Sonic Automotive

Sonic Automotive, Inc. is a leading automotive retailer in the United States, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of vehicle buyers and owners. Established in 1997 by O. Bruton Smith, the company has grown to become the fifth-largest automotive retailer in the nation. It operates over 100 dealerships across 24 states.

Product and Service Offerings

Sonic Automotive's primary operations are divided into two main segments: Franchised Dealerships and EchoPark Automotive.

• Franchised Dealerships: This segment encompasses the sale of new and pre-owned vehicles, representing over 25 different automotive brands, including luxury and import marques. Dealerships provide a full suite of services such as vehicle maintenance, warranty repairs, paint and collision repair, and arrangement of extended warranties, financing, and insurance products.
• EchoPark Automotive: Launched in 2014, EchoPark focuses on the pre-owned vehicle market, offering a unique car-buying experience centered around 1-4-year-old vehicles with low mileage. The model emphasizes no-haggle pricing, modern retail environments, and streamlined purchasing processes, catering to customers seeking quality pre-owned vehicles.

In addition to these core segments, Sonic Automotive has expanded into the powersports market through select dealerships. These represent brands like Harley-Davidson, Polaris, and BRP, diversifying its portfolio to include motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft.

Locations and Operations

As of June 2025, Sonic Automotive operates 123 dealerships across 16 states and territories in the U.S. Texas and California host the highest number of locations.

The company has a strong presence in the following locations:

• Houston, TX
• San Francisco, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Baytown, TX
• Arvada, CO
• Denver, CO
• Greensboro, NC
• Orlando, FL
• Newport Beach, CA
• Ontario, CA
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Avondale, AZ
• Santa Fe, NM

Commitment to Customer Experience

Central to Sonic Automotive's philosophy is a strong emphasis on customer experience. The company has implemented several programs designed to address traditional pain points in the car buying and servicing process, including:

• One Sonic One Experience: An initiative that streamlines the vehicle purchase process by assigning customers a single point of contact. This individual handles the entire transaction, reducing time spent at the dealership and simplifying paperwork and financing processes.
• Service Experience Innovations: The company invests in enhancing service experience through online scheduling platforms, digital vehicle inspection with photo and video documentation, text message updates on service status, express service options for routine maintenance, and comfortable customer lounges with amenities.

Headquarters and Office Locations

Sonic Automotive's corporate headquarters are located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, the company operates a state-of-the-art guest experience and marketing office in Gaston County near I-85. This facility supports both Sonic retail dealerships and EchoPark stores and can accommodate 500 employees as the marketing and guest experience teams continue to grow.

Through its diverse operations and commitment to customer satisfaction, Sonic Automotive remains a prominent player in the automotive retail industry, offering a wide range of products and services nationwide.