Lithia Motors to List on the New York Stock Exchange

8 January 1999

    MEDFORD, Ore., Jan. 7 -- Lithia Motors, Inc.
announced today that the company has received a letter of clearance from the
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to list the company's Class A common stock.
Lithia expects that its shares will commence trading on the NYSE on or about
January 20, 1999 under the symbol "LAD."  Until then, Lithia will continue
trading on Nasdaq under the symbol "LMTR."
    "To be listed on the largest and most prestigious stock market in the
world is an important milestone for Lithia," said Sidney B. DeBoer, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Lithia Motors.  "We expect this move to provide
the Company and its shareholders with greater visibility in the financial
community and more stable stock trading activity through a dedicated Lithia
market specialist."
    Lithia's 28 dealerships in California (14), Oregon (9), Nevada (3) and
Washington (2), sell 23 brands of new vehicles through 56 franchises.  Lithia
also sells used vehicles, arranges finance, warranty and credit insurance
contracts, and provides vehicle parts, maintenance and repair services at all
of its locations.  Since becoming a public company in December of 1996, Lithia
has acquired 23 stores with annual revenues of approximately $680 million,
boosting its revenue run-rate to over $820 million.  Its headquarters are in
Medford, Oregon, the site of Lithia's original group of dealerships.
    This press release includes forward looking statements, which management
believes are a benefit to shareholders.  These statements are necessarily
subject to risk and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially due
to certain risk factors, including without limitation economic conditions,
acquisition risk factors, manufacturer approval, and others set forth from
time to time in the company's filings with the SEC.