Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Share Repurchases

13 January 2000

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 12 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
announced today that it has completed the repurchase of
approximately 800,000 Sonic Automotive, Inc. Class A common shares since
November of 1999.  The shares were purchased under the previously announced
share repurchase program which was approved by the Sonic Automotive Board of
Directors on November 1, 1999.  The Board approved an expenditure of up to
$25,000,000 for the program.
    Sonic also confirmed, as reflected in recent SEC filings, that the
following Executive Officers of the company purchased Sonic Automotive shares
within the last 60 days:  O. Bruton Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer; Thomas A. Price, Vice Chairman; B. Scott Smith, President and Chief
Operating Officer; Jeffrey C. Rachor, Executive Vice President of Retail
Operations; Theodore M. Wright, Chief Financial Officer; and Mark J.
Iuppenlatz, Vice President of Business Development.
    O. Bruton Smith stated, "Management and the Board of Directors continue to
believe Sonic Automotive stock is undervalued.  Auto retailing remains a great
business opportunity and we believe the market will ultimately recognize
Sonic's achievements in generating superior earnings growth."
    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is one of the leading automotive retailers in the
United States, with operations in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,
Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and
Virginia.  Sonic currently operates 158 franchises and 29 collision repair
centers.
    Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with
respect to anticipated earnings growth.  There are many factors which affect
management's views about future events and trends of the Company's business.
These factors involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results
or trends to differ materially from management's view, including without
limitation economic conditions, risks associated with acquisitions and the
risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's recent filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.