AutoNation Authorizes Additional $250 Million for Stock Repurchases

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 24 -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN - news), America's largest retailer of new and used vehicles, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $250 million of the Company's common stock.

The Company's Board of Directors now has authorized $2 billion for repurchases since August 1998. Since then, AutoNation has repurchased $1.7 billion of its shares through September 30, 2001. The Company said it will base future repurchase decisions on such factors as the Company's stock price, general economic and market conditions, the potential impact on the Company's capital structure and the expected return on competing uses of capital such as strategic dealership acquisitions and capital investments.

Commenting on the repurchase program, AutoNation Chief Executive Officer Mike Jackson said, ``This decision to expand our repurchase program reflects the board's and senior management's continued confidence in AutoNation's financial strength and prospects for generating additional value for shareholders.''

ABOUT AUTONATION, INC.

AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is America's largest retailer of new and used vehicles, on and off the Web. A Fortune 100 company, AutoNation employs 31,000 people and owns and operates 368 automotive retail franchises in 17 states. For additional information, please visit www.autonation.com