an

The company joined a growing number of companies in noting, however, that it expects a parts shortage from Japan will significantly affect the auto industry well into the year.

Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson said, "We expect production disruptions will significantly impact product availability from Japanese auto manufacturers in the second and third quarters of 2011.

AutoNation Inc (NYSE:AN) posted year-over-year unit sales growth of 19% for the month of March, selling 22,246 cars. For the quarter, the company posted 23% year-over-year growth, selling 54,190 cars.

Mike Jackson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to have delivered our highest ever annual and quarterly adjusted EPS from continuing operations while driving growth in all operating lines of business.

AutoNation (NYSE:AN) reported Q4 EPS of $0.45, ahead of consensus estimates of $0.35 per share. Revenues for the quarter rose 16% year-over-year to $3.25 billion, topping consensus estimates of $3.09 billion.