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Sonic Automotive Announces Agreement to Acquire Two Las Vegas Cadillac Dealerships

28 July 2000

Sonic Automotive Announces Agreement to Acquire Two Las Vegas Cadillac Dealerships

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sonic Automotive, Inc. announced today that it has entered 
into an agreement to acquire two Cashman Cadillac dealerships in Las Vegas, 
Nevada, and upon closing, will represent Sonic's fourth and fifth operations in 
the Las Vegas area.  The acquisitions are subject to customary closing 
conditions, including manufacturer's approval, and are expected to close in the 
fourth quarter of 2000.

    With the addition of the Cashman Cadillac dealerships in Las Vegas, the
Company will have acquired nine dealerships to date in 2000 totaling
approximately $605 million in 1999 revenues.  Sonic will continue its
disciplined hub and spoke acquisition strategy, focusing their efforts on
existing and select new markets across the nation.  Sonic's efficient
operation techniques have spurred an average same store sales growth of 9% per
year at Sonic dealerships, which exceeds the industry average.

    O. Bruton Smith, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
stated, "Las Vegas is an exciting market and the acquisition of these two
Cashman Cadillac dealerships continues Sonic's growth in brand diversification
and market share in the greater Las Vegas metro area.  We plan on continuing
the Cashman family's tradition of exemplary service for their customers and
providing a positive work environment for their valued employees.  We look
forward to future growth opportunities within the Las Vegas market."

    This announcement comes on the heels of Sonic Automotive's receipt of
zoning approval for the new Honda West location on West Sahara in Las Vegas.

    About Sonic Automotive, Inc.

    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is the second largest automotive retailer in the
United States.  Including pending acquisitions, the Company operates
173 franchises and 31 collision repair centers in Alabama, California,
Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Sonic had revenues of $3.4 billion in
1999, an increase of 109% over 1998. The revenue run rate is estimated at more
than $6 billion for 2000.  The Company has also experienced eleven consecutive
quarters of greater than 50% growth in earnings per share.