Smart Choice Automotive Opens New Facility

7 May 1997

    TITUSVILLE, Fla., May 6 -- Smart Choice Automotive Group,
Inc. , formerly Eckler Industries, Inc., announced today it has
obtained an increased credit line from Finova Capital Corporation, bringing
the total credit available to $35 million.
    Fred E. Whaley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
stated:  "The increased line of credit will allow the company to continue
expansion in its automobile finance division."
    The company also announced the opening of an additional used car center
located in Pinellas Park, Florida, which is between St. Petersburg and
Clearwater.
    Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. consolidates new and used car
dealerships and finance companies.  Smart Choice owns ten used car centers and
has contracted to buy two new car dealerships.  Smart Choice operates in the
following Florida markets:  West Palm Beach, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
In addition, the Company has acquired three automobile finance companies which
service approximately 5,000 customers and have approximately $35 million in
receivables.
    Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc. also operates insurance and dealers
consulting divisions as well as Eckler Industries, one of the nation's leaders
in Corvette parts and accessories with more than 95,000 customers.

SOURCE  Smart Choice Automotive Group, Inc.