AutoNation’s used-car business remained challenging in the third quarter, so the publicly listed auto retailer chose to focus on sequential improvement in used- vehicle sales during its earnings call.

Used-vehicle unit sales increased by 5% in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter to 72,517 units, “which would not be possible without a daily focus on vehicle sourcing,” said CEO Mike Manley

He acknowledged continuing difficulty obtaining enough used inventory and highlighted AutoNation’s ...