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  <xs:element id="sah_FixedOpsGrossProfitDecline" abstract="false" name="FixedOpsGrossProfitDecline" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_UsedUnitSaleDecline" abstract="false" name="UsedUnitSaleDecline" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RevenueIncrease" abstract="false" name="RevenueIncrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PendingAcquisitionTextBlock" abstract="false" name="PendingAcquisitionTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" abstract="true" name="FivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" abstract="true" name="SixPointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorSubordinateNoteDueTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SummaryOfLeaseExitAccrualsTableTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="SummaryOfLeaseExitAccrualsTableTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseOtherInformationAbstract" abstract="true" name="LeaseOtherInformationAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract" abstract="true" name="LeaseUndiscountedCashFlowsAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RightOfUseAssetsTotal" abstract="false" name="RightOfUseAssetsTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetNewLeaseTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseRightOfUseAssetNewLeaseTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeaseTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeaseTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeaseTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeaseTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetModificationsTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseRightOfUseAssetModificationsTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortizationTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentModificationsTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityCurrentModificationsTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModificationsTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentModificationsTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetAmortization" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortizationTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityNoncurrentAmortizationTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentTotal" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityCurrentTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseROUAssetAmortization" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseROUAssetAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_A2019FinanceLeasePrincipalPaymentsYTD" abstract="false" name="A2019FinanceLeasePrincipalPaymentsYTD" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectOfTransitionAxis" abstract="true" name="InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectOfTransitionAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_RevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member" abstract="true" name="RevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DifferenceRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member" abstract="true" name="DifferenceRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PartsServiceandCollisionRepairandFinanceInsuranceandOtherNetSubtotalMember" abstract="true" name="PartsServiceandCollisionRepairandFinanceInsuranceandOtherNetSubtotalMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectOfTransitionLineItems" abstract="true" name="RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectOfTransitionLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrent" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetNewLeases" abstract="false" name="LeasesRightofUseAssetNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="LeaseLiabilityCurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentNewLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetModifications" abstract="false" name="LeasesRightofUseAssetModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityCurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentModifications" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesRightofUseAssetAmortization" abstract="false" name="LeasesRightofUseAssetAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityCurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityCurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" abstract="false" name="LeasesLiabilityNoncurrentAmortization" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DealershipMember" abstract="true" name="DealershipMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseExecutiveOfficerCompensationTransitionCost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsFuturePeriod" abstract="false" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsFuturePeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment" abstract="false" name="IncomeTaxBenefitGoodwillImpairment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInTwoYears" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInTwoYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInThreeYears" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInThreeYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFourYears" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFourYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFiveYears" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueDueInFiveYears" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTotal" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeasePresentValueDiscountASC840" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeasePresentValueDiscountASC840" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseLeaseLiabilitiesASC840" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseLeaseLiabilitiesASC840" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FinanceLeaseSTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840" abstract="false" name="FinanceLeaseSTLeaseLiabilitiesASC840" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_PreOwnedStoresMember" abstract="true" name="PreOwnedStoresMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_LuxuryDealershipMember" abstract="true" name="LuxuryDealershipMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NorthwestMotorsportSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="NorthwestMotorsportSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsDealershipsMember" abstract="true" name="PowersportsDealershipsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedStoresMemberMember" abstract="true" name="FranchisedStoresMemberMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedDealershipsMemberMember" abstract="true" name="FranchisedDealershipsMemberMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CDKOutageImpactMember" abstract="true" name="CDKOutageImpactMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_JLR4PackMember" abstract="true" name="JLR4PackMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="sah_ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromDispositionsOfFranchises" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfFranchisesTerminated" abstract="false" name="NumberOfFranchisesTerminated" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfFranchisesCeasedOperations" abstract="false" name="NumberOfFranchisesCeasedOperations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfPowersportsStoresAcquired" abstract="false" name="NumberOfPowersportsStoresAcquired" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PYAcqGWAllocationsFdealer" abstract="false" name="PYAcqGWAllocationsFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PYAcqGWAllocationsPowersports" abstract="false" name="PYAcqGWAllocationsPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfFranchisedStoresWithGWAdjustmentAbstract" abstract="true" name="NumberOfFranchisedStoresWithGWAdjustmentAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfPowersportStoresWithGWAdjustmentAbstract" abstract="true" name="NumberOfPowersportStoresWithGWAdjustmentAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GainLossOnFranchiseDisposal" abstract="false" name="GainLossOnFranchiseDisposal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NonrecurringCompensationExpense" abstract="false" name="NonrecurringCompensationExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_StormDamageandLegalExpenses" abstract="false" name="StormDamageandLegalExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarnings" abstract="false" name="BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarnings" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_BusinessAcquisitionEarningsReportedByAcquiredEntityForLastAnnualPeriod" abstract="false" name="BusinessAcquisitionEarningsReportedByAcquiredEntityForLastAnnualPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquired" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquired" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RevenueEarningsIncludedInStatementofOperationsAttributableToAcquisitions" abstract="false" name="RevenueEarningsIncludedInStatementofOperationsAttributableToAcquisitions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OtherNonrecurringGainLoss" abstract="false" name="OtherNonrecurringGainLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges" abstract="false" name="DiscontinuedOperationLeaseExitAccrualAdjustmentsAndCharges" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfPowerSportsTerminated" abstract="false" name="NumberOfPowerSportsTerminated" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InventoryNewVehicles" abstract="false" name="InventoryNewVehicles" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InventoryUsedVehicles" abstract="false" name="InventoryUsedVehicles" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InventoryServiceLoaners" abstract="false" name="InventoryServiceLoaners" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ServiceLoanerInventoryDirectlyLeasedFromManufacturer" abstract="false" name="ServiceLoanerInventoryDirectlyLeasedFromManufacturer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SoftwareAndComputerEquipmentMember" abstract="true" name="SoftwareAndComputerEquipmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PartsAndServiceEquipmentMember" abstract="true" name="PartsAndServiceEquipmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentBeforeReclassificationOfAssetsHeldToSale" abstract="false" name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentBeforeReclassificationOfAssetsHeldToSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillFranchiseSegment" abstract="false" name="GoodwillFranchiseSegment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillPreownedSegment" abstract="false" name="GoodwillPreownedSegment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillPowersportsSegment" abstract="false" name="GoodwillPowersportsSegment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GWAccmAmortFdealer" abstract="false" name="GWAccmAmortFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GWAmmAmortPreowned" abstract="false" name="GWAmmAmortPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillAndIndefiniteLivedAssetsWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAndIndefiniteLivedAssetsWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssets" abstract="false" name="ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PYAcqGWAllocations" abstract="false" name="PYAcqGWAllocations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PYAcqGWAllocationsPreowned" abstract="false" name="PYAcqGWAllocationsPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredFdealer" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredPreowned" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredPowersports" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAcquiredPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsFranchised" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsFranchised" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsTotal" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GWAssetImpairmentFdealer" abstract="false" name="GWAssetImpairmentFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GWAssetImpairmentPreowned" abstract="false" name="GWAssetImpairmentPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GWAssetImpairmentPowersports" abstract="false" name="GWAssetImpairmentPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchiseAssetsFranchised" abstract="false" name="FranchiseAssetsFranchised" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsPreowned" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsPowersports" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchiseAssetsAssetsAcquiredFranchised" abstract="false" name="FranchiseAssetsAssetsAcquiredFranchised" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsAssetsAcquiredPreowned" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsAssetsAcquiredPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsAssetsAcquiredPowersports" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsAssetsAcquiredPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchiseAssetsReductionsFromDispFdealer" abstract="false" name="FranchiseAssetsReductionsFromDispFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionFromDispositionsPreowned" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionFromDispositionsPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsPowersports" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromDispositionsPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchiseAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentFdealer" abstract="false" name="FranchiseAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentFdealer" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentPreowned" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentPreowned" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentPowersports" abstract="false" name="IntangibleAssetsReductionsFromImpairmentPowersports" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ReductionsFromImpairmentTotal" abstract="false" name="ReductionsFromImpairmentTotal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandSixteenRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A2019MortgageFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A2019MortgageFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A2020LineOfCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A2020LineOfCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A4625SeniorNotesMember" abstract="true" name="A4625SeniorNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A4875SeniorNotesMember" abstract="true" name="A4875SeniorNotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MortgageNotesPayableMember" abstract="true" name="MortgageNotesPayableMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RequiredRatioMember" abstract="true" name="RequiredRatioMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodSixDomain" abstract="true" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodSixDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodSevenDomain" abstract="true" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodSevenDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodEightDomain" abstract="true" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodEightDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionToRedeemMember" abstract="true" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionOptionToRedeemMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DerivativeInstrumentUnamortizedPremium" abstract="false" name="DerivativeInstrumentUnamortizedPremium" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RateCapFairValueNet" abstract="false" name="RateCapFairValueNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RevolvingLoanAggregatePrincipal" abstract="false" name="RevolvingLoanAggregatePrincipal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MinimumConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" abstract="false" name="MinimumConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MaximumConsolidatedAggregateLeaseAdjustedLeverageRatio" abstract="false" name="MaximumConsolidatedAggregateLeaseAdjustedLeverageRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandSixteenCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A2016NewVehicleFloorPlanFacilityand2016UsedVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A2016NewVehicleFloorPlanFacilityand2016UsedVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandSixteenVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandSixteenVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacilityMemberMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacilityMemberMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandTwentyVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandTwentyVehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandTwentyRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NewVehicleFloorplanFacilityCommitmentsMember" abstract="true" name="NewVehicleFloorplanFacilityCommitmentsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_UsedVehicleFloorplanFacilityCommitmentsMember" abstract="true" name="UsedVehicleFloorplanFacilityCommitmentsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RevolvingBorrowingBase" abstract="false" name="RevolvingBorrowingBase" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumCommitmentAllocationPercentage" abstract="false" name="LineofCreditFacilityMaximumCommitmentAllocationPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DividendRestrictionMaximumAmountPerShare" abstract="false" name="DividendRestrictionMaximumAmountPerShare" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LineofCreditFacilityMinimumCommitment" abstract="false" name="LineofCreditFacilityMinimumCommitment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A4625NotesMember" abstract="true" name="A4625NotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentOtherOutstandingIndebtednessInExcess" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentOtherOutstandingIndebtednessInExcess" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentPercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountRedeemableUponEventOfDefault" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentPercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountRedeemableUponEventOfDefault" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NotesRedemptionPricePercentageOfParValueDueToChangeOfControl" abstract="false" name="NotesRedemptionPricePercentageOfParValueDueToChangeOfControl" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount" abstract="false" name="NotesIssuedAtPriceOfPrincipalAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberOfOperatingLocationsRelatedToMortgageFinancing" abstract="false" name="NumberOfOperatingLocationsRelatedToMortgageFinancing" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LongTermDebtPrepayment" abstract="false" name="LongTermDebtPrepayment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MaximumBorrowing2019MortgageFacility" abstract="false" name="MaximumBorrowing2019MortgageFacility" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MaximumBorrowing2020LineOfCreditFacility" abstract="false" name="MaximumBorrowing2020LineOfCreditFacility" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RemainingAvailability2020LOC" abstract="false" name="RemainingAvailability2020LOC" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OutstandingBalance2020LOC" abstract="false" name="OutstandingBalance2020LOC" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentMaximumAllowedDividendsPerShare" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentMaximumAllowedDividendsPerShare" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PercentOfCollateralizedRealEstate" abstract="false" name="PercentOfCollateralizedRealEstate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadLIBOR" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadLIBOR" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MinimumConsolidatedLiquidityRatio" abstract="false" name="MinimumConsolidatedLiquidityRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceUnrestrictedNetIncomeLossAndRetainedEarnings" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantComplianceUnrestrictedNetIncomeLossAndRetainedEarnings" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MinimumEBTDARToRentRatio" abstract="false" name="MinimumEBTDARToRentRatio" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InterestRateSwapAndInterestRateCapMember" abstract="true" name="InterestRateSwapAndInterestRateCapMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InterestRateCap14Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateCap14Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InterestRateCap69Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateCap69Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InterestRateCap5Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateCap5Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherAccruedLiabilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DerivativeCashPremiumPaid" abstract="false" name="DerivativeCashPremiumPaid" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps" abstract="false" name="InterestExpenseNetCashFlowSwaps" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PaymentOfInterestRate" abstract="false" name="PaymentOfInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapEightMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapEightMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapOneMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapOneMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapTwoMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapTwoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapThreeMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapThreeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapFourMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapFourMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapFiveMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapFiveMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapSixMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapSixMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_CashFlowSwapSevenMember" abstract="true" name="CashFlowSwapSevenMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SidecarFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="SidecarFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_TermLoanPrincipalAmount" abstract="false" name="TermLoanPrincipalAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PriorTermLoanPrincipalAmount" abstract="false" name="PriorTermLoanPrincipalAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DelayedDrawTermLoanAggregatePrincipal" abstract="false" name="DelayedDrawTermLoanAggregatePrincipal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OutstandingBalanceDelayedDrawCreditFacility" abstract="false" name="OutstandingBalanceDelayedDrawCreditFacility" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A2019MortgageFacilityOutstanding" abstract="false" name="A2019MortgageFacilityOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A2019MortgageFacilityAdditionalLenderCommitments" abstract="false" name="A2019MortgageFacilityAdditionalLenderCommitments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NetIncomeLossBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" abstract="false" name="NetIncomeLossBasicAfterEffectOfParticipatingSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsDiluted" abstract="false" name="IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsDiluted" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntityDiluted" abstract="false" name="IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntityDiluted" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LegalMattersAmountReservedForPendingProceedings" abstract="false" name="LegalMattersAmountReservedForPendingProceedings" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMinimumExpirationPeriod" abstract="false" name="GeneralIndemnificationsMinimumExpirationPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GeneralIndemnificationsMaximumExpirationPeriod" abstract="false" name="GeneralIndemnificationsMaximumExpirationPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ContingentLiabilityReserveBalance" abstract="false" name="ContingentLiabilityReserveBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_AcquiredBusinessEarningsTargetsMaximumTerm" abstract="false" name="AcquiredBusinessEarningsTargetsMaximumTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MaximumAggregateEarnOutPayment" abstract="false" name="MaximumAggregateEarnOutPayment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LeaseExitRollForward" abstract="true" name="LeaseExitRollForward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DeferredCompensationPlanLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" abstract="false" name="DeferredCompensationPlanLiabilityFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A4625NotesDomain" abstract="false" name="A4625NotesDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_A4875NotesDomain" abstract="false" name="A4875NotesDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_MortgageLoanAtFixInterestRateMember" abstract="true" name="MortgageLoanAtFixInterestRateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OtherDebtMember" abstract="true" name="OtherDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_OperatingDecisionMakerGroupNumberofMembers" abstract="false" name="OperatingDecisionMakerGroupNumberofMembers" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NewVehiclesMember" abstract="true" name="NewVehiclesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RetailNewVehcileMember" abstract="true" name="RetailNewVehcileMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedDealershipsMember" abstract="true" name="FranchisedDealershipsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsNewVehicleRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsNewVehicleRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SegmentGrossProfit" abstract="false" name="SegmentGrossProfit" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_LossOnDisposalOfBusiness" abstract="false" name="LossOnDisposalOfBusiness" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsFixedOpsCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="PowersportsFixedOpsCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="PowersportsWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="PowersportsUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsNewVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="PowersportsNewVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EchoParkWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="EchoParkWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EchoParkUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="EchoParkUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RentExpenseSGA" abstract="false" name="RentExpenseSGA" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedFixedOpsCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="FranchisedFixedOpsCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="FranchisedWholesaleVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="FranchisedUsedVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedFleetNewVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="FranchisedFleetNewVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FranchisedNewVehiclesCostOfSales" abstract="false" name="FranchisedNewVehiclesCostOfSales" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ClosedStoreAccruedExpenses" abstract="false" name="ClosedStoreAccruedExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_FloorPlanDepositBalance" abstract="false" name="FloorPlanDepositBalance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_ExecutiveTransitionCosts" abstract="false" name="ExecutiveTransitionCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RetailUnits" abstract="false" name="RetailUnits" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsUsedVehicleRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsUsedVehicleRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsWholesaleVehicleRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsWholesaleVehicleRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsFixedOpsRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsFixedOpsRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsFIRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsFIRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_PowersportsSegmentRevenue" abstract="false" name="PowersportsSegmentRevenue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DomesticFranchisedDealershipAbstract" abstract="true" name="DomesticFranchisedDealershipAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EchoParkStoresAbstract" abstract="true" name="EchoParkStoresAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_EchoParkDeliveryBuyCentersAbstract" abstract="true" name="EchoParkDeliveryBuyCentersAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_DomesticFranchiseDealershipDomain" abstract="true" name="DomesticFranchiseDealershipDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_RFJMember" abstract="true" name="RFJMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_GainLossOnAcquisitionsAndDisposalsMember" abstract="true" name="GainLossOnAcquisitionsAndDisposalsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_NumberofPreownedStoresDisposed" abstract="false" name="NumberofPreownedStoresDisposed" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InitialBorrowingRevolvingFacility2021" abstract="false" name="InitialBorrowingRevolvingFacility2021" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_InitialBorrowingFloorPlanFacility2021" abstract="false" name="InitialBorrowingFloorPlanFacility2021" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchase" abstract="false" name="SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchase" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchaseAvePrice" abstract="false" name="SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchaseAvePrice" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sah_SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchaseAmount" abstract="false" name="SubsequentClassACommonStockRepurchaseAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
