*Announces total retail new vehicle unit sales of 22,515 in April 2013. *Total retail new vehicle unit sales in April 2013 increased 10% versus April. 2012* Source text for Eikon.
DETROIT, April 18- AutoNation Inc, the largest U.S. auto dealer group, posted a stronger-than-expected profit on Thursday, its best quarterly result ever, on increased demand for both new and used cars. "As far as the American consumer, we see the bright spots- housing, energy, automotive, high tech," AutoNation Chief Executive Mike Jackson said in an interview.
DETROIT, April 18- AutoNation Inc, the largest U.S. auto dealer group, on Thursday posted a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit on increased demand for both new and used cars. Net income in the first quarter increased about 14 percent to $83 million, or 67 cents a share, compared with $73 million, or 55 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter.
ORLANDO, Florida, Feb 8- The U.S. auto industry and the nation's economy face a reckoning despite recent gains in economic growth and vehicle sales, both fueled by stimulus programs, the head of the largest U.S. auto dealer group said on Friday.
Jan 31- AutoNation Inc, the largest U.S. auto dealer group, said strong new vehicle sales boosted its fourth-quarter net income by 20 percent and revenue by 13 percent. In early trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, AutoNation shares were up 0.6 percent at $45.35.