Exhibit 32.2

                                CERTIFICATION OF
                           PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
                           OF GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
                       PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

In connection with the accompanying report on Form 10-Q for the three month
period ended March 31, 2004, and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Michael J. Poppe, Vice
President and Corporate Controller of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (the "Company"),
hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, that:

         1.       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section
                  13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         2.       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
                  all material respects, the financial condition and results of
                  operations of the Company.

Date: April 30, 2004

                                         /s/ Michael J. Poppe
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Michael J. Poppe
                                         Vice President and Corporate Controller

         A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has
been provided to Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and will be retained by Group 1
Automotive, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff upon request.