49-Year Auto Industry Veteran Takes Top Honor at One of the Nation's Largest Automotive...

49-Year Auto Industry Veteran Takes Top Honor at One of the Nation's Largest
Automotive Dealers

Hugh Whiles Awarded Sonic Automotive's 2008 O. Bruton Smith Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Automotive (NYSE:
SAH) bestowed its top honor, the O. Bruton Smith Award, to long-time company
executive Hugh Whiles. The award, which was named for Sonic Automotive
founder O. Bruton Smith, is given annually to the employee who best
exemplifies the qualities championed by its namesake: a sterling character,
genuine enthusiasm for work, a drive to succeed, appreciation and respect for
all members of the team, a heart for helping others, a vision of what can be
done, and constant determination to take the high road.

This year's recipient, Charlotte-based Hugh Whiles, has been with Sonic
Automotive for 18 years and has been a consistent model for fellow Sonic
associates and for all that can be achieved within the company and the auto
industry. A widely-regarded mentor to many in Sonic's parts and service
division, Whiles is known throughout the company for displaying respect and
diplomacy with everyone he encounters. As Vice President of Fixed Operations,
Whiles has taken many of Sonic's associates under his wing to develop them
into complete automotive professionals capable of contributing to Sonic's
legacy of industry competitiveness and high-quality service.

"I recognized him as a very energetic employee who had a very positive
influence on all the other associates," said Sonic Automotive Founder and CEO
O. Bruton Smith. "He's always first, as far as doing his job and doing it
correctly. What I always admire about Hugh is his work ethic and his strong
customer and service focus."

"The first time I ever met him I knew right then what kind of character he
had. I can think of no other person more deserving of the OBS award than Hugh
Whiles," added Scott Smith, Sonic Co-founder and President.

Whiles began his career in the automotive industry nearly a half-century ago
as a parts truck driver in a California dealership. The son of a former owner
of a Colorado dealership, Whiles was born into the automobile industry and has
consistently contributed to its evolution throughout his career.

"Hugh has been the standard-bearer for our company," offered Harry Harden,
Vice President of Human Resources. "His character is above reproach and he
exemplifies the ideals of Sonic Automotive."

For more information about Sonic Automotive and the O. Bruton Smith Award,
please visit http://www.sonicautomotive.com/obsaward.htm.

About Sonic Automotive
Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is the
nation's third-largest automotive retailer, operating 154 franchises. Sonic
can be reached on the web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Greg Young, Vice President of Finance, +1-704-566-2489, or Harry Harden, Vice
President of Human Resources, +1-704-566-2400, both of Sonic Automotive, Inc.