Automotive Hall Of Fame Selects Mike J. Jackson 2003 Automotive Industry Leader Of The Year

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 3, 2003 -- Mike J. Jackson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation, Inc. , has been named the Automotive Hall of Fame's Industry Leader of the Year for 2003.

Jackson will be honored on February 1, 2004 at the Automotive Hall of Fame/Popular Mechanics Annual Awards Luncheon at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, during the National Automobile Dealer Association's annual convention.

"Mike Jackson is clearly a driving force in automobile retail sales today," said Jeffrey Leestma, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame. "His leadership at AutoNation is significant, not only in the sheer volume of units delivered, but in raising the bar in all areas of the customer experience."

Jackson was named Chief Executive Officer of AutoNation, Inc. in October 1999 and in December of 2002 he was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his direction, AutoNation, Inc. has grown to be the largest dealer group in the country with 373 new vehicle franchises in 17 states and $19.5 billion in annual revenue.

Prior to joining AutoNation, Inc., Jackson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.

Jackson was the recipient of the Sports Illustrated All-Star Dealer Award, a two-time member of the Automotive News "All-Star Team" of automotive executives and a four-time member of Advertising Age's "Marketing 100."

The Automotive Hall of Fame Industry Leader of the Year for 2002 was G. Richard Wagoner, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Corporation.

The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Michigan, is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual.