---

Statement by Jim Cole, General Counsel of Republic Industries, in Response to A Request for a Preliminary Injunction Filed Today by Honda

25 August 1997

Statement by Jim Cole, General Counsel of Republic Industries, in Response to A Request for a Preliminary Injunction Filed Today by Honda

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 25 -- The following statement is
attributable to Jim Cole, general counsel of Republic Industries ,
in response to a request for a preliminary injunction filed today by Honda
:

    "Honda is simply engaging in another frivolous request.  Federal court is
the wrong venue for an issue clearly regulated by state laws, and Honda knows
it."
    "Last Thursday, 23 former state attorneys general stated that state
franchise laws clearly support Republic's right to make these acquisitions."
    "Speaking on behalf of the group, former Illinois Attorney General Neil
Hartigan said, 'The state franchise laws were designed to protect consumers
and dealers from overreaching auto manufacturers. Car dealers have the right
to sell their businesses to a qualified buyer; Republic is a qualified buyer;
and therefore has the right to acquire dealerships.'"

SOURCE  Republic Industries