Sonic Automotive, Inc. Named to FORTUNE's List of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies.

Business Editors

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2001

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH) announced today that it has been named to the 15th position on the prestigious list of Fortune's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, which highlights the fastest-growing companies in

The list appeared in Fortune's September 3, 2001 issue. This ranking not only marks Sonic Automotive's first appearance on the list but also establishes them as the fastest-growing publicly traded automotive retailer.

Scott Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sonic Automotive, Inc. stated, "We are proud to be recognized in this exclusive ranking as one of Fortune's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. This honor could not have happened without the hard work, dedication and expertise of all our employees over the past three years. Our Company's continued success reflects the sustained execution of a solid, well thought out business model that derives strength from all areas of operation including consumer service, parts, finance, insurance as well as new and used vehicle sales."

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and member of the Russell 2000 Index, is the second largest automotive retailer in the United States operating 163 franchises and 30 collision repair centers in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Sonic Automotive can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to anticipated revenue growth. There are many factors that 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 recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.