GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE STOCKHOLDERS RE-ELECT BOARD MEMBERS; Hollingsworth and Howard to Serve Additional Terms

    HOUSTON--May 21, 2003--Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today announced that stockholders have re-elected two directors for three-year terms and confirmed that one chose not to stand for re-election bringing the board to seven members, including four outside directors. The election was held at the Company's annual stockholders' meeting today.
    B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr., 60, Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer, has served in this capacity since March 1997. Prior to joining Group 1, Mr. Hollingsworth spent 19 years in various positions with Service Corporation International ("SCI"), which he helped establish as the leading funeral service company in North America. He served as president and director of SCI from 1975 until his retirement in 1986.
    Robert E. Howard II, 56, has served as a director since April 1997. Mr. Howard also served as platform president of the Bob Howard Auto Group from November 1997 through November 2002. Mr. Howard has more than 32 years of experience in the automotive retailing industry.
    Bennett E. Bidwell, 75, retired chairman of Chrysler Motors Corporation, who was elected to the board in 1997, decided not to stand for re-election. "Mr. Bidwell's wise counsel and clear vision will be missed," stated Hollingsworth. "His experience and demonstrated capabilities contributed significantly to our success in creating the future in automotive retailing."

    About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    Group 1 owns 73 automotive dealerships comprised of 114 franchises, 29 different brands, and 25 collision service centers located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. 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 can be reached on the Internet at www.group1auto.com