Sonic Automotive Announces Hiring of Chief Information Officer

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH), a leader in automotive retailing, announced today that Heath R. Byrd has joined the Company as Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

Mr. Byrd comes to Sonic from Gevity, an IT/HR outsourcing company, where he served as Vice President of Operations. Previously he worked for HR America as its President and CIO. He attended the United States Air Force Academy and received a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University and a Masters in Health Administration degree from Duke University.

Commenting on Mr. Byrd's new position, Mr. Scott Smith, the Company's President said, "We are pleased that Heath has chosen to join Sonic to lead our information technology efforts. As we continue to target new opportunities for growth, we believe information technology will play a significant and increasing role in our success. We look forward to Heath adding exceptional value to Sonic's business going forward."

About Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States operating 174 franchises and 36 collision repair centers. Sonic can be reached on the Web at www.sonicautomotive.com.

SOURCE Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Released November 13, 2007