Dent Wizard Named National Paintless Dent Removal Supplier to Sonic Automotive

    ST. LOUIS, Sept. 10 Dent Wizard, the industry leader for
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), and Sonic Automotive, the second largest
automotive retailer in the U.S., have signed a national agreement adding Dent
Wizard's to Sonic's national supplier list.  The agreement includes the
introduction of Dent Wizard's PDR for Profit program to all Sonic stores
nationwide.
    "Dent Wizard has been serving commercial customers since it was founded,
but this is the largest franchise dealer group the company has ever signed,"
said Kevin Beattie, president of Dent Wizard.  "We are excited to have
partnered with an industry leader like Sonic and will roll out our programs as
quickly as possible to meet all of their PDR needs."
    "We are thrilled with the relationship we have formed with Dent Wizard and
feel it will be one more superb added value we will give Sonic customers,"
said Hugh Whiles, national fixed operations director for Sonic Automotive.
"We strive to be a one-stop shop for every customer's automotive needs and
this relationship will certainly give us the opportunity to even better serve
our customers."
    Sonic Automotive operates 165 dealership franchises and 30 collision
repair centers in 13 states.  Operationally, Sonic is focused on high-growth
metropolitan markets, predominantly in the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and
California, that are experiencing population growth that exceeds the national
average.  Their franchises, which consist of 31 different brands of cars and
light trucks, provide comprehensive services including sales of both new and
used vehicles, replacement parts and vehicle maintenance, paint and repair
services as well as arranging extended warranty contracts and financing and
insurance products for automotive customers.
    "Dent Wizard is introducing its PDR for Profit Program to Sonic dealers
nationwide and the opportunity for retail growth within each service
department is enormous," said Lindsey Bird, Dent Wizard's VP of Sales.  "We
are bringing the retail experience of PDR to Sonic Automotive customers, and
helping generate newfound profit opportunities within each dealership."
    "Dent Wizard's 90-day first ding free program will further contribute to
high CSI ratings for Sonic and every new and certified car buyer will have the
opportunity to have their first ding removed free of cost," Lindsey added.
"Sonic also will be the first national dealer group to launch Dent Wizard's
'Ding Shield' customer ding protection plan, further bolstering profit
opportunities for both Sonic stores and Dent Wizard."
    Dent Wizard is a subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, and has been providing
PDR services to the nation's automotive dealers, manufacturers and rental car
companies since 1983, removing dings and dents from vehicles.  Dent Wizard
performed over 2 million repairs in 2000.
    Dent Wizard has an exclusive PDR process achieved by massaging the metal
from the reverse side with specialized tools, measured with sensitive
calibration devices, until the dent is removed.  There is no sanding, filler
or repainting involved.  The factory paint finish is never affected, actually
restoring the original integrity of the vehicle.  PDR is most effective where
the affected panel or panels have not had previous body repair and the paint
has not been chipped or cracked.

    About Sonic Automotive, Inc. (http://www.sonicautomotive.com )
    Charlotte-based Sonic Automotive, Inc. is the second largest automotive
retailer in the United States and ranks 15th on Fortune magazine's 100 Fastest
Growing Companies in America.  A Fortune 300 Company and member of the Russell
2000 Index, Sonic currently operates 165 franchises and 30 collision repair
centers.

    About Dent Wizard (http://www.dentwizard.com )
    Based in St. Louis, Dent Wizard has been a leader in the development of
Paintless Dent Removal technology since it was established in 1983.  A
subsidiary of Manheim Auctions, Dent Wizard supplies PDR services to the
automotive industry through on-site services at auto auctions, rental
companies, and dealerships.  The company operates throughout the United
States, Canada, and Europe.

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