AutoNation Dec. Retail New Vehicle Sales Up 12%

AutoNation Inc. said Tuesday that December retail new vehicle unit sales rose to 33,069, up 12% from the same period a year ago. The No. 1 U.S. auto dealership chain said on a same-store basis, sales rose 10% from a year ago. For the fourth quarter, retail new vehicle unit sales totaled 84,968, up 9% from the year earlier. On a same-store sales basis, they rose 7% in the quarter. Shares were not yet active in premarket trade, but have gained 12% in the last three months, while the S&P 500 has gained 2.8%.