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Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Two Dealerships

18 September 1998

Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Two Dealerships

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 17 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
announced today that it has entered into agreements to acquire
Infiniti of Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina and Tampa Volvo in Tampa,
Florida. These dealerships have combined 1997 revenues of approximately
$40 million.
    These transactions are valued at approximately $4.5 million and will be
payable in cash.  Sonic Automotive will finance these transactions with
proceeds from its $125 Senior Subordinated Notes Offering that was completed
in late July.  Both acquisitions are expected to close in the fourth quarter
of 1998.
    These acquisitions will further diversify Sonic's current operations in
two markets by adding two luxury import lines. In the Tampa/Clearwater-area
market, Sonic will now operate four dealerships including Tampa Volvo, Freedom
Ford (formerly Ken Marks Ford), Toyota of Clearwater and Mitsubishi of
Clearwater. In the Charlotte-area market, Sonic will have acquired its first
luxury-car franchise and its ninth dealership.
    "Sonic continues to execute its strategies of building market share in
existing markets and expanding its luxury import business," stated Mr. B.
Scott Smith, Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s President and Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Smith further stated, "These dealerships have significant opportunities to
grow earnings and revenues by applying Sonic's experience with these luxury
brands as well as realizing economies of scale."
    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is one of the leading automotive retailers in the
United States, with operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina,
Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.  Upon completion of these
acquisitions, Sonic will operate 38 dealerships representing 24 different
brands and 13 collision repair centers.
    Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with
respect to anticipated revenue growth.  There are many factors which affect
management's views about future events and trends of the Company's business.
These factors involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results
or trends to differ materially from management's view, including without
limitation economic conditions, risks associated with acquisitions and the
risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.