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Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. Announces Q1 Results

13 July 1998

Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. Announces 1st Quarter Results

    ALEXANDRIA, La., July 13 -- Rankin Automotive Group, Inc.
d/b/a USA AUTO STORES reported their net sales for the three-
month period ended May 25, 1998 at $9.8 million, versus $9.9 million for the
same period last year.  The Company's net earnings for this time period are
approximately $136,000 or $.03 per share.
    Randall B. Rankin, President and CEO, commented, "Our major supplier is
APS, which is currently operating under a Chapter 11 reorganization.  We are
continuing to purchase from this vendor, even though they are in receivership,
while currently evaluating other competitive suppliers.  The Company is also
currently negotiating the purchase of our own distribution centers."
    During the three-month period ended May 25, 1998, the Company closed one
traditional store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The Company's intentions are to
continue growth through new store acquisitions and consolidation of
administrative operations.  The Company continues to maintain cash reserves in
various accounts totaling approximately $4 million for future growth strategy
implementation.  Management feels that earnings will improve as the Company
positions itself to purchase more competitive products and consolidate
administrative operations at corporate headquarters.
    Some of the information in this press release constitutes forward-looking
information based on current information and expectations of the Company that
involve a number of uncertainties.  Among the factors that could materially
affect the validity of the forward-looking information are the following:
changes in current industry trends, changes in competitive factors, changes in
the economic environment in which the Company has its operations, and other
factors which would generally affect the operations of the Company.
    Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. d/b/a USA AUTO PARTS STORES is a specialty
supplier and retailer of automotive replacement parts, tools, supplies,
equipment and accessories to both the professional mechanics and do-it-
yourself customers.  The Company presently operates in 42 locations in the
states of Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.