Sonic Automotive - Toyota of Fort Worth Grand Opening

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COWTOWN DEALERSHIP IS SONIC AUTOMOTIVE'S LATEST ACQUISITION

          FORT WORTH (Feb. 6, 2003) - Bruton Smith, chairman of Sonic Automotive, opened the doors to his seventh Metroplex area automobile dealership, when he was joined by Toyota executives in christening Toyota of Fort Worth.  

Smith, also chairman of Texas Motor Speedway, owns a total of 187 automobile dealerships nationwide.

          "The Fort Worth-Dallas market is an important region in the automobile industry," Smith said at the grand opening ceremonies.  "Toyota of Forth Worth is positioned in a strategic location to be a successful part of this market.  We bought Garry McKinney Toyota and have more than tripled the size of the dealership and now this is one of the finest Toyota dealerships anywhere."

          Toyota Motor Sales has recognized Toyota of Fort Worth with the prestigious President's Award on four different occasions, which honors dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining Toyota's high standards for customer satisfaction.  It is the highest honor a dealership can receive from Toyota.

          "The people at Toyota of Fort Worth excel in the area of customer sales and service satisfaction," Toyota Motor Sales Corporate Manager John Kramer said.  "We are fortunate to have a dealership like this leading the way for Toyota."

          The dealership sits on 12 acres along Camp Bowie West in Fort Worth.  The acquisition by Sonic Automotive provided the construction of a new building on 8.5 acres with display space for up to 500 new vehicles and 7,000 square feet of new car showroom space.

          "We are delighted to be part of the Sonic Automotive family," Toyota of Fort Worth Dealer Operator John Easley said.  "We have a proud history of serving our customers, and this new partnership will only enhance our ability to provide our customers with the best service and sales experience."

          Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Sonic Automotive owns seven auto dealerships in the Fort Worth-Dallas metroplex and a total of 187 dealerships nationwide.  The seven area dealerships employ nearly 900 workers.  Sonic Automotive also operates 44 collision repair centers throughout 15 states.

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For information, contact John Easley, Toyota of Fort Worth (817) 560-1500.