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APCO Announces 3 Year Extension of Agreement With Sonic Automotive, Inc.

11 March 1999

Automobile Protection Corporation - APCO - Announces 3 Year Extension of Exclusive Agreement With Sonic Automotive, Inc.

    ATLANTA, March 11 -- Automobile Protection Corporation
-- APCO announced that they have extended their exclusive
agreement with Sonic Automotive, Inc. , whereby Sonic will offer
APCO's EasyCare(R) service contracts to purchasers of vehicles from Sonic's
franchised dealerships.  Additionally, the agreement covers stores to be
acquired or opened in the future.  APCO's wholly owned subsidiary, The Aegis
Group, Inc., will continue to broker insurance coverage for other aftermarket
products for Sonic, including GAP protection and vehicle theft protection.
    Larry I. Dorfman, President/CEO of APCO stated: "The opportunity to be
involved with the best performing dealership consolidator is a perfect forum
for us to demonstrate how our products and services can benefit dealers and
their customers.  As Sonic has grown, we have had the opportunity to help them
increase service contract penetration and profitability at each dealership,
while providing products which increase overall customer satisfaction.  The
Sonic system really works and we are excited to be an integral part of it."
    Mr. Dorfman also commented: "The Sonic relationship, along with the other
distinguished programs we have developed for Banc One Insurance Services
Corporation (The One Care), Manheim Auctions (Manheim EasyCare) and American
Honda Finance Corporation are evidence that our philosophy of providing the
highest level of quality and service in the industry is correct."
    Mr. Scott Smith, President/COO of Sonic Automotive, Inc. stated: "Our
first year and a half with APCO has been very successful.  I have developed
tremendous respect for APCO's way of doing business and I am confident that
our customers with EasyCare service contracts are receiving excellent value
and the best possible service.  Additionally, APCO has supported the Sonic
infrastructure with training and development programs designed to increase our
effectiveness in sales and finance and insurance products."
    APCO, established in 1984, is a leading marketer and administrator of
products and services to automobile and recreational vehicle dealers.  The
Company's core business is the marketing and administration of EasyCare(R)
Vehicle Service Contracts.  The Company also administers warranty and service
contract products under private labels for financial institutions, an
insurance company and a manufacturer.
    "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: To the extent that this news release discusses financial projections,
information or expectations about the Company's products or markets, or
otherwise makes statements about the future, these statements are forward
looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.  The
specific risk factors are described in the Company's Form 10-K that has been
filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission in connection with its 1997
year.