AutoNation Appoints Senior Vice President, Human Resources Michael D. Esposito Joins Nation's Largest Automotive Retailer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 20, 2004 -- AutoNation, Inc. , America's largest retailer of new and used automobiles, today announced the appointment of Michael D. Esposito as senior vice president, human resources. The appointment will be effective February 9, 2004.

"We're very fortunate to have Mike join our staff," said Mike Jackson, AutoNation's chairman and CEO. "He offers a rare combination of broad human resources experience and highly specific knowledge. We're confident that his contributions will be invaluable as AutoNation continues working to offer its associates great career opportunities and the industry's most rewarding working environment."

Mr. Esposito brings more than 30 years of experience to AutoNation, most recently from ADT Security Services, Inc., where he was vice president, human resources. His responsibilities there included complete oversight of the company's human resources activities for more than 21,000 employees in over 225 offices. Prior to joining ADT, Mr. Esposito worked for over 20 years in corporate human resources at ExxonMobil (then Exxon) and in private legal practice.

About AutoNation, Inc.

AutoNation, Inc., headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is America's largest retailer of new and used automobiles. Ranked #93 on the Fortune 500, AutoNation employs approximately 28,500 people at 373 new vehicle franchises in 18 states. Additional information is available at www.autonation.com, where consumers can find approximately 100,000 vehicles available for sale.