Sonic Automotive, Inc. Extends 10-K Filing Date

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 16, 2009: Sonic Automotive, Inc. , today announced that it has filed a Form 12b-25 with the Securities Exchange Commission to extend the filing date of its 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K to March 31, 2009. The reasons for the extension of the filing date are set forth in the Form 12b-25. The Company will publish a time for the release of its fourth quarter and full year 2008 earnings at a later date.

The Company is continuing to work with its financial advisor, Moelis & Company, to address the Company's 2009 and 2010 debt maturities and is in discussions with certain of its creditors with respect thereto.