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UnitedAuto Board Announces Executive Appointment

25 October 1999

UnitedAuto Board Announces Executive Appointment; R. Whitfield Ramonat named Senior Vice President - Manufacturer Relations

    DETROIT--Oct. 25, 1999--UnitedAuto Group, Inc. , the nation's second largest publicly traded automotive retailer, today announced a new executive appointment.
    R. Whitfield "Whit" Ramonat has joined UnitedAuto as Senior Vice President - Manufacturer Relations. Mr. Ramonat will report to UnitedAuto President Sam DiFeo, and will work with Bernie Wolfe and Phil Hartz to continue to develop the Company's focus on excellent manufacturer relations.
    In commenting on the appointment, UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske stated: "Bringing Whit onto the team provides additional support for our strategic focus on our OEM partners. His background complements the professional team we currently have in place." Sam DiFeo, President, added: "Whit's highly developed OEM background, broad industry knowledge, and extensive major market experience will help UnitedAuto leverage our already significant pool of talent. We are delighted that he is joining the UnitedAuto team."
    Prior to joining UnitedAuto, Mr. Ramonat held positions at Nissan North America, Inc. They included: Director - Business Strategy, Director - Nissan Sales Operations, and Corporate Manager - Public Ownership. Mr. Ramonat attended Denison University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1985. Whit will be relocating from Palos Verdes Estates, California with his wife and three children to the Detroit area.
    UnitedAuto, which has pursued a strategy based on internal growth from its existing dealerships as well as from strategic acquisitions, operates 104 franchises in 16 states and Puerto Rico. UnitedAuto dealerships sell new and used vehicles and market a complete line of aftermarket automotive products and services.

    This press release contains forward-looking information, and actual results may materially vary from those expressed or implied herein. Factors, including economic conditions, manufacturer approvals and acquisition risks that could affect these results are described in reports and documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.