FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.  (Oct. 29, 2009) - The following is a statement from Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation, Inc.:

“There's a reason why Edmunds is usually highly respected within the automotive industry: because the research and analysis they provide reliably and accurately reflects the current automotive environment. That's why their so-called analysis of the Cash for Clunkers program is so uncharacteristically shoddy.
 
“Simply put, they've misrepresented the facts, and the White House is completely justified in calling them out on it. It would appear Edmunds' political views have tainted their usual rigorous approach to research.

“I know from our sales at AutoNation just how significant the impact of the Cash for Clunkers promotion was in our dealerships, and our own internal figures indicate that the rate of increase was consistent with what other retailers, manufacturers and governmental agencies have been estimating.
 
“We believe that the incremental sales are over 500,000 new vehicles. Edmunds may not want to believe Ford or General Motors or Moody's or the White House or any of the dozens of other reliable parties who saw significant sales increases as a direct and indirect result of the program, but that doesn't make the increases any less real.

“The fact is, Edmunds was sour on the program from early on, and we believe that they are simply shaping their most recent analysis to fit their predisposition. That's not analysis, it's justification, and it's the sort of work that discredits them and ill serves those who count on them for impartial and accurate research.”