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Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Upgrade

22 June 1999

Sonic Automotive, Inc. Announces Upgrade

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 21 -- Sonic Automotive, Inc.
is pleased to announce that Moody's Investor Service upgraded
Sonic Automotive Inc.'s debt rating on June 16, 1999.  The Company's senior
implied rating was upgraded from B1 to Ba3.  Sonic Automotive, Inc.'s debt
rating on its senior subordinated notes was upgraded from B3 to B2.
    According to Moody's Investor Services' press release, "The upgrade
reflects Sonic's improved capital structure following the issuance of common
equity and conversion of preferred securities in May 1999.  The transactions
reduced the Company's current and expected leverage and improved fixed cost
coverage.  The equity sale also increased liquidity of the common stock, which
should enhance the Company's ability to finance future acquisitions with
equity.  The upgrades also recognize operating margin gains achieved through
improved management of used vehicles and an increase in the proportion of
revenues derived from high margin, non-vehicle products and services."
    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is one of the leading automotive retailers in the
United States, with operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North
Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.  Upon
completion of pending acquisitions, Sonic will operate 111 franchises and 28
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.

    Contact: Theodore M. Wright, Chief Financial Officer of Sonic Automotive,
             Inc., (704) 532-3347.
             J. Todd Atenhan, Investor Relations of Sonic Automotive, Inc.,
            (888) 766-4218