Corporate Profile

Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, is a leading operator in the $1 trillion automotive retailing industry. Since its initial public offering in October 1997, Group 1 has grown to become one of the top five dealership groups in the United States. The company has achieved this success through the execution of a strategy that emphasizes geographic and brand diversity, interrelated revenue streams, operational efficiencies and the prudent deployment of capital.

Group 1 owns and operates 98 dealerships, 132 franchises and 24 collision service centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 32 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts; provides maintenance and repair services; and sells replacement parts.

Operating Strategy
Group 1's strategy is founded on standardized practices to achieve operating efficiencies, industry-leading customer service, disciplined acquisition growth and diversity in geographic reach and brands marketed. The company's success is attributable to our continued focus on customers, successful integration of acquisitions and our flexible operating model.

Group 1 operates under a consolidated regional structure that allows us to leverage our scale and standardize our processes to create operating efficiencies, while keeping operational decision making close to the market.

Acquisitions
Group 1’s commitment to judiciously managing stockholders’ capital is reflected in its disciplined approach to making acquisitions that will optimize our brand mix, expand geographic diversity and achieve operating efficiencies. With nearly 19,000 automobile dealerships in the United States, there are ample opportunities to find attractive acquisition candidates.

Group 1 owns and operates dealerships in the United States and the United Kingdom. These dealerships offer 32 brands of cars and light trucks a balance of import and domestic manufacturers. In 2009, import and luxury brands increased to 85 percent of our mix, with domestics declining to less than 15 percent. This is a significant shift from 2005, when import and luxury brands accounted for 64 percent and domestics 36 percent of unit sales.

Outlook
Group 1 believes there are enormous growth opportunities in the $1 trillion automotive retailing industry. Our experienced management team will continue to execute our strategic initiatives to improve operating efficiencies by standardizing processes, while allowing our operators to manage their dealerships according to their local marketplace.


Worldwide

98 Dealerships

132 Franchises

24 Collision Centers

32 Brands

 


Employment and Benefits Information for Group 1 Associates