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Nationwide Named Preferred Insurer for Sonic Automotive Customers

2 February 2000

Nationwide Named Preferred Insurer for Sonic Automotive Customers
    COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 1 -- Nationwide Insurance, one of the
country's largest auto and homeowner insurers, has been named Sonic Automotive
Inc.'s preferred automotive insurance provider.  Beginning today
this agreement makes all Sonic Automotive dealerships a one-stop location for
customers purchasing automobiles and insurance.  Sonic Automotive owns and
operates 106 dealerships countrywide and is the second-largest automotive
retail group in the United States.  "This agreement offers more convenience
for customers and develops a mutually beneficial relationship between two
strong, growth-oriented companies," said William Ramsden, vice president of
agency support for Nationwide. "Our commitment to building relationships will
help turn one-time customers into lifetime customers for both companies,"
Ramsden said.
    Research shows that 65% of people prefer to deal directly with an
insurance agent. With that in mind, Nationwide agents will work with Sonic
dealerships to provide immediate review of present insurance coverage and
provide no-obligation insurance quotes.
    "This partnership gives our customers a single point of contact and
addresses insurance-related questions right away," said B. Scott Smith, Sonic
Automotive's president and chief operating officer. "The Nationwide agent will
serve as a personal consultant to our staff, which enhances our service to
customers," Smith continued.
    Sonic Automotive, Inc., based in Charlotte, NC, owns and operates
158 franchises and 29 collision centers in Alabama, California, Florida,
Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, and Virginia.
    Nationwide, a Fortune 500 company, is based in Columbus, Ohio.