Priceline.com to Sell AutoNation Cars

Priceline.com Inc. will sell cars online from AutoNation Inc., the companies said. Priceline.com, which is best known for selling airplane tickets, will gain credibility in online vehicle sales with a national network of dealers. AutoNation was founded by former Blockbuster Inc. chief H. Wayne Huizenga; it has 380 automotive franchises across the U.S. and sells more new cars than anyone in the world. By comparison, though, competitor Autobytel.com Inc. of Irvine, to name one, has nearly 2,800 dealers. Priceline lets customers name a price for a product and then finds a seller willing to accept that price. It has been selling cars on a limited basis in metropolitan New York for more than a year.