STANDARD AND POOR'S PUTS AUTONATION ON CREDIT WATCH

New York, NY., Sept 20, 2008 - According to Automotive News, Standard & Poor's has put the nation's top dealership group on "credit watch," citing the U.S. economic recession and declining auto sales.

AutoNation Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., currently holds a BBB- investment grade from S&P, one step above a "junk" corporate credit rating.