UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant 

Check the appropriate box:

 Preliminary Proxy Statement

 Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 Definitive Proxy Statement

 Definitive Additional Materials

 Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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 No fee required.

 Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

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(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

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(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

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(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:Total fee paid:

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 Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)Amount Previously Paid:

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(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

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(3)Filing Party:

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(4)Date Filed:

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NOTICE OF CHANGE OF LOCATION

OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON APRIL 29, 2020

Dear Stockholder,						April 14, 2020

This notice (this “Notice”) provides updated information with respect to the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (“Sonic”) to be held on April 29, 2020. On March 18, 2020, Sonic commenced distribution to its stockholders of its Notice of 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that same day. This Notice should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement.

On April 14, 2020, Sonic issued a press release announcing that due to the public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to prioritize the health and well-being of its stockholders, employees and other meeting participants, the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, will be held in virtual format only. Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting will be held virtually by webcast.

Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2020 are entitled to participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SAH2020. Stockholders participating in the Annual Meeting will be able to vote their shares electronically and submit questions during the event using the directions on the meeting website that day. None of the other agenda items presented in the Proxy Statement are affected by this Notice, and shares represented by proxy voting forms returned before the Annual Meeting will be voted with respect to all matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting as instructed on the forms. If you have already voted or submitted your proxy, no additional action is required.

To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice previously sent. Sonic’s proxy card will not be updated to reflect the change from an in-person meeting to a virtual meeting by means of remote communication only. If you hold your shares in the name of a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, you will need to contact your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee for assistance with your 16-digit control number. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the Annual Meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Annual Meeting log in page located at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SAH2020.

Sonic has designed the format of the Annual Meeting to ensure that stockholders are afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would have at an in-person meeting, using online tools to ensure stockholder access and participation. We encourage all of our stockholders to visit our pre-meeting forum at www.proxyvote.com, where you can access copies of the proxy materials and vote.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

/s/ Stephen K. Coss

Stephen K. Coss

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and

Secretary