AutoNation wants to instill patriotic fervor in the fickle car-buying public. The brainchild of entrepreneur Wayne Huizenga (Waste Management, Blockbuster), AutoNation is the #1 auto dealer in the US (ahead of Penske Automotive Group and Sonic Automotive). The firm owns more than 370 new-vehicle franchises in 15 states, and it conducts online sales through AutoNation.com and individual dealer websites. It sells 34 new brands of new vehicles. An active acquirer of local retail brands, the company is in the midst of transitioning them to the AutoNation name. In addition to auto sales, AutoNation provides maintenance and repair services, sells auto parts, and finances and insures vehicles.