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AutoNation Establishes Rental Group Headquarters in Minneapolis

22 July 1999

AutoNation Establishes North American Rental Group Headquarters in Minneapolis, Adds 175 Jobs

    MINNEAPOLIS--July 21, 1999--In a joint announcement with Governor Ventura, the parent company of National Car Rental, AutoNation, Inc. , today said that it will make Minnesota the headquarters home of its North American Rental Group. The decision, which will initially bring approximately 175 new jobs in professional positions to the state, also keeps the existing 1,000 National Car Rental headquarter employees in Minnesota.
    The North American Rental Group was created to oversee the integration of the administrative services of the two separate corporations, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental. Approximately 150 of new positions are in the accounting, finance and fleet departments. The additional 25 positions being added are on-site information technology support for the division. The North American Rental Group has revenues of more than $3.5 billion, making it one the leading automotive rental companies in the United States. Jeffry Parell, former president of National Car Rental, serves as president of the North American Rental Group.
    The announcement was made at a joint press conference with Gov. Ventura at the National Business Travelers Association Convention in Minneapolis.
    Said Gov. Ventura: "When Florida-based AutoNation acquired National Car Rental in 1997 there was a great deal of speculation about jobs moving to Florida. I'm pleased that not only were Minnesota jobs preserved and a headquarters maintained, but also that AutoNation made the decision to headquarter its North American rental operations in Minnesota."
    According to Jeffry Parell, president of North American Rental Group, Minnesota was chosen for several reasons. "National Car Rental already had an important presence in Minnesota, the state has a solid infrastructure to support our future growth, and the quality of life is a key incentive for employees," said Parell.
    "We're here to take advantage of the brain power this state has to offer, the top-notch quality work force with an unmatched work ethic available and the great community in which to do business and live," said Parell.
    The North American Rental Group headquarters will be located at the National Car Rental World Headquarters facility at 7700 France Avenue S. in Edina, Minn. Alamo Rent A Car's corporate headquarters will remain in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
    AutoNation, Inc., in addition to its vehicle rental operations, is the largest automotive retail company in the world with 1998 revenue of over $16 billion. AutoNation owns the largest group of franchised automotive dealerships in the U.S. and operates the AutoNation USA pre-owned vehicle megastore chain. AutoNation also owns and operates National Car Rental System, Inc., Alamo Rent-A-Car, Inc. and CarTemps USA.