Group 1 Automotive Closes Six Acquisitions

9 February 2000
Group 1 Automotive Closes Six Acquisitions
         Platforms Established in Boston, New Orleans, North Florida;
                      Revenue Run Rate Over $3.4 Billion

    HOUSTON, Feb. 9 -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. , a
leading operator in the highly fragmented automotive retailing industry, today
announced that it has completed six acquisitions, including platforms in three
new markets.  These dealerships will add over $1 billion to Group 1 revenues.

    Geographic and Brand Diversity Enhanced
    Group 1's New England platform, Boston-based Ira Automotive Group, has
revenues of approximately $260 million and consists of Toyota, Lexus, Porsche,
Audi, Subaru, Mazda, Jeep, Isuzu, Buick and Pontiac franchises.  David
Rosenberg, son of founder Ira Rosenberg, has executed a long-term employment
contract and his management team will continue to operate the dealerships.
    The company announced that it has acquired Victory Dodge, a dealership
with $30 million in revenue based in Medford, Mass., a suburb north of Boston.
The dealership was renamed Ira Dodge and will augment the Ira platform.
    Bohn Automotive Group, with family operations dating back 75 years in New
Orleans, is Group 1's first platform in that region.  Bohn has approximately
$180 million in revenues from its Toyota, Ford, Buick, Pontiac and GMC
franchises.  Don and Scott Bohn, third-generation automobile dealers, have
executed long-term employment contracts and along with their management team
will continue to operate the dealerships.
    A third new platform will be built around Pensacola, Fla.-based Key Ford,
which was recently acquired.  Key, with revenues of approximately
$100 million, consists of two Ford stores.  An experienced Group 1 management
team will operate the dealerships.  Shamrock Chevrolet, located slightly north
of Pensacola, was added to this platform.  Shamrock has revenues of
approximately $30 million.
    "We are very pleased to enter three strong new markets through these
outstanding automotive groups," said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's
chairman, president and chief executive officer.

    Oklahoma Operations Enhanced
    Oklahoma City-based Benchmark Mercedes-Benz, one of only two Mercedes-Benz
dealerships in the state of Oklahoma, was added to Group 1's Howard platform,
which now consists of 14 dealership franchises.
    "Benchmark will augment our high-line brands in the Oklahoma market and
will allow us to realize further economies of scale and deliver additional
operating leverage," Hollingsworth said.
    Group 1 also announced that the deadline to meet all closing conditions
for the acquisition of Lynn Alexander Automotive Group, San Angelo, Texas, has
passed and the acquisition agreement was terminated.
    "This latest round of closings brings our acquisition total for 1999 to
35 franchises with aggregate revenues of over $900 million and gives us a
great start on 2000 with the acquisition of 11 franchises with aggregate
revenues of over $290 million," Hollingsworth stated.  "We intend to continue
to pursue our disciplined strategy of select acquisitions -- profitable,
well-run dealerships that enhance brand and geographic diversity and deliver
synergy."
    Hollingsworth noted that the company has sufficient liquidity to pursue
this strategy.  "After these acquisitions, we have $35 million drawn under our
acquisition facility, leaving $185 million undrawn and available to supplement
our strong cash flow from operations."
    Group 1 is a leading operator in the highly fragmented $600 billion
automotive retailing industry.  Group 1 has an annualized revenue run rate of
over $3.4 billion, and owns 98 dealership franchises comprised of 30 different
brands, and 19 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, provides maintenance and repair services, sells replacement parts and
arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts.

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors
not under Group 1's control that may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of Group 1 to be materially different from the results,
performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements.
Some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include those disclosed
in Group 1's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For additional information regarding Group 1 Automotive free of charge via
fax, dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and use the company's stock symbol, "GPI."
    Group 1 Automotive, Inc. can be reached on the Internet at
http://www.group1auto.com .