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Republic Industries Expands AutoNation USA Megastore Roster

26 June 1998

Republic Industries Expands AutoNation USA Megastore Roster by Nearly One-third

Company Announces Conversion of Eight Drivers Mart Locations to AutoNation USA

    FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 26 -- Republic Industries, Inc.
parent company of AutoNation USA, is expanding its nationwide
network of used-vehicle megastores by nearly one-third, converting eight
Driver's Mart locations to AutoNation USA franchised stores, beginning today
in Tucson, Ariz.  Once completed, the conversions will bring the total number
of AutoNation USA megastores to 37.   Other Driver's Mart stores that will be
converted to AutoNation USA megastores are in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, North
Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.
    Republic also confirmed today that the construction of both company-owned
AutoNation USA and franchised megastores will bring the nationwide total of
AutoNation USA megastores to 100 by the end of year 2000.
    According to Steven Berrard, president and co-chief executive officer of
Republic Industries, "This expansion makes AutoNation USA's consumer friendly
car-buying process accessible to millions of additional consumers.  Our goal
is to make it possible for nearly every American to buy a quality used car or
truck in AutoNation USA's no haggle, one-low-price environment."
    The Driver's Mart conversions are a significant step forward in Republic's
automotive retail strategy, which leverages the cost efficiencies that derive
from building a highly efficient nationwide distribution network.  In addition
to its AutoNation USA pre-owned vehicle megastores, Republic has been rapidly
acquiring new vehicle partners around the country (298 of America's most
respected dealerships as of today) and auto rental car companies.
    The newly converted Driver's Mart stores will embrace the five key
principles of AutoNation USA's brand philosophy: one low, no-haggle price;
large inventory; quality certification; a seven-day money-back guarantee and a
99-day warranty, and a no-pressure sales environment.  Other customer-friendly
services include touch-screen computers with searchable databases, ChildPlay
Centers, and AutoGear USA stores with more than 2,000 automotive accessories.
    AutoNation USA is an automotive retail unit of Republic Industries, Inc.
, a publicly traded company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida.  Republic Industries operates subsidiaries in the automotive
retailing, automotive rental, automotive financial services, and solid waste
industries.  Republic owns the National, Alamo and CarTemps USA car rental
companies.