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)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

  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:

 

  

 

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

 

  

 

  (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):

 

  

 

  (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

  

 

  (5)   Total fee paid:

 

  

 

 

  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:

 

  

 

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

 

  

 

  (3)   Filing Party:

 

  

 

  (4)   Date Filed:

 

  

 


LOGO

*** Exercise Your Right to Vote *** Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 25, 2018 . SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. Meeting Information Meeting Type: Annual Meeting For holders as of: February 27, 2018 Date: April 25, 2018 Time: 2:00 PM EDT Location: Sonic Automotive, Inc. 4401 Colwick Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28211    You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.    This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side). We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.0000360326_1    R1.0.1.17


LOGO

Before You Vote How to Access the Proxy Materials Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE: 1. Notice & Proxy Statement    2. Annual Report How to View Online: Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com. How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy: If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request: 1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com 2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639 3) BY E-MAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com * If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow                (located on the following page) in the subject line. Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 11, 2018 to facilitate timely delivery. How To Vote Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods    Vote In Person: If you choose to vote these shares in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy.” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.proxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials, which will contain the appropriate instructions. Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a voting instruction form.0000360326_2    R1.0.1.17


LOGO

Voting items    The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal(s):    1. Election of Directors    Nominees 1A O. Bruton Smith 1B B. Scott Smith 1C David Bruton Smith 1D William I. Belk 1E William R. Brooks 1F Victor H. Doolan 1G John W. Harris III 1H Robert Heller 1I R. Eugene Taylor    The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal(s):    2    Ratification of the appointment of    KPMG LLP as Sonic’s independent    registered public accounting firm    for fiscal 2018.    3    Advisory vote to approve Sonic’s    named executive officer    compensation in fiscal 2017. 0000360326_3     R1.0.1.17


LOGO

Voting items Continued NOTE: In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Voting Instructions 0000360326_4    R1.0.1.17