About one in 10 AutoNation vehicle sales come from the Internet. A much higher percentage of its buyers research online before making the purchase. They enjoy the sense of control that they have, and they are not going back to the old way. They have gotten down to the core operations. The problem is the core operations is not a great business to be in.
Automotive retailing is very competitive.
They have the ability to grow long term. They are likely to have a good blueprint for success for years to come. Perhaps AutoNation's biggest handicap is its affiliation with the cyclical auto industry. The clock is ticking for Jackson and his troops. If he's worried, it doesn't show.