Coggin Automotive Group Partners With Communities In Schools

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--May 1, 20043, 2004--

Program Donates Funds to Help Reduce Drop-Out Rates; Awards High School Graduates With $500 Incentive

Coggin Automotive Group, one of the largest automotive retailers in Florida with 19 dealerships, has teamed with Communities In Schools (CIS) of Florida in an effort to help reduce drop out rates in the Jacksonville, Orlando and Fort Pierce areas. The company today announced an initiative designed to help fund CIS, the leading community-based organization helping kids stay in school.

Beginning today, Coggin will make a $100 donation to Communities In Schools (CIS) on behalf of each graduating senior who buys a car from any of the 19 dealerships in the Coggin Automotive Group. In addition, to congratulate graduating seniors on their accomplishments, Coggin is offering graduates an extra $500 off the lowest negotiated price of any Coggin new or used vehicle. The offer is being extended to more than 30,000 high school seniors in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Baker, Nassau, Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The program runs through September 30.

"Although the drop out rate is improving, the statistics are still shocking," said Charlie Tomm, president and CEO of Coggin Automotive Group. "Communities In Schools is an excellent resource for the kids. If we can help increase the graduation rate by even a few percent, we'll feel like we've accomplished something. Through this program, we are helping kids in need and recognizing kids who have achieved."

"We are so grateful to Coggin Automotive for recognizing the benefits of our programs," said Lois Gracey, state director of CIS. "Thanks to initiatives such as Coggin's, more kids throughout the state will be encouraged to stay in school."

The donation to Communities In Schools exemplifies Coggin Automotive Group's continued commitment to education. Over the past two years Coggin Automotive has made significant contributions to the University of North Florida, FCCJ, and the Youth Automotive Training Center. In November 2002, Luther Coggin and his wife Blanche announced a $5 million donation to the College of Business Administration at the University of North Florida, which was matched by $5 million from the state of Florida for a total donation of $10 million. The school is now named the Coggin College of Business.

About Coggin Automotive Group

Coggin Automotive Group began in 1968 in Jacksonville with one store. Today, Coggin Automotive Group is the largest subsidiary of Connecticut-based Asbury Automotive Group, one of the largest publicly traded automotive retailers in the United States. The Company sells new and used vehicles, light trucks and replacement parts, automotive parts and services, and arranges vehicle finance, insurance and service contracts for its automotive customers. Coggin Automotive Group operates 19 dealerships in Florida with more than $800 million in revenues and more than 1,300 employees.

About Communities In Schools Florida

Communities In Schools of Florida is a private, non-profit organization that connects resources from public and private sectors with at-risk students. Its mission is to help young people learn, stay in school, graduate and prepare for life.