Lithia Motors, Inc. Climbs 157 Places on the Fortune 1000 List

    MEDFORD, Ore., April 23 -- 
Lithia Motors announced today that it has again been included in the
Fortune 1000 List, which highlights the largest companies in the United States
for the year 2000.  This is Lithia's second year on the list with a ranking of
815, up 157 places from last year's position.

    Lithia is included in the "Automotive Retailing and Services" industry.
According to Fortune's ranking of 69 industries, this industry ranked 1st in
five-year profit growth at 70.5%, 12th in one-year profit growth at 21.8% and
10th in one-year revenue growth at 27.3%.  Lithia grew its revenues by 34% and
net profits by 27% in 2000.

    Sidney B. DeBoer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lithia Motors,
Inc. stated, "We are very pleased to have continued our climb within the
Fortune 1000 listing.  Over the last 4 years, Lithia has experienced average
annual growth in revenues of 89%, net profits of 79% and EPS of 37%.  We
expect continued revenue growth through acquisitions in 2001.  It is also
worth noting that the automotive retailing sector substantially outperformed
the specialty retail sector in revenue and profit growth, however, our sector
still trades at a deep discount to that sector."