AutoNation USA Truck Center Debuts in Houston
16 June 1998
AutoNation USA Truck Center Debuts in HoustonNation's Largest Automotive Retailer Extends Mega-Selection Concept to Light Trucks, Sport Utility Vehicles, Vans and Mini-Vans HOUSTON, June 16 -- Extending the successful rollout of its used car megastores across the country, AutoNation USA announced the debut of the first AutoNation USA Truck Center. The center, located in North Houston, will stock a mega-selection of used light trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and mini-vans. "Just as our megastore concept was based on consumer feedback that buying a used car should be easier and more pleasant, the Truck Center concept also is a reflection of consumer trends," said Mike Maroone, president of AutoNation USA's automotive retail group. "The American Automobile Manufacturers Association reports the two best-selling passenger vehicles in the U.S. last year were both pickup trucks. In addition, trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles make up about 40 percent of private vehicles. The AutoNation USA Truck Center makes it even easier to buy these types of pre-owned vehicles by combining great selection and truck-specific services in a one-stop truck shop." The AutoNation USA Truck Center, located on Interstate 45 North at West Road in North Houston, will offer an inventory of up to 300 vehicles, a Service Center and truck, SUV and van accessories in one location. The store will feature the same commitment to a mega-selection of quality used vehicles offered at everyday low prices in a no-haggle shopping environment that is the trademark of the company's used car megastores. The store and service center will employ approximately 50 people. "Buyers will continue to find a wide variety of cars and trucks at our other three used car megastores in Houston, but the Truck Center allows us to target the truck buyer," said Maroone. "Statistics show today's truck buyers increasingly are young people and baby-boomers who want larger vehicles for everyday family use or recreational transportation. The popularity of these vehicles is likely to continue as manufacturers incorporate more and more car-like features, such as CD players and leather seats, making them more comfortable and driver-friendly." AutoNation USA is the nation's largest automotive retailer with 28 AutoNation USA used vehicle megastores and nearly 300 franchised new vehicle dealerships across the country. The company makes buying and owning a vehicle simple and easy for consumers by offering a mega-selection of Quality Certified vehicles in a low-price, no-hassle shopping environment. Electronic kiosks allow guests to browse the store's entire inventory while professional sales guides are available to help facilitate the vehicle buying process. The company is a leader in customer service and quality, with warranties and money-back guarantees standard with every vehicle sold. AutoNation USA is a division of Florida-based Republic Industries . The company currently operates ten AutoNation USA megastores in Texas including Grand Prairie, Irving, Lewisville, Mesquite, North Dallas, San Antonio and four in Houston, as well as 32 franchised new vehicle dealerships.