Exclusive: A look inside AutoNation’s 6th annual Drive Pink Across America Day

Each year the month of October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the US. Over the past decade, AutoNation has raised nearly $35 million for cancer research through the Drive Pink initiative. This year, AutoNation commemorated its annual Drive Pink Across America Day by assembling 500 Totes for Hope cancer comfort bags and delivering them to local hospital patients undergoing cancer treatment. 

Anchor Jim Fitzpatrick joined AutoNation Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer Marc Cannon for an exclusive interview at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to discuss AutoNation’s continued commitment to drive out cancer.

Almost everyone has someone in their lives who has been affected by cancer, and Drive Pink was created to raise awareness and funding for life-saving research and treatments. AutoNation also has numerous partners that dedicate significant amounts of their time and energy to supporting this cause, including the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. The message has resonated with customers as well. One guest, who did not own an AutoNation vehicle, even visited an AutoNation Mercedes-Benz store to request a DRV PNK plate and more information about getting involved with the campaign.

AutoNation dealers and associates are gearing up for Drive Pink events all across the country. CEO Mike Manley witnessed the enthusiasm for Drive Pink first-hand after spending a few weeks on the road visiting dealers. The campaign is vital to employees, and it’s one of the reasons they like to work at the company. The Drive Pink campaign has inspired some of AutoNation’s public competitors to develop charitable initiatives for their markets.

“As dealers, we are very, very lucky with the opportunities presented to us, and we’ve got to work in our communities, we’ve got to do these types of things. It’s not just selling and servicing cars. It’s helping and changing people’s lives,” says Cannon.