Sonic Profits Up 24 Percent in Q1
CHARLOTTE - Sonic Automotive Inc. reported a 24 percent profit increase in the first quarter, earning $19.5 million from continuing operations. Same-store revenues grew 9 percent from a year ago, a record for the dealer group.
New-vehicle retail revenue rose 12.1 percent, while used-vehicle revenue jumped 9 percent from the year-ago period.
F&I revenue increased by 20.7 percent from the year-ago period, while parts and service revenue rose by 5.1 percent, according to F&I and Showroom magazine.
"As a result of our operating disciplines, we achieved record first quarter revenues of nearly $2 billion with our current complement of stores,” said Jeff Dyke, executive vice president of operations. “Our-new vehicle retail unit volume, which increased 11.2 percent versus the first quarter of 2011, outpaced the new-vehicle retail industry volume increase. We are excited about the possibilities of further improvement resulting from our continued focus on efficient execution of our selling and customer service processes."
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →