AutoNation adding 200 jobs in area

AutoNation will hold a nationwide hiring day on Jan. 10, to get ready for its previously announced expansion.

About 200 of the positions are in South Florida, said spokesman Marc Cannon. He said the Fort Lauderdale-based auto retailer is looking to hire people for its retail sales and digital sales teams, as well as collision repair and service technicians.

Cannon said this is the first time AutoNation has held a job fair on this large a scale. AutoNation announced in October that it was rolling out a new concept where consumers will be offered “one price” for used cars and the company will open new AutoNation USA stores that combine sales and service, as well as 15 new collision repair stores.

The company plans to open five AutoNation USA stores this year, and another 20 in coming years. AutoNation already has 280 franchise locations across the country under manufacturing brands that in South Florida include Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler Dodge, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, Land Rover, and MercedesBenz dealerships.

CEO Mike Jackson said the new strategy would position AutoNation for “a bigger piece of the preowned market.” Used cars make up 40 percent of AutoNation’s business.

AutoNation said the new jobs in 15 markets nationwide offer base pay, plus bonus and commission pay plans, paid training, paid time off and flexible work schedules.

Managers will be at the hiring events to interview and extend job offers on the spot, including 100 of the positions in South Florida, Cannon said.

New hires will start their jobs on Jan. 23, with newly hired sales associates enrolled in the company’s recently launched “Sales Ignition” course, paid training to learn, practice and master selling skills.

To register for the job fair, go to autonationhiringevent.com.