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Dedication. Good character. Outstanding leadership. Willingness. Commitment. Kindness. Strength. These are traits that James Smith learned from his parents and exemplifies each and every day—both at work and home. These are the characteristics that have led James Smith to be your 2010 OBS Award winner.

Building the FoundationBruton Smith once said, “I think when he (James) was selecting parents, he must have selected some good parents...”. Others that have worked with James

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James Smith is Your 2010 OBS Award Winner!Reliable work ethic and giving character rooted from strong family make this Town and Country Associate the go-to guy.

agree that his parents, and particularly his father John, who was well known by Bruton, Scott and David Smith, molded James into the kind, dedicated leader he is today.

“It’s easy to see where James gets some of his good character,” noted Executive Vice President, David Smith. “His dad, I remember, as always having a great attitude and being like part of the family...”.

President Scott Smith agreed when he said, “In our business, we really look at it as a family. And John Smith was such a great inspiration for James.”

The Go-To GuyFollowing in these strong family footsteps, James has become the count-on-it man at Town and Country Ford. Co-associates know how dependable he is. If he’s supposed to be somewhere, he’s there giving everything he’s got to get the job done, to make the client overjoyed and to keep the Town and Country team on course.

Fellow Associate, Yank Murphy, described James as a die hard, noting, “He puts 150% into it all the time.”

Jeff Dyke, Executive Vice President of Operations, summarized James’s commitment best when he said, “He does everything for everybody. He represents the pure core of what we want our teammates to be here at Sonic Automotive.”

“He has a character that, to me, if your around him at all you’ll get where you’ll respect him not only as a person, but as a person who works for Sonic.”

- General Tom Sadler, Speedway Children’s Charities

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“You’ve heard people that say they’ll give you the shirt off their back. James will give you all his clothes if you ask him to.”

- Bill Sullivan, Sonic Automotive

And while he shows incredible dedication to Sonic Automotive, an even greater level of commitment is extended to his family, his family’s family and every life he touches.

Town and Country’s Donna Lawing said that when James talks about his family, you can tell that he just has the most incredible love and respect for his family. He’s a family man.

Follow the LeaderDrawn to him because of his caring and positive nature, fellow Town and Country Associates also praise James’ leadership as motivational and strong.

“The way he can put fun into the job when it gets tense is awesome,” said Phil Cunningham a fellow Town and Country Associate.

Concurring with that thought, Scott Smith commented, “James has tremendous leadership skills. The people that he surrounded himself with, really enjoy working with him and he likes to develop people.”

Even with his even temperament and demeanor, Donna Lawing finds that

A fellow ‘Smith,’ Scott Smith has always regarded James as part of the family.

“The only thing I can say is he’s a Superman because he does it all.”

- Martha Smith

people still know he is the boss and what he says goes. “But he can do it in a way that’s respectful and loving.”

Jeff Dyke had the right words to sum up why James Smith was the perfect choice for the O. Bruton Smith Award, stating, “You can’t find a day when he’s not positive with a smile on his face and a complete

professional. It’s great to be around someone like that. He breathes air into everybody and life into everybody at Sonic.”

Thank you, James, for your efforts, your service and kindness. You are an important link in Sonic becoming one of the best places to work and shop.

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2010 Manufacturer Award Winners

DEALERSHIP BRAND MANufActuRER AwARDS

z Acura 101 Council of Sales Excellence

z Acura of Serramonte Acura Client Excellence Award

z Momentum Audi Magna Society Award Top Improved Service Department in CSI

z tom williams Audi Magna Society Award

z BMw of Montgomery BMW Financial Services Profiles in Achievement

z Global Imports BMW Financial Services Profiles in Achievement (Platinum Level)

z Momentum BMw #1 in CPO Sales

z Momentum west BMw #1 in CPO Sales

z tom williams BMw Safety First Award

z cadillac of Las Vegas GM Dealer of the Year Top CPO Dealer in Western Region

z cadillac of South charlotte Master Dealer for 2010

z classic Buick GMc cadillac Mark of Excellence Award

z crest cadillac Mark of Excellence Award

z Massey cadillac-Saab of Orlando GM Dealer of the Year

z capitol chevrolet Mark of Excellence Award

z Lone Star chevrolet GM Dealer of the Year Mark of Excellence Award

z Ron craft chevrolet Mark of Excellence Award

z North central ford President’s Award Ford Credit Partners in Quality

z Philpott ford President’s Award

z town and country ford - charlotte President’s Award

z concord Honda Elite Customer Service Experience

z Economy Honda President’s Award AHFS Council of Excellence

z Honda of Hayward AHFS Council of Excellence

z Honda west AHFS Council of Excellence

z Lute Riley Honda Customer Service Experience Award

z Steve Bailey Honda Safety First Award (North Central Region)

z Infiniti of charlotte Infiniti Award of Excellence

Congratulations Team! We’re so proud of these great accomplishments!

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DEALERSHIP BRAND MANufActuRER AwARDS

z Jaguar Southwest Houston Pride of Jaguar Dealer Excellence Award

z Land Rover Birmingham Land Rover Pinnacle Club Retailer Excellence Award

z crown Lexus Lexus Elite Award

z Lexus of Marin Lexus Elite Award

z Lexus of Rockville Lexus Elite Award Lexus Culture Award

z Lexus of Serramonte Lexus Elite Award

z tom williams Lexus Lexus Elite Award

z Mercedes-Benz of fort Myers Best of the Best

z Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach Southeast Safety Award

z century MINI Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z Global Imports MINI Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z Momentum MINI Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z MINI of Birmingham Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z MINI of fort Myers Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z MINI of Monrovia Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z MINI of Nashville Achievements in Motoring Financial Services Car Program

z tom williams Porsche Premier Porsche Dealer

z concord toyota Customer Relations Excellence Award

z clearwater toyota Toyota Service Excellence Award Customer Relations Excellence Award

Toyota Parts Excellence Award

z Dub Richardson toyota Gold Dealer Winner

z Mountain States toyota Toyota President’s Award Customer Relations Excellence Award

Pinnacle Award Ambassador Award ($100,000,000 in outstanding contracts and leases)

z Stone Mountain toyota Customer Relations Excellence Award

z toyota of fort worth Parts Excellence Award Service Excellence Award

Customer Relations Excellence Award

z toyota west Sales Excellence Award

z Volvo of Las Vegas President’s Club Award

2010 Manufacturer Award Winners (cont.)Congratulations Team! We’re so proud of these great accomplishments!

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2010 Dealership AwardsDEALERSHIP OPERAtIONS ExcELLENcEDealerships with the highest net to adjusted gross percentage and net before taxes & LIFO within the group. Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Central Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlie Nixon / Gypsy EasterlyGeneral Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lone Star Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . .Carolyn Cross / Mike JonesCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cadillac of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . .Mo Younis / Lisa TricaricoLexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Williams Lexus . . . . . . . . . . . .David Green / Donna WhitenOther Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land Rover/Jaguar of Houston . . . .Jason Lacher / Louise WigginsBMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW & MINI of Nashville . . . . . . . .Russell Stover / Nancy StappVolvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dyer & Dyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Baker / Dovie LaneOther Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hatfield Hyundai Subaru . . . . . . . . .Tim Tweed / Scott Bassinger Other Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Hyundai - Alabama . . . . . . .Stan Hurst / Marilyn SchoenerHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Economy Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corey Choate / Jennifer ParkerToyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toyota West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremy Francis / Chasity Clifton

fIxED OPERAtIONS ExcELLENcEDealerships with the highest YTD combined parts and service operating income as percentage of combined YTD parts and service gross within the group.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Central Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Davis / David RhoadesGeneral Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Chevrolet - Alabama . . . . . .Jody Elmor / Scotty DuBoseCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cadillac of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . .Rick Walker / Kevin CybulskiLexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lexus of Rockville . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Saltzman / Renee MontesOther Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land Rover/Jaguar of Houston . . . .Dexter Taylor / Michael Stan LouisBMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW of Fort Myers . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Rivera / Tim GramlichVolvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volvo of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Moore / Mark YohnerOther Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Momentum Volkswagen . . . . . . . . .Derek Bennett / Rose VincentHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honda West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne Kortlang / Trent ToltzmanToyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain States Toyota . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Jenkins / Ronald Matta

uSED VEHIcLE ExcELLENcE

Top dealerships achieving the highest actual used units as a percentage of their 2009 budget.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baytown Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gílbert QuijadaGeneral Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lone Star Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve BlanchardCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cadillac of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . .Mo YounisLexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lexus of Rockville . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elias CostianesOther Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land Rover Birmingham . . . . . . . . .Mark CountsBMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW of Fairfax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John HayesVolvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dyer & Dyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe FirpoOther Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevens Creek Nissan . . . . . . . . . . .Rick BealHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buena Park Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donnie SizemoreToyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain States Toyota . . . . . . . . . .Bryan Haarhues

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2010 Dealership Awards (cont.)fINANcE & INSuRANcE ExcELLENcEDealerships with the highest blended ranking of F&I PUR and service contract penetration percentage within the group. In addition, dealerships had to be 100% compliant and not have any material F&I audit findings.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baytown Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fernando ArellanoGeneral Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Craft Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacob Chavez / Corey WeatherlyCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crest Cadillac Nashville . . . . . . . . .Edith SmithLexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Autobahn Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hope Hanson / Zack Lee / . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nelson WongOther Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Momentum Jaguar Porsche . . . . . .Terri Kelleher / Margaret Hong / . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mai NguyenBMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW of Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . .Mick WilliamsVolvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volvo of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . .Larry HamiltonOther Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Momentum VW of Clear Lake . . . . .Adam SmithHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lute Riley Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Will Ramos / Aaron JohnsonToyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concord Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracey Wood / Bhupinder Garcha

ASSEt MANAGEMENt ExcELLENcETop dealerships that were most consistently at or below days supply benchmark in all three categories: (New vehicles 40%, Used vehicles 40%, Parts 20%).

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Mill Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Todd Grubb / Russell CorneliusGeneral Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lone Star Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . .Carolyn Cross / Mike JonesCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cadillac of Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . .Mo Younis / Lisa TricaricoLexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercedes Benz of Fort Myers . . . . .Jeff Matthews / Carol WoodOther Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land Rover Birmingham . . . . . . . . .Lowell Griffith / Donna WhitenBMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BMW of Fairfax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mark McCollum / Judy FernandezVolvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dyer & Dyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Baker / Dovie LaneOther Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Hyundai - Alabama . . . . . . .Stan Hurst / Marilyn SchoenerHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poway Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Peter Robertshaw / Teri MeyerHonda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevens Creek Honda . . . . . . . . . . .Brook Moore / Lorraine EspirituToyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concord Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Caruso / Denise Rhys

ASSOcIAtE SAtISfActION ExcELLENcEDealerships with the best blended ranking of total associate turnover per HR (45%) and ASI score (55%), on a scale of 200.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Mill Ford .................................................... 154 General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Craft Chevrolet ..........................................177Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crest Cadillac Nashville ....................................193Lexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Williams Lexus ..........................................134Other Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Momentum Jaguar Porsche ..............................113BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Hills BMW .............................................130Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volvo of Houston ...............................................113Other Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hatfield Hyundai Subaru ...................................138Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Economy Honda ................................................139Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concord Toyota .................................................178

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2010 Dealership Awards (cont.)cuStOMER SAtISfActION ExcELLENcE

Dealerships with the highest combined YTD sales and service CSI Scores above the national/benchmark score.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Town and Country Ford ..................................163.0General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Chevrolet - Alabama ..........................179.7Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crest Cadillac Nashville .................................182.3Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercedes of Nashville ................................... 983.0Lexus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lexus of Serramonte ..................................... 198.5Other Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land Rover Birmingham ................................192.7BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Imports ................................................179.5BMW MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MINI of Monrovia ............................................189.7Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volvo of Las Vegas ............................................ 9.3Other Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hatfield Hyundai Subaru ..............................1820.0Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poway Honda ................................................ 190.4Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stone Mountain Toyota ..................................194.4

SAME StORE SALES ExcELLENcE

Top dealerships with the highest new retail unit sales percentage change versus local market.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Mill Ford .................................................43.1%General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lone Star Chevrolet ......................................11.6%Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classic Cadillac ............................................... 18%Lexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercedes-Benz of Nashville ............................14%Other Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acura of Serramonte .................................... 14.2%BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Hills BMW .........................................39.1%MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Imports MINI ..................................... (2.4%)Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dyer & Dyer Volvo ...........................................1.4%Other Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serramonte Nissan ...................................... 52.7%Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crest Honda - Nashville ................................. 8.8%Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stone Mountain Toyota ................................... 16%

MOSt IMPROVED OPERAtIONSDealerships with the highest YOY percentage and net before taxes & LIFO within the group.

Ford/Chrysler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Town and Country Ford .............................. 252.5%General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Chevrolet - South Carolina ................ 179%Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classic Cadillac ......................................... 2271.1%Lexus/Mercedes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercedes of Ann Arbor ............................... 118.1%Other Luxury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Williams Porsche/Audi .........................171.3%BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevens Creek BMW .................................... 44.3%Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volvo of Houston .......................................... (4.4%)Other Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitol Hyundai - Alabama ........................ 120.9%Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buena Park Honda ....................................5191.8%Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clearwater Toyota .......................................118.4%

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1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Classic Cadillac—Dean Vette, General Manager2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Massey Cadillac - South—Bill Hull, General Manager3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Baytown Ford—Craig Chaudoin, General Manager

— Classic Cadillac — — Massey Cadillac — — Baytown Ford —

2010 Pinnacle of Excellence Top three dealerships that achieved the highest YTD net profit as a percentage of their budget.

2010 Dealership Awards (cont.)

HIGHESt uNIquE wEBSItE VISItORS

Global Imports210,239 visitors

BESt ELEctRONIc cONVERSION RAtE

Lute Riley Honda4.6%

BESt LOGGED cALLS fROM uNIquE SALES cALLS

Capitol Chevrolet - South Carolina86.1%

BESt INtERNEt cLOSING RAtE

Philpott Motors14.2%

1st2nd3rd

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Regional Vice President NC, SC, FL

Tim Keen

Regional Controller SoCal, NV, CO

Jeff Capponi

2010 Regional F&I Director AL, GA, NC, SC

Jarred Sandler

2010 Regional Fixed Ops Director CA

Mike Cervantes

2010 Regional UVD TX

Alan Stubbs

2010 Regional DAD SoCal, NV, COVicki Sylvia

2010 Regional Risk Mgmt. Manager AL, GA, TN

Brad Reese

2010 Regional Awards

Regional Vice President SoCal, NV, CO

Mike Maynard

TIE #1

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2010 Teamwork Awards

2010 Sonic Soldiers The mission of a Sonic Soldier is to consistently

go above and beyond the call of duty and routinely exceed job requirements. A

Sonic Soldier is one who places the success of the company and their fellow

Associates ahead of their own, freely shares knowledge and experience with those who

are rising above them, and fully commits themself to Company initiatives and goals.

For 2010, we commemorate these Associates who walked the walk toward a better Sonic Automotive:

z Patrick Bushz Leigh Eury z Tim Hallicez Carolyn Johnsonz Seth Laubinger z CG Safferz Alli Scritchfieldz Mark Starnes z Meredith Tolar

When floods ravaged the Nashville region in May, 2010, countless homes and businesses were over taken, filled with water, mud and debris. As the event unfolded, Crest Cadillac and Crest Honda team leaders, including GM Steve Brink, GM Brian Palmer, and Internet Director Holly Carlton, knew they needed to take action for the community. Immediately a plan was set to load up parts vehicles and Hummers with water and supplies to aid flood victims.

Soon it was learned that three of the stores’ own Associates were in extreme distress due to the flood. Business Office Associate, Candy Telford, lost everything as waters rose to 6’ 9” in her home. Before the insurance company would set foot on the property, it had to be cleaned out. Crest friends stepped in to remove damaged flooring, sheet rock, and more.

Master Technician Nick Reyes’ home took in 3’ of water and a lot of mud. Having no family in the area, Nick spent his first night after the flooding at the local Wal-Mart. Upon returning

Crest Cadillac and Crest Honda take on rising waters together home, a team of Crest Associates had gathered to start the clean up effort.

Jeff Farris, a Crest Cadillac body technician, saw the water rise to 3’ in 35 minutes, and watched as the rushing water continued to pour in. Everything in the home was lost. Crest Associates, once again, banded together to help this family member in need.

When Regional DAD, Patrick Bush, learned of the situation, he rushed in make sure the affected Associates had all of their basic necessities.

“Grateful, thankful, blessed,” is how Candy described how the Crest Cadillac and Crest Honda teams were there for the community while they cleaned up their lives.

Crest Cadillac and Crest Honda joined forces to help the community and members of the Sonic family.

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Controllers Make the Grade in 201022 stores have Controllers that earned Platinum

The results for the 2010 Controller Scorecard are in and guess who made the grade? A whopping 64% of the participating stores—that’s who! “That’s a true testament to great leadership and accountability,” stated Senior Vice-President and Corporate Controller, Wes Pandoff.

This past year, 17 controllers in 22 stores earned a Platinum ranking. What’s more, Carol Woods scored Platinum at all five of her stores and Louise Wiggins won Platinum at both of her stores. Another 47 controllers earned a Gold, Silver or Bronze ranking.

The scorecard measures the quality of a dealership’s accounting functions. Rankings are figured from a compilation of a controller’s closing practices, asset management, DOC and projection accuracy, and budget achievement. It’s an objective, numeric evaluation.

Congratulations to all of our scorecard winners and thank you for your excellent efforts!

cONtROLLER DEALERSHIP PLAtINuM

z carol wood BMW of Fort Myers 3

z carol wood VW of Fort Myers 3

z carol wood MINI of Fort Myers 3

z carol wood Mercedes Benz of Fort Myers 3

z carol wood Honda of Fort Myers 3

z Louise wiggins Land Rover / Jaguar of Houston 3

z Louise wiggins Jaguar / Land Rover Houston North 3

z Aimee usher Autobahn Motors 3

z Michele wild Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach 3

z Donna whiten Tom Williams Lexus 3

z Brad Hanchey Crest Honda - Nashville 3

z Russell cornelius Fort Mill Ford 3

z teri Meyer Poway Honda 3

z Donna Stone Momentum JVLP 3

z Marilyn Schoener Capitol Imports - Alabama 3

z Dave Bolden Tom Williams BMW/MINI 3

z Vance Gregory Mercedes of Nashville 3

z Diane Kuhlman Infiniti of Charlotte 3

z Nancy Stapp BMW & MINI of Nashville 3

z terri Lowry Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek 3

z Angie Murray Stevens Creek BMW 3

z Patty Kitchen Town and Country Toyota 3

Celebration is in order at the Fort Myers Business Offices where Carol Wood and her team earned Platinum status in all five stores—the highest performance in the entire company!

Congratulations!

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Terri Lowry and the Platinum-level Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek team.

Under the leadership of Clarence Ratcliffe, team member Michele Wild (Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach), Carol Wood (see chart), Patty Kitchen (Town and Country Toyota), Diane Kuhlman (Infiniti of Charlotte), and Russell Cornelius (Fort Mill Ford) achieve Platinum!

From Autobaun Motors, the Platinum team includes (Front Row L-R): Karla Quintanar, Monica Guiton, Scott Christianson (Back Row L-R): Aimee Usher, Silvia Rios, Sandy Lee, Patricia Murphy.

Celebrating their Platinum win is the team from Momentum JVLP: Donna Stone, Stepha-nie Morley, McRicka Baker, Kayla Smith, Sara Rosales, Ben Dugger.

Meet Peggy McFarland’s Platinum controller team: Marilyn Schoener, Brad Hanchey, Donna Whiten, Vance Gregory, Nancy Stapp, Dave Bolden

Teri Meyer and the Poway Honda team celebrate their hard-earned Platinum ranking.

Angie Murray and the Stevens Creek BMW team strike a pose to commemorate their Platinum score.

Here the Momentum Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover team shows off their office Sonic gram.

Controllers Make the Grade (cont.)

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s Three Dealerships Named GM Dealer of the Year

Congratulations to Lone Star Chevrolet, Massey Cadillac-Saab of Orlando and Cadillac of Las Vegas. These stores are among the top 2% of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick dealers in their regions. Winning the award means both stores are top performers in sales and customer satisfaction. They also have proven their commitment to these areas on a long term basis by retaining customers, using only Genuine GM parts, participating in Standards for Excellence and maintaining compliance with the Essential Brand Elements program requirements.

Massey Cadillac-Saab of OrlandoLone Star Chevrolet

Lone Star Chevrolet, Massey Cadillac-Saab of Orlando, Cadillac of Las Vegas among top 2% of all General Motors dealerships in the country

Momentum Audi Earns 2010 Magna AwardMomentum Audi recently received exciting news from Audi Southern Region’s Area GM, Steve Martini. The dealership has been acknowledged for its excellent all-around performance in new sales, CPO sales, part sales, and CSI/SSI with the Audi Magna Dealer award. Keep up the good work, Momentum Audi team!

Momentum Audi is awarded for exceptional all-around perfor-mance with the Magna Award.

Cadillac of Las Vegas

Land Rover Birmingham Joins Pinnacle ClubAmong just 16 retailers from the Land Rover brand, Land Rover Birmingham has been honored with the Pinnacle Club Retailer Excellence Award. This annual accolade acknowledges outstanding a c h i e v e m e n t in customer satisfaction, sales and staff training ach ievements . Job well done!

Momentum Audi Service Recognized for CSIThe service team at Momentum Audi knows how to treat their customers—and their excellent care has been noticed! The store was recently recognized as having the top improved Service

Department in CSI for 2010. Way to go!

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Rachel Richards Named one of 100 Leading Women by Automotive NewsRichards earns top placement in the publication’s search for influential women in the North American auto industrySonic Automotive’s Vice President of Retail Strategy, Rachel Richards, was recently named one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Richards, who began her career with Ford Motor Credit Company in 1984, was first nominated by the publication’s readers. Then, a team of editors and reporters weighed the qualifications of each nominee.

Automotive News looks for influential women at automakers, Tier 1 suppliers and dealerships who make major decisions and make a difference throughout their organizations.

Richards fit the roster perfectly as a talented, leading member of the Sonic Automotive team. Richards, joined by husband Craig and

daughter Alex, at the “100 Leading Women” awards ceremony.

And the Texas Cup Goes to...Momentum BMW named 2010 F&I Overall Leader

The Texas Cup—a trophy awarded to the top F&I dealership in Texas each month—has made its rounds across the state. It’s found a familiar home at Momentum BMW, the F&I overall leader for 2010 and, again, for the month of January, 2011.

In 2010, Momentum BMW held the #1 F&I position

four months, tying with Ron Craft Chevrolet. Momentum BMW edged out the competition to become the overall 2010 winner thanks to higher PPC (Products Per Car) sales.

The team at Momentum BMW is doing all they can to keep the Cup in hand by continuing efforts toward superior F&I.

Toyota of Fort Worth’s Scott Bolin #3 in Nation

How long does it take to sell 464 new vehicles? For Scott Bolin, Associate with Toyota of Fort Worth, it took just one year. In 2010, Scott reached this unbelievable sales number, pushing an average of over nine new Toyotas off the lot every week.

In conjunction with this feat, Scott finished #3 in the nation in Tundra sales.

Congratulations on an outstanding sales effort!

Presenting Scott his trophy are Roy Sutton and Gary Barham from Gulf States Toyota.

Congratulations Rachel!

Congratulations, Scott!

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s MINI of Nashville Triumphs with National Awards Dealership takes home six national honorsWhen a store wins a national competition, it is a huge honor. When one dealership has six national winners, including two Grand Travel Award winners, it is larger than life.

MINI of Nashville has more than its share of winning personnel. From the sales side of the house both the Sales Manager, Roger Harrison, and Motoring Advisor, John Monk, were winners of the MINI Achievements in Motoring Award.

Outstanding service team members, Corey Wright and Justin Carr won the MINI Achievements in Motoring Award. The highest awards went to Mike Dang and Mark Mullowney who were selected as Grand Travel Award Winners. They’re on their way to Hawaii for a week this summer.

These awards were presented for technical knowledge and customer care. Only the top 5% in the nation receive this prestigious award.

(L-R): Corey Wright, Service Advisor; John Monk, Motoring Advisor; Roger Harrison, Sales Manager; Justin Carr, Technician; Mark Mullowney, Technician; Mike Dang, Technician.

Lone Star Ford Takes it from Worst to FirstNew Continuous Improvement Team helps transform low CSI to a high 91%Just four months ago, Lone Star Ford had the worst CSI in the State of Texas. Rather than accept the fact and continue on with the day-to-day cycle, Lone Star Ford implemented the Continuous Improvement Team.

Dedicated Associates from each Department were charged with the following: Identify and change the attitude of the other Associates in the dealership so that they understand that they are there to serve the customer—and not the other way around.

The model used was replicated from the Four Seasons Hotel. E m p l o y e e s of the Four Seasons end their experience with the guest by asking this question: “Is there anything

else I can do for you?”

When the Manager of the Four Seasons was interviewed he stated that when his employees found out that if you give great service you actually make bigger tips and more money. They were on board to serve their guests better.

To the credit of Lone Star Ford’s Continuous Improvement Team, they worked with diligence and caring for over seven weeks on this issue. They interviewed managers and Associates, and held meetings to drive forward toward better customer care.

They did a great job of keeping on track and as a result, in the month of March, Lone Star Ford had the highest CSI in Houston—a big 91%.

Congratulations to Eunice, Latonya, Carla, Ronnie, Arnie, Valerie, Emma and Mike—Lone Star Ford’s Continuous Improvement Team.

Associates learn to finish their client transactions with, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

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Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers Named Best of the Best

Mercedes-Benz USA recently named Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers a Best of the Best dealership.

According to Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, “This program recognizes the top 15 percent of our dealers for their exemplary performance in sales, service and parts, as well as living up to the promise of CustomerOne with superior customer care.”

General Manager, Jeff Matthews, is proud of the team’s effort to demonstrate superior performance in customer satisfaction, new and certified pre-owned vehicle sales, leadership, parts operations and market penetration that led to this prestigious win.

Part of the sales team poses with Mercedes-Benz President and CEO, Ernst Lieb. (L-R): Matt Turczyn, Nick Verdile, John Vitulano, Kris Waskowski, John Rennirt, Ernst Lieb, Scott Gabriel, Steve Daw.

Jaguar Southwest Houston is Pride of Jaguar WinnerJaguar Southwest Houston is among just 16 Jaguar stores to receive the Pride of Jaguar award. Presented to stores that embody excellence in customer satisfaction, sales training, and staff training, Jaguar Southwest Houston showcases all that the Jaguar brand represents.

Momentum Audi Earns 2010 Magna AwardMomentum Audi recently received exciting news from Audi Southern Region’s Area GM, Steve Martini. The dealership has been acknowledged for its excellent all-around performance in new sales, CPO sales, part sales, and CSI/SSI with the Audi Magna Dealer award. Keep up the good work, Momentum Audi team!

Momentum Audi is awarded for exceptional all-around performance with the Magna Award.

Keep Them Coming!Keep sharing your stories by sending them to BoomNews@SonicAutomotive.com

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s Town & Country Ford Receives Prestigious President’s AwardT&C is the only Ford dealership in the Charlotte area to take home Ford’s highest honor for customer satisfaction

Ford Motor Company recently recognized Town & Country Ford for achieving superior customer satisfaction throughout 2010, presenting the dealership with its highest honor—the Ford Motor Company President’s Award.

Through a comprehensive survey taken by Ford customers nationwide, Town & Country Ford showcased exemplary commitment and resolve in Sales and Service experiences.

Yearly only 340 dealerships out of more than 5,000 are awarded this superior honor. Town & Country Ford, a Blue Oval Certified store, has the distinction of

being the only Ford dealer in the Charlotte area to take home the award.

Making sure customers are happy is what everyone at Town & Country Ford strives for. It takes real teamwork to make it happen. From the person who answers the phone to sales c o n s u l t a n t s , technicians, office staff, and parts and body shop staff, everyone plays a part in providing superior customer satisfaction at Town & Country Ford.

Momentum BMW is 2010 U.S. CPO Sales Leader

Congratulations to Momentum BMW. The dealership has been recognized by BMW of North America as being the U.S. Certified Pre-Owned sales leader for 2010.

The store’s 1,946 CPO sales were an astonishing 542 units over the 2nd place finisher.

This is the second year in a row that Momentum BMW has taken the top spot in certified pre-owned sales. The team plans to continue its outstanding performance and make it a three-peat in 2011!

Store takes #1 spot two years running

Celebration is in order as Momentum BMW repeats as the country’s #1 BMW CPO sales leader.

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Momentum BMW is 2010 U.S. CPO Sales Leader

Suggestio

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3rd Quarter WinnersAssociAte DeAlership suggestion

Niko Malakis Serramonte Honda Invite Associates to participate in their GM’s morning “walk through” at the dealership.

Mike DiGiulio Autobahn Motors Create a wallet card labeled “Playbook Excellence” and distribute it to Associates that contribute to achieving goals.

Roger Batts North Central Ford Place Quick Ref tags on vehicles so that customers can pull CarFax reports via iPhone apps.

Kim Gump Home Office Notify a Sales Associate when one of their customers is in Service so that they can prospect for a car sale.

Shelly Means Steve Bailey Honda Insure customers receive all their documents in order to reduce certified mail expense. Create an Employee of the Month contest.

SuggestionBox@sonicautomotive.comGive your ideas to make Sonic a better company

Do you have a suggestion on how to make Sonic Automotive a more successful organization and greater place to work? Submit it to SuggestionBox@SonicAutomotive.com. Each quarter we select five Associates whose ideas offer original and actionable ways to improve our company. If you win, you get $100!

4th Quarter WinnersAssociAte DeAlership suggestion

Debra Sharpe Stone Mountain Toyota Install a Parts Scan system in all Parts Departments to increase inventory accuracy.

Brad Burnett Infiniti of Charlotte Utilize Microsoft tags (iPhone app) to improve communication with customers.

Jason Oeding Jaguar Land Rover Houston Install a plate pass for tolls on loaner vehicles and charge clients a service North charge for using the pass.

Sonic Playbook Results Update

Top Stores by Playbook

In the October edition of the Sonic Boom, we unveiled our top stores by Playbook category. Two of our award-winning dealerships were inadvertently left off from the standings. Our apologies for the oversight and congratulations for your outstanding efforts.

sonic priDe total score

1. Mercedes-Benz of Fort Myers 109.3%

(13-way for 1st place)

useD vehicles total score

10. Carson Honda 97.6%

(Tied for 10th place)

Dear Team Members,

I would like to offer a huge congratulations to all of our manufacturer award and dealership award winners. I extend my sincerest thanks to every Associate that achieved these positive accomplishments in 2010. The efforts you’ve

put forth are above and beyond expectation and have pushed our company another step forward toward being one of America’s best places to work and shop. I am grateful for your contributions and know your motivation and momentum are on track for repeat success.

I’d like to congratulate our OBS winner, James Smith, and his family. A long time friend and Associate, James exemplifies what the O. Bruton Smith award is all about. He is a warm and loving person with a heart of gold. He has a true enthusiasm for his work and family. James knows how to motivate by setting a model example himself. I am blessed to call James my friend and I am thrilled for him. Congratulations, James!

To the entire Sonic Automotive Family, Congratulations for an excellent 2010! Thank you for your commitment to always taking the high road!

Carpe Diem!

God Bless

Thank You for a Job Well Done!