Group 1 Automotive Announces Second-Quarter Earnings Release Schedule

HOUSTON--July 12, 2005--Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, announced that it will release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 7 a.m. EDT. Executive management will host a conference call to discuss the results later that morning at 10 a.m. EDT.

The conference call will be simulcast live on the Internet at www.group1auto.com through the Investor Relations section. A replay will be available for 30 days.

A telephonic replay will be available following the call through Aug. 9, 2005, by dialing: 800-405-2236 (domestic) or 303-590-3000 (international), with passcode: 11034607#.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns 96 automotive dealerships comprised of 142 franchises, 33 brands and 31 collision service centers located in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, 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.