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Sonic Automotive, Inc. Expands Acquisition Credit Facility

18 December 1998

Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Expansion Of Acquisition Credit Facility

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 17 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
announced today that availability under its Credit Facility with
Ford Motor Credit has been increased from $75 million to $100 million.  The
term of the Credit Facility was also extended through the end of the year
2000.
    0. Bruton Smith, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
stated, "Despite disruptions in capital markets in 1998, Sonic has continued
to obtain additional capital to support its growth strategy.  The additional
borrowings available under the Credit Facility will allow Sonic to complete
additional transactions under a disciplined acquisition strategy."
    Ford Credit will continue to provide all Of Sonic's floorplan financing,
as well as the Credit Facility.  "Ford Credit's service is outstanding and
we've been pleased with our relationship with Ford Credit," stated Mr. Smith.
    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.