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Sonic Automotive Joins Credit Online Network

15 March 2000

Nation's Second Largest Automotive Retailer Adopts Online Financing Service

 
    ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md. - Credit Online, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Credit Management Solutions, Inc., announced on Tuesday that Sonic Automotive Inc., 
the nation's second largest automotive retailer, is piloting CreditConnection 
to automate its traditional dealership and Internet financing processes.

    CreditConnection is a patented online service that electronically connects
dealerships through the Credit Online network to credit bureaus and funding
sources nationwide. CreditConnection was installed and is supported by ADP
Dealer Services. Currently, there are 23 "electronic" lenders able to receive
electronic loan and lease applications through the Credit Online network.

    Sonic, which has been piloting CreditConnection in the Columbus, Ohio
area, has CreditConnection integrated to their ADP dealer management system.
Sonic will be rolling out the browser-based version to its stores in the
coming months. "We are very pleased with the results from the pilot program,"
said David Boatman, Chief Information Officer of Sonic Automotive.  "Credit
decisions are now available in a matter of seconds, which results in a more
satisfied customer, and improves productivity in our F & I (Finance and
Insurance) operations as well."

    Boatman added that in addition to online connectivity to multiple lenders,
CreditConnection also delivers valuable statistical information that helps
senior management and dealer operators analyze and manage a variety of
activities in individual dealerships and company wide.

    "Sonic Automotive is an industry leader and one of the country's most
progressive dealer groups. We are delighted that CreditConnection is a key
component of their operating strategy to fuel continued growth by adopting new
technology," said Howard L. Tischler, President and CEO of Credit Online.


    About Sonic Automotive

    Sonic Automotive, Inc. is the second largest automotive retailer in the
United States, with operations in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,
Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, and Virginia. Sonic currently operates 172 auto dealership franchises
and 30 collision repair centers. 


    About CMSI

    Since it was founded in 1987, CMSI has been a premier provider of credit
automation software and services, including Internet-based online lending and
leasing technology. The Company's e-commerce subsidiary, Credit Online, Inc.,
credit-enables business-to-business transactions through its Internet gateway
and its patented CreditConnection technology , which links credit originators 
such as automobile dealers and borrowers with an extensive network of leading 
prime and non-prime lenders. Through its CMSI Systems, Inc. subsidiary, CMSI 
licenses credit decisioning and other automation systems and services for 
consumer and business credit that have been the choice of the world's largest 
and most demanding lending institutions. CreditRevue, CreditConnection, and 
CreditOnline are trademarks or registered trademarks of Credit Management 
Solutions, Inc.