AutoNation USA 'Pleased' with Court Decision

27 October 1998

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 26 -- Republic Industries'
President and Co-Chief Executive Officer Steven R. Berrard said
today that he is "pleased" that a jury in a Florida federal court has affirmed
the company's right to the unrestricted use of its "AutoNation USA" brand
name.
    In its decision the jury found that a lawsuit by CarMax alleging an
infringement by AutoNation USA on "AUTOMATION," the name of the CarMax
computer inventory system, was without merit, based upon the jury finding that
CarMax had "no protectable interest" in the AutoNation USA name.
    "The jury is saying that we have the right to use the AutoNation USA name
without interference, and we intend to do just that," Mr. Berrard said.
    Disregarding the court's directions, and despite finding that Republic did
not infringe CarMax's trademark, the jury decided to award CarMax $50 million,
payable over five years.  Mr. Berrard said AutoNation USA will immediately
file the appropriate motions to correct this error.

    Republic Industries, Inc. operates subsidiaries in the automotive
retailing, automotive rental and solid waste industries.  The Company owns the
nation's largest group of franchised automotive dealerships and operates the
AutoNation USA used vehicle megastores chain.  Republic also owns and operates
National Car Rental System, Inc., Alamo Rent-A-Car, Inc. and CarTemps USA.