Group 1 Auto Dealer Group Promotes Turner and Thompson

HOUSTON, Feb. 26-- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 company in the automotive retailing industry, announced today the appointment of two executive vice presidents.

At a Board of Directors meeting last week, John T. Turner, 58, and Scott L. Thompson, 43, were promoted to executive vice presidents. Mr. Turner has served as senior vice president, corporate development and Mr. Thompson has served as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Both men joined the Company in December 1996.

``I am very pleased that John and Scott have been appointed executive vice presidents,'' stated B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer. ``Both have demonstrated leadership skills and have performed in an admirable fashion. They personify Group 1's core values.''

Group 1 owns 61 automotive dealerships comprised of 96 franchises, 28 different brands, and 24 collision service centers located in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and Massachusetts. Through its dealerships and Internet sites, 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.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. can be reached on the Internet at http://www.group1auto.com.