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Lithia Motors, Inc. Begins Trading on the New York Stock Exchange

22 January 1999

Lithia Motors, Inc. Begins Trading on the New York Stock Exchange

    MEDFORD, Ore., Jan. 21 -- Lithia Motors, Inc.
Lithia Motors, Inc. confirmed that its stock commenced trading
January 20, 1999 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the trading
symbol "LAD."  Lithia's shares formerly traded on the Nasdaq national market
under the trading symbol "LMTR."
    After ringing the Exchange's opening bell to commence the trading day,
Sidney B. DeBoer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, together with M. L.
Dick Heimann, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Lithia Motors said,
"Listing on the NYSE affords our shares the opportunity to trade on the
world's most recognized and highly respected stock market.  Lithia is very
fortunate to partner with Lawrence O'Donnell Marcus LLC, one of the leading
specialists on the Exchange, to be market specialist for Lithia's shares.
    "We are delighted to welcome Lithia Motors to the family of New York Stock
Exchange listed companies," said Richard A. Grasso, Exchange Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer.  "As a leader in the consolidation of the automobile
retail sector, Lithia joins a prestigious list of companies whose shares enjoy
worldwide visibility and liquidity that only the NYSE's auction market can
provide."
    Lithia's 28 dealerships in California (14), Oregon (9), Nevada (3) and
Washington (2), sell 23 brands of new vehicles through 56 franchises.  Lithia
also sells used vehicles, arranges finance, warranty and credit insurance
contracts, and provides vehicle parts, maintenance and repair services at all
of its locations.  Since becoming a public company in December of 1996, Lithia
has acquired 23 stores with annual revenues of approximately $680 million,
boosting its revenue run-rate to over $820 million.  Its headquarters are in
Medford, Oregon, the site of Lithia's original group of dealerships.
    This press release includes forward looking statements, which management
believes are a benefit to shareholders.  These statements are necessarily
subject to risk and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially due
to certain risk factors, including without limitation economic conditions,
acquisition risk factors, manufacturer approval, and others set forth from
time to time in the company's filings with the SEC.