Sonic Automotive Announces Record Number of Award Winning Dealerships

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 21 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. today announced that 25 dealerships throughout its portfolio have been recognized by their respective manufacturers for excellence in customer service, support and overall dealership operations. This significant achievement further establishes Sonic as a world-class specialty retailer dedicated to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction throughout its national network of dealerships.

"We are honored to be recognized by our manufacturer partners through these coveted awards," said O. Bruton Smith, Sonic's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our award winning dealerships demonstrate Sonic's ongoing commitment to consistently providing the best dealership experience for its customers through our best practices approach to auto retailing."

Although the criteria for the awards vary by manufacturer, all place heavy emphasis on overall customer satisfaction achieved at the local dealership level. Half of Sonic Toyota franchises were recognized with the Toyota "President's Award", six Cadillac franchises won "Master Dealer" awards and five Honda franchises won their "President's Award". Sonic franchises were also the recipients of four BMW "Center of Excellence" awards, four Ford "President's Awards", and two "Lexus Elite" awards. Sonic would like to thank their respective manufacturer partners for this recognition and hopes to continue to contribute to the success of those partnerships.

About Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and member of the Russell 2000 Index, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 187 franchises and 44 collision repair centers. Sonic Automotive can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

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