Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 company in the automotive retailing industry, announced it has expanded its board of directors to eight members, electing two existing and two new directors. The election was held at the company's annual stockholders' meeting May 23.

John L. Adams, 56, has served as a director of Group 1 since November 1999 and has been re-elected to a three-year term. He is currently executive vice president of Trinity Industries, Inc., one of North America's largest manufacturers of transportation, construction and industrial products. Before joining Trinity Industries, Adams spent 25 years with Chase Texas and its predecessor, Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, where he held various

notable positions including chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Bennett E. Bidwell, 73, was elected a director of Group 1 in June 1997 and has been re-elected to a two-year term. He joined Chrysler Motors Corporation in 1983, where he held various senior positions and served on the board of

directors. Bidwell retired as Chrysler's chairman in 1990. Prior to joining Chrysler, he spent 27 years with Ford Motor Company, and was president and chief operating officer of The Hertz Corporation.

Max P. Watson, Jr., 55, is a new member of Group 1's board. He is currently an advisor of BMC Software, Inc., one of the world's largest

independent software vendors, having served as the chairman, president and chief executive officer in addition to other roles during his tenure. Prior to joining BMC Software in 1985, Watson held various positions at Wang Laboratories and IBM.

Kevin H. Whalen, 42, is also a new director. He was a founding member of Group 1 and is president/chief operating officer for the McCall Auto Group, one of Group 1's largest dealership operations. The Houston-based McCall Auto Group includes the nation's second-largest Toyota dealership.

Both Watson and Whalen will serve three-year terms as directors.

"I am very pleased that Ben and John have been re-elected to the board and on behalf of Group 1, I welcome Max and Kevin as new directors," saidd B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., Group 1's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"Their experience and demonstrated capabilities will make significant contributions to our continued success in creating the future of automotive retailing."

About Group 1 Automotive

Group 1, a Fortune 500 company, has revenues of $3.6 billion, and owns 59 dealerships comprised of 101 franchises, 30 different brands, and 22 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.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. can be reached on the Internet at www.group1auto.com.