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Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. Announces Q2 Earnings

14 October 1998

Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings

    ALEXANDRIA, La., Oct. 13 -- Rankin Automotive Group, Inc.
d/b/a USA AUTO STORES reported their net sales for the
six-month period ended August 25, 1998 at $20.5 million, versus $20.6 million
for the same period last year.  The Company's net earnings for this current
period are approximately $166,000 or $.04 per share as compared to $133,000 or
$.03 per share for the previous year.
    Randall B. Rankin, President and CEO, commented, "Effective today,
October 13, 1998, we have acquired the Monroe, Louisiana Distribution Center
from our major supplier, APS.  Management feels that earnings will improve
through increased gross profit margins.  In making this acquisition, we should
have the ability to buy product direct from manufacturers, thereby reducing
costs."
    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 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.