capabilities.
Automotive retail · 1996
New vehicles
AutoNation sells new vehicles through manufacturer-franchised dealerships across the United States. Its portfolio has included domestic and imported marques, allowing the group to offer passenger vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, trucks, and other vehicles according to the brands represented at each dealership. New-vehicle sales are supported by trade-ins, financing, insurance products, parts, and service.
Automotive retail · 1996
Used vehicles
Used-vehicle retailing has been central to AutoNation since its origins in Republic Industries' national used-car strategy. The company sells used vehicles sourced through trade-ins, auctions, manufacturer channels, and other inventory routes. Its used-vehicle business is integrated with appraisal, financing, protection products, reconditioning, and after-sales service.
Vehicle maintenance · 1996
Automotive service and parts
AutoNation provides maintenance, mechanical repair, collision-related work, parts, inspections, and other ownership services through its dealership network. Service and parts operations extend the customer relationship beyond the initial sale and support both vehicles purchased from AutoNation and vehicles brought in by other owners.
Mobile automotive repair · 2023
RepairSmith
RepairSmith is a mobile automotive repair and maintenance business acquired by AutoNation in 2023. Its model brings selected service activities to customers rather than requiring every repair visit to occur at a dealership facility. The acquisition expanded AutoNation's reach into convenience-oriented vehicle maintenance.
Customer protection program · 2009
Payment Protection
Payment Protection was a recession-era AutoNation program announced in 2009. It promised that the dealership would buy back a customer's vehicle at market value if the customer lost employment. The program was designed as a purchase-confidence and financial-protection measure rather than as a conventional vehicle product.
Controversies
2020
Paycheck Protection Program loan controversy
AutoNation faced criticism after reports that it had sought at least $266 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans while furloughing thousands of employees. The company later announced that it would return $77 million to JPMorgan Chase.
1998
CarMax trademark and copyright litigation
CarMax sued Republic Industries over alleged copyright and trademark infringement. A jury initially awarded CarMax $50 million, but the award was overturned on appeal.
Marketing campaigns
- 2021DRV PNK
Fort Lauderdale · United States
AutoNation's naming-rights partnership with Inter Miami CF branded the club's Fort Lauderdale stadium DRV PNK. The name connected the venue sponsorship with the company's breast-cancer awareness efforts.
Outcome. The stadium adopted the DRV PNK identity under the naming-rights agreement.
- 2013Racing for Cancer
United States
AutoNation partnered with IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to support the Racing for Cancer charity as part of its broader cancer-awareness and philanthropic activity.
Outcome. The partnership became part of AutoNation's cancer charity program.
Brand decisions
2023
Acquire RepairSmithM&ABackground
AutoNation sought to broaden its vehicle-service offering beyond fixed dealership facilities.
Action taken
AutoNation acquired mobile repair and maintenance provider RepairSmith.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded AutoNation's presence in mobile automotive service and supported a more integrated vehicle-ownership platform.
Acquisition price. $190 million (2023)
2017
Enter autonomous-vehicle fleet serviceStrategyBackground
Self-driving vehicle operators required specialized maintenance and repair support as they developed commercial fleets.
Action taken
AutoNation entered a maintenance and repair relationship with Waymo for its driverless-vehicle fleet.
Aftermath
The partnership associated AutoNation with the emerging autonomous-mobility service ecosystem.
2013
Adopt AutoNation identity across local dealershipsStrategyBackground
After years of relying on regional dealership names, management sought a more consistent national consumer brand.
Action taken
The company announced a rebranding covering approximately 210 franchises, with support from multiple vehicle manufacturers.
Aftermath
AutoNation increased the visibility of its corporate brand across its U.S. retail network while retaining manufacturer-specific franchise operations.
2006
Adjust inventory mix toward imported brandsStrategyBackground
Management anticipated continued market-share losses by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.
Action taken
AutoNation announced that it would reduce orders from the three major U.S. manufacturers and increase purchases of imported brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.
Aftermath
The decision illustrated AutoNation's ability to rebalance its multi-brand dealership portfolio in response to expected changes in manufacturer demand.
1999
Close AutoNation USA megastores and separate rental operationsStrategyBackground
The national used-car superstore format was producing substantial losses, while the combined automotive and rental structure was difficult to manage.
Action taken
Mike Jackson closed the newly built AutoNation USA stores, spun the rental business into ANC Rental, and returned the retail organization toward regional dealership identities.
Aftermath
AutoNation continued primarily as a franchised dealership and automotive retail group rather than a nationwide chain of uniform used-car megastores.
Recent events
AutoNation reports quarterly earnings[2]
Reported:
AutoNation reported quarterly results, with EPS of $5.11 and revenue of $7.01 billion; both exceeded consensus estimates.
AutoNation appoints Mark Stewart to its board[3]
Reported:
AutoNation appointed Mark Stewart to its board on October 13, 2026, increasing the board to ten directors.
- Unconfirmed
Waymo completes $2.5 billion funding round[4]
Waymo completed a $2.5 billion funding round with participation from several investors, including its parent Alphabet.
AutoNation launches partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi[5]
Reported:
AutoNation launched a partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi at all eight local Corpus Christi stores, with customers able to donate to the charity at checkout terminals.
AutoNation prices $500 million senior notes offering[6]
Reported:
AutoNation announced pricing of $500 million in senior unsecured notes due 2030 at 4.750%. The offering was expected to close on May 22, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions.
- Unconfirmed
Waymo raises $2.25 billion in funding[7]
Waymo received $2.25 billion in funding from a group of investors, including Silver Lake, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Mubadala, Magna, Andreessen Horowitz, AutoNation and Alphabet.
Waymo and AutoNation expand partnership to parts delivery[8]
Reported:
Waymo and AutoNation expanded their existing partnership to a pilot in which Waymo vehicles in the Phoenix area transport car parts between AutoNation Toyota Tempe locations and other repair shops.
Sources16 sources
- 1AutoNationen.wikipedia.org
- 2AutoNation公布季度业绩themarketsdaily.com
- 3AutoNation任命Mark Stewart为董事会成员themarketsdaily.com
- 4Waymo完成25亿美元融资chinaz.com
- 5AutoNation与科珀斯克里斯蒂罗纳德·麦当劳之家慈善机构启动合作prnewswire.com
- 6AutoNation为5亿美元优先票据发行定价prnewswire.com
- 7Waymo完成22.5亿美元融资leiphone.com
- 8Waymo与AutoNation将合作扩展至汽车零件配送techcrunch.com
- 9谷歌旗下自动驾驶公司Waymo获得22.5亿美元融资finance.sina.com.cn
- 10谷歌亲兄弟自动驾驶汽车公司Waymo完成首轮外部融资，获22.5亿美元tech.sina.com.cn
- 11自动驾驶公司Waymo完成22.5亿美元融资tech.sina.com.cn
- 12自动驾驶公司Waymo完成22.5亿美元融资tech.sina.com.cn
- 13自动驾驶公司Waymo完成首轮外部融资 金额高达22.5亿美元tech.sina.com.cn
- 14Alphabet's self-driving car company Waymo raises a whopping $2.25 billion in first external funding roundcnbc.com
- 15Waymo closes with $2.25 billion in first external funding round - ZDNETzdnet.com
- 16Waymo raises $2.25bn in first external investment roundsiliconrepublic.com
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