Sonic Automotive, Inc. Added to S&P SmallCap 600 Index

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 6, 2004 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. today confirmed that Standard and Poor's added the Company to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index after the close of trading on Tuesday November 30, 2004.

"We are pleased that Sonic Automotive has been selected for inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index," said E. Lee Wyatt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "This should directly benefit both the Company and our shareholders."

About Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 Company, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 196 franchises and 40 collision repair centers. Sonic can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com .