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Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Two Acquisitions

19 November 1998

Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Acquisitions of Tom Williams Dealership Group and Rally Mitsubishi

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 18 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements to
acquire the Tom Williams Dealership Group in Birmingham, Alabama and Rally
Mitsubishi in Nashville, Tennessee.  The Tom Williams Dealership Group
includes Tom Williams Buick, Tom Williams Cadillac, Tom Williams Lexus and Tom
Williams Imports (BMW, Audi, Range Rover and Porsche).  The dealerships being
acquired have estimated 1998 revenues of approximately $230 million.
    Combined, these transactions are valued at approximately $37.5 million.
A combination of Class A Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock will be
issued for approximately $14 million of the purchase price, and the remainder
will be payable in cash.  Both acquisitions are expected to close in the first
quarter of 1999.

    Williams Dealership Group

    0. Bruton Smith, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
stated "Birmingham is an example of the growing Sunbelt markets Sonic is
entering.  We see continued opportunities to enter new markets and execute our
'hub and spoke' acquisition strategy."
    The Tom Williams Dealership Group acquisition gives Sonic Automotive its
first dealerships in the Birmingham, Alabama market.  Included in the Williams
Group are the Company's first Lexus, Porsche and Range Rover franchises.
Tom Williams, Sr., the former owner will join Sonic as a Regional Vice
President.
    Mr. Williams began his automotive career as district manager of the
regional office of General Motors in Atlanta, Georgia in 1961.  In 1973 after
several years in auto retailing as a general manager, Mr. Williams acquired
Drennen Motor Co. in Birmingham.  He has over 30 years of automotive retailing
experience and his dealerships are noted for their high level of customer
service and satisfaction.  Recently, he has won the highest possible customer
satisfaction awards for several of his franchises including the Elite Lexus
Dealer Award, the Master Dealer for Cadillac Award and The Best in Class Buick
Dealer Award.
    "I'm pleased to join Bruton Smith and others at Sonic Automotive.
Together we see continued growth and opportunities in the state of Alabama and
city of Birmingham," stated Tom Williams.  "Tom Williams is an example of the
best in automotive retailing.  Tom's reputation in the industry and in
Birmingham is a credit to Sonic Automotive.  We're excited to have Tom join
our management team," stated Mr. Bruton Smith.

    Rally Mitsubishi

    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is also acquiring Rally Mitsubishi in Nashville,
Tennessee.  With the completion of this acquisition, Sonic will own three
dealerships in this major Tennessee market.
    "Sonic continues to execute its acquisition strategy of building market
share in existing markets.  Combining the Mitsubishi franchise with existing
Sonic operations in Nashville will leverage economies of scale in management,
advertising and inventory management," stated B. Scott Smith, the Company's
President and Chief Operating Officer.  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 73 franchises and
15 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.