---

Rankin to Focus on Professional Installer Customers

20 October 2000

Rankin to Focus on Professional Installer Customers

    HOUSTON, Oct. 20 Rankin Automotive Group, Inc. ("Company") today announced the
signing of a definitive agreement to sell certain assets of four stores in
southeast Louisiana to O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. of Springfield, Missouri.
The sale price is currently expected to approximate $1.3 million.  The
transaction is scheduled to close November 30, 2000 and is subject to
customary closing conditions.
    Randall B. Rankin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "This is
another step in our strategic plan to improve the Company's financial
condition by selling operating units that are not a part of our core business
of selling to professional installers."
    Rankin sells automotive parts, products and accessories to commercial and
retail customers in Texas and northwest Louisiana through its Houston
distribution center and 41 stores.
    Certain statements contained in this press release are forward looking
statements.  These statements discuss, among other things, expected growth,
domestic development and expansion strategy, business strategies and future
performance.  These forward looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties, and assumptions including without limitation, competition,
product demand, domestic and international economies, government approvals,
inflation, the ability to hire and retain qualified employees, the ability to
convert acquired stores in a timely and profitable manner, consumer debt
levels, and the weather.  Actual results may materially differ from
anticipated results.  Please refer to the Risk Factors section of the 10-Q for
the six months ended August 31, 2000 for more details.