Exhibit 99.1


       Group 1 Automotive's Chief Financial Officer Steps Down

   HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 2004--Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(NYSE:GPI), a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, today announced that its
executive vice president - chief financial officer, Scott L. Thompson,
has resigned effective March 31, 2004. Thompson has decided to step
down in order to spend time with his father, who is in poor health.
Michael J. Poppe, vice president - corporate controller, will be
promoted to the new position of chief accounting officer. Poppe has
served as corporate controller of the company since 1997. A search for
a new chief financial officer is currently under way.
   "Scott has been with the company since 1996. He has played a major
role in the growth and development of Group 1, and for that we thank
him. We respect his decision and wish him and his family the best,"
said B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief
executive officer.

   About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

   Group 1 currently owns 74 automotive dealerships comprised of 116
franchises, 30 brands, and 27 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

    CONTACT: At Group 1:
             B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr., 713-647-5700
             or
             Scott L. Thompson, 713-647-5700
             or
             Kim Paper Canning, 713-647-5700
             or
             At Fleishman-Hillard:
             Investors/Media
             Russell A. Johnson, 713-513-9515