Sonic Automotive Receives Upgraded Credit Rating From Moody's Investors Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 19 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. , a leader in automotive retailing, today confirmed that Moody's Investors Service upgraded the company's credit rating and outlook.

Moody's upgraded the senior secured credit facility rating to Ba2 and confirmed other ratings. Additionally, the company's overall rating outlook was improved to stable from negative.

"We are pleased that Moody's has acknowledged the benefits of our revised operating strategy and the progress made to date in executing that strategy," said Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer E. Lee Wyatt. "Their upgrade reflects favorably on our diverse business model, flexible cost structure and consistent cash flow generation."

About Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is among the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 187 franchises and 39 collision repair centers in 15 states. For more information about Sonic Automotive, visit www.sonicautomotive.com .

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