CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), a leader in automotive retailing, announced that it has been awarded a new Kia franchise in Colma, California and has also been awarded a Buick franchise and a GMC franchise in Montgomery, Alabama.

B. Scott Smith, the Company's President, stated, "We are pleased to be associated with these brands in these particular markets and appreciate the manufacturers' vote of confidence in our Company by awarding us these franchises.  The ability to utilize existing real estate assets and the strong management team in both of these markets will allow us to quickly integrate these new franchises into our operations with very little incremental investment.  The Colma area is a fantastic market for the Kia brand which will complement our existing base of import dealerships in that market.  The Buick/GMC franchises in Montgomery will complement the strong presence we already have in that market with our Chevy and Cadillac dealerships."

About Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 140 franchises.  Sonic can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

Included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the future integration of these franchises. 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 in the markets in which we operate, the success of our operational strategies and the risk factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2009 and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 30, 2010.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information.

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.