8-K

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 10, 2009

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	1-13461	76-0506313
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction	_____________ (Commission	______________ (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)
800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas		77024
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices)		___________ (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 713-647-5700

Not Applicable
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On December 10, 2009, Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (the "Company") announced that Mark J. Iuppenlatz has been appointed vice president, corporate development effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Iuppenlatz served in a similar capacity from 1999 to 2007 at Sonic Automotive Inc. Most recently he has been managing partner of Animas Valley Land & Water Co., a diversified real estate development and management group. In his new role, Mr. Iuppenlatz will be responsible for all automotive and real estate acquisitions along with real estate and construction management services.

A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On December 10, 2009, the Company also announced the promotion of Kim Craig to vice president and treasurer, effective January 1, 2010. A copy of the press release is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

99.1 Press release of Group 1 Automotive, Inc., dated as of December 10, 2009.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
December 10, 2009	By:	/s/Darryl M. Burman
		Name: Darryl M. Burman
		Title: Vice President

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Description
99.1	Press release of Group 1 Automotive, Inc., dated as of December 10, 2009.

EX-99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE APPOINTS TWO VICE PRESIDENTS

HOUSTON, Dec. 10, 2009 — Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced the appointment of Mr. Mark J. Iuppenlatz and the promotion of Ms. Kim Craig.

Iuppenlatz, 50, will join Group 1 on Jan. 1, 2010, as vice president of corporate development. He will report directly to Group 1’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Earl J. Hesterberg.

Iuppenlatz brings more than 20 years of experience in acquisition and real estate to the organization. In his new role, Iuppenlatz will be responsible for all automotive and real estate acquisitions along with real estate and construction management services. He served in a similar capacity from 1999 to 2007 at Sonic Automotive Inc. Most recently Iuppenlatz has been managing partner of Animas Valley Land & Water Co., a diversified real estate development and management group.

“We believe that the addition of Mark Iuppenlatz and his extensive automotive acquisition and real estate experience will further strengthen our company,” said Hesterberg.

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, Craig will be promoted to vice president and treasurer. She will continue to report to John C. Rickel, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Craig, 44, has served as director of treasury for Group 1 since June 2006. Her responsibilities include oversight of Group 1’s banking relationships, cash management, interest rate risk mitigation and risk management activities.

“Kim Craig has been instrumental in helping Group 1 successfully manage its financial commitments during a very turbulent time both in the markets and in our industry,” said Rickel. “Kim’s experience and performance record are indicative of the talented management team we have working both at Group 1’s corporate office and in the field.”

Since earning her degree from Oklahoma State University in 1988, Craig has held various financial management roles of increasing responsibility at BMC Software, Duke Energy, Columbia Energy and ConocoPhillips, where she began her career.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Group 1 owns and operates 97 automotive dealerships, 129 franchises, and 24 collision service centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 31 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, 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.

SOURCE: Group 1 Automotive Inc.

Investor contacts:
Kim Paper Canning, Manager, Investor Relations
Group 1 Automotive Inc.
713-647-5741 / kpaper@group1auto.com
or
John Roper, Fleishman-Hillard Inc.
713-513-9505

Media contacts:
Pete DeLongchamps, Vice President, Manufacturer Relations and Public Affairs
Group 1 Automotive Inc.
713-647-5770 / pdelongchamps@group1auto.com
or
Clint Woods, Pierpont Communications, Inc.
713-627-2223