Sonic Automotive, Inc. (Sonic) operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. As of March 19, 2009, the Company operated 164 dealership franchises at 135 dealership locations, representing 33 different brands of cars and light trucks, and 31 collision repair centers in 15 states. Each of Sonic’s dealerships provides services, including sales of both new and used cars and light trucks, sales of replacement parts and performance of vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and repair services (collectively, Fixed Operations), and arrangement of extended service contracts, financing and insurance and other aftermarket products (collectively, F&I) for its automotive customers. As of December 31, 2008, Sonic sold a total of 33 foreign and domestic brands of new vehicles. During 2008, Sonic acquired or was awarded five franchises located in Tennessee and Houston markets.