AutoNation To Open Used Car Centers, Sell Their Own Parts

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — AutoNation plans to branch out with new stand-alone used car sales centers and sell their replacement parts.

The Ft. Lauderdale based auto dealership chain, which is the largest in the U.S., said the new centers will give them growth opportunities now that U.S. new-car sales have flattened and prices are starting to fall.

The company says it has identified 25 sites in its existing markets to set up the free-standing used car stores. The sites will compete directly with the CarMax used car chain. Five will open next year.

AutoNation started selling its own maintenance and repair parts during the summer with the introduction of AutoNation-brand batteries.

The company also plans to run regional vehicle auctions and add 18 collision repair centers nationwide.

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