Costco Says It Referred Nearly 400,000 Car Sales

Costco Wholesale Corp. claims its dealership referral service led to the sale of 398,900 new and used vehicles in the U.S. last year.

The program enables Costco customers to choose from a list of pre-priced vehicles, then buy and take delivery of their vehicles through participating local dealers. Costco signs one dealer per brand per region. It negotiates discount prices through San Diego-based Affinity Auto Group LLC, which specializes in custom auto buying programs.

Costco says it makes no money on its referrals but offers the service to attract and retain customers who pay Costco's $55 annual membership fee.