While the immediate focus of AutoNation Inc. and Lithia Motors Inc. last week was their strong first-quarter earnings, both companies excitedly discussed robust growth plans for the coming years.
AutoNation, the country's largest new-vehicle retailer, is looking to grow on the franchised dealership side, including acquiring 11 stores in a deal expected to close this summer. It also is accelerating the rollout of used-vehicle-only AutoNation USA stores.
The company said it now hopes to add 125 or more AutoNation USA stores "coast to coast" by the end of 2026, up from five today. Last year, the auto retail giant said it wanted to grow AutoNation USA to more than 100 stores by 2030, including 50 by the end of 2025.