FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --­ While the media comments on AutoNation's 10 millionth car sale and $20 million ad campaign with Zimmerman Advertising in recognition of the benchmark, it's time to put the microscope to over 15 years of partnership between the nation's largest auto retailer and Omnicom's retail growth machine. Mutual ambition and commitment to results has meant not only an enduring professional relationship, but the generation of consistent success through a period of transition for the advertising industry and a protracted economic downturn.

Since AutoNation partnered with Zimmerman 15+ years ago, the days of simple TV, radio and print ads have fully evolved into much more. While AutoNation continued to buy up local and regional dealerships around the country, Zimmerman paid close attention to retail trends and expanded to integrate their agency for the changing landscape.

The launch of the largest ad campaign in AutoNation history follows noteworthy milestones for both client and agency. While AutoNation made a bold move towards becoming a national retail chain in 2013 by replacing all localized brand names throughout the country with the company's corporate moniker, Zimmerman invested and completed construction on a new headquarters for their fast-growing team and client roster; moving into the only state-of-the-art advertising hub of its kind in the nation.

"We understand the clients with whom we connect best are the bold and brave fighters. The ones who are more impatient, relentless and growth obsessed," Founder and Chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, Jordan Zimmerman offers as one reason AutoNation and his agency are such a great fit. "The clients we work best with are the people who, regardless of size, remain frustrated that they are not bigger or more profitable. They always have something to prove," he added.

The $20 million ad campaign, including a $10 million sweepstakes represents a milestone of growth for AutoNation and Zimmerman. With a multi-channel blueprint, AutoNation's biggest ad campaign investment to date includes TV, radio, digital display, direct mail, email marketing and social media as well as a landmark partnership with IHeart Media to deliver incremental radio, email blasts, streaming radio, celebrity endorsements and homepage takeovers across the country. The auto chain will also sponsor car giveaways and a chance to win a trip to the Go-Pro Grand Prix in California; all in a strategic bid to cement their brand as a household name.

The "Thanks-A $10 Million" campaign is a bold move for the auto retail brand itself, but the never stop growing approach that AutoNation and Zimmerman both share, means the next big project is already in progress. Plans are underway to leverage the car retailer's size and $100 million online investment, including a digital program that allows consumers to reserve real vehicles. This is all geared towards a growing online auto sales market.

About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation is transforming the automotive retail industry through bold leadership. We deliver a superior automotive retail experience through our customer-focused sales and service processes. Owning and operating 293 new vehicle franchises, which sell 35 new vehicle brands across 15 states, AutoNation is America's largest automotive retailer, with state-of-the-art operations and the ability to leverage economies of scale that benefit the customer. As an indication of our leadership position in our industry, AutoNation is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

Please visit www.autonation.com for more information.

About Zimmerman Advertising
Zimmerman Advertising, an Omnicom Group company, is the leading integrated, retail agency in the country. Zimmerman's clients represent some of the most prominent retail brands in the country, including hhgregg, Nissan, Party City, Dunkin' Donuts, Tire Kingdom, AutoNation, Firehouse Subs, Boston Market, Chico's, The Fresh Market and Michaels. Headquartered in South Florida, the agency has retail service offices throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Nashville. For information on the agency, visit http://www.zadv.com.

About Omnicom Group
Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

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SOURCE Zimmerman Advertising