FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

AutoNation sold fewer retail used vehicles last year, but closed 2020 with a bump in pre-owned sales during the fourth quarter.

And the dealer group’s used-vehicle retail sales were more profitable.

Here’s a recap of some of the used-car specifics in AutoNation’s full-year and Q4 earnings released Tuesday, including what it has in store for its standalone pre-owned program.

Used sales finish strong

Though down 2% for the year with 241,182 units sold, AutoNation’s retail used-vehicle sales climbed 4.2% in the fourth quarter, as the dealer group moved 61,526 units to close 2020, it said in an earnings release.

In the fourth quarter, retail used revenue was up 11.9% at $1.415 billion. For the year, it came in at $5.261 billion for a 1.9% gain.

AutoNation pulled in used retail gross profits of $96.4 million in the fourth quarter, a 14.2% year-over-year increase.

For the year, used retail gross profits came in at $414.5 million, a 19.5% uptick.

Gross profit per used vehicle retailed in Q4 was at $1,567, up 9.6%. For the year, it climbed 22%, coming in at $1,719.

Plans for AutoNation USA & more

As far as its standalone used-car store program, the retailer intends on opening five AutoNation USA locations this year, including two stores in Denver and one store each in Austin, Texas; Phoenix; and San Antonio.

Ten stores are planned for 2022.

All told, AutoNation has its eyes on building more than 100 of these pre-owned stores, including more than 50 by end of 2025.

And as reported previously in Auto Remarketing, AutoNation said Tuesday has finished selling off its stake in online retailer Vroom, an investment that ultimately resulted in a $165 million cash gain for the largest dealership group in the U.S.

The auto retailer also named a new chairman of its board: Rick Burdick, who was elected by the board and succeeded Mike Jackson, who remains chief executive officer.