Group 1 Automotive (GPI) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,031,203
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,472,471
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Total assets	$ 4,489,363		$ 4,461,903
Total current assets	2,153,077		2,150,587
Cash and cash equivalents	33,770		20,992
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	213,772		269,508
Accounts and notes receivable, net	152,794		173,364
Inventories, net	1,729,525		1,651,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,216		34,908
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,152,395		1,125,883
GOODWILL	877,040	[1]	876,763
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	285,311		284,876
OTHER ASSETS	21,540		23,794
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,489,363		4,461,903
Total current liabilities	2,021,275		2,053,117
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,170,383		1,136,654
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(97,149)		(59,626)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	392,388		392,661
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(26,750)		(25,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	46,340		72,419
Derivative Liability, Current	2,597		3,941
Accounts payable	347,746		356,099
Accrued expenses	185,720		176,469
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,224,718		1,212,809
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	168,772		161,502
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	17,762		20,470
OTHER LIABILITIES	87,876		83,805
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Total stockholders’ equity	968,960		930,200
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0		0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,577 and 25,663 issued, respectively	256		257
Additional paid-in capital	285,455		290,899
Retained earnings	1,082,101		1,053,301
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(140,149)		(146,944)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,105 and 4,258 shares, respectively	$ (258,703)		$ (267,313)
[1]	1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	(50,000,000)	(50,000,000)
Common Stock, shares issued	(25,577,447)	(25,662,950)
Treasury securities, shares	(4,104,976)	(4,257,915)

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$ 1,337,213	$ 1,409,851
Used vehicle retail sales	660,927	688,171
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,157	101,592
Parts and service sales	319,698	308,592
Finance, insurance and other, net	96,834	100,149
Total revenues	2,518,829	2,608,355
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	1,267,986	1,338,124
Used vehicle retail sales	615,922	638,971
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,057	100,143
Parts and service sales	147,342	142,016
Total cost of sales	2,135,307	2,219,254
GROSS PROFIT	383,522	389,101
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	289,779	293,664
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	13,606	12,464
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0	932
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	80,137	82,041
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	(11,942)	(11,010)
Other interest expense, net	(16,999)	(16,929)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	51,196	54,102
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(17,257)	(19,811)
NET INCOME	$ 33,939	$ 34,291
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.58	$ 1.47
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,692	22,448
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.58	$ 1.47
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,698	22,453
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.24	$ 0.22

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 33,939	$ 34,291
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	4,137	2,155
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	2,658	(9,027)
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(234) and $6,685, respectively	390	(11,141)
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax benefit of $1,361 and $1,269, respectively	2,268	2,114
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES	6,795	(6,872)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 40,734	$ 27,419

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax (benefit) provision of unrealized loss on interest rate swap	$ (234)	$ 6,685
Tax provision of reclassification adjustment	$ (1,361)	$ (1,269)

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		25,663
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 930,200	$ 257	$ 290,899	$ 1,053,301	$ (146,944)	$ (267,313)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	33,939	0	0	33,939	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,795	$ 0	0	0	6,795	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		(86)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	(2,898)	$ (1)	(11,507)	0	0	8,610
Stock-based compensation	6,063	0	6,063	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(5,139)	$ 0	0	(5,139)	0	0
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2017		25,577
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 968,960	$ 256	285,455	$ 1,082,101	$ (140,149)	$ (258,703)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation			$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 33,939	$ 34,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,606	12,464
Deferred income taxes	5,503	5,000
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0	932
Stock-based compensation	6,074	5,511
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	912	484
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(280)	(590)
Other	(871)	719
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	9,164	32,180
Accounts and notes receivable	21,508	10,804
Inventories	(74,254)	(55,737)
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	56,140	50,262
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,410	4,476
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(3,126)	15,410
Deferred revenues	(164)	(131)
Net cash provided by operating activities	71,561	116,075
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(95)	(51,110)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,207	13,871
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(46,451)	(33,702)
Other	2,459	(106)
Net cash used in investing activities	(41,880)	(71,047)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - Floorplan Line	1,594,371	1,655,942
Repayments on credit facility - Floorplan Line	(1,598,291)	(1,675,613)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000	40,000
Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000)	(40,000)
Borrowings on other debt	0	0
Principal payments on other debt	(232)	(3,258)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	0	30,331
Principal payments of long-term debt related to real estate loans	(6,831)	(5,538)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,030)	(1,243)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0	(31,945)
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	0	(53)
Dividends paid	(5,150)	(5,148)
Net cash used in financing activities	(17,163)	(36,525)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	260	841
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	12,778	9,344
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	20,992	13,037
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,770
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 7,287	$ 22,274

Interim Financial Information

Interim Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Information	INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION Business and Organization Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 14 states in the United States of America ("U.S."), 21 towns in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of the following two regions (with the number of dealerships they comprised): (a) the East ( 36 dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and South Carolina), and (b) the West ( 75 dealerships in California, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas). The U.S. regional vice presidents report directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and are responsible for the overall performance of their regions, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers that report to them. Further, the East and West Regions of the U.S. are economically similar in that they deliver the same products and services to a common customer group, their customers are generally individuals, they follow the same procedures and methods in managing their operations, and they operate in similar regulatory environments. As a result, the Company aggregates the East and West Regions of the U.S. into one reportable segment. In addition, as of March 31, 2017 , the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K. region, which consisted of 31 dealerships in the U.K. and (b) the Brazil region, which consisted of 16 dealerships in Brazil. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similarly to the U.S. regions, each with a regional vice president reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter is generally the weakest, driven by heavy consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs and changes in current exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“ 2016 Form 10-K”). All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Business Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 14, "Segment Information," for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amendments in the accounting standard replace the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: income tax consequences; classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and improve disclosure requirements. This ASU sets forth a five-step model for determining when and how revenue is recognized. Under the model, an entity will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. To assess the impact of the ASU, the Company established an internal implementation team to review its current accounting policies and practices, identify all material revenue streams, assess the impact of the ASU on its material revenue streams and identify potential differences with current policies and practices. The Company’s internal implementation team has substantially completed its initial review of the likely impacts that the application of the amendments in this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. The team has initially identified the Company’s material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing; the sale of service and insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The team has begun its review of a sample of associated contracts and other related documents, but currently, has not quantified an estimated impact of changes, if any, to its current revenue recognition policies and practices. The Company’s implementation team is in the preliminary stages of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements of the ASU, as well as the change, if any, to the Company’s underlying accounting and financial reporting systems and processes necessary to support the recognition and disclosure requirements. The Company expects to identify and implement the necessary changes, if any, during 2017. At this time, based on this review, the Company does not expect the adoption to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. The Company currently expects to adopt the amendments of this ASU during the first fiscal quarter of 2018, as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, but will not make a final decision on the adoption method until later in 2017. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") . The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements as it will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings . The amendments in this update require the disclosure of the impact that a recently issued ASU will have on the financial statements of a registrant when such standards are to be adopted in a future period. The SEC staff view that a registrant should evaluate ASU's that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial statement disclosures about the potential material effects of those ASU's on the financial statements when adopted. The Company does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions and Dispositions A

Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 15 franchises. The purchase price for these dealerships totaled $56.1 million , including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also, included in the purchase price of $56.1 million was $3.9 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships and a payable to the seller as of March 31, 2016 of $1.1 million . The purchase price was allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company disposed of two U.S. dealerships and two dealerships in Brazil. As a result of these U.S. and Brazil dispositions, a net pretax gain of $0.9 million and a net pretax loss of $1.0 million , respectively, including related asset impairments, were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2016 .

Derivative Instruments and Risk

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 8, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt. The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement . The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31, 2017 , all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016 , respectively. The Company held interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of March 31, 2017 of $819.3 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.5% . The Company records the majority of the impact of the periodic settlemen ts of these swaps as a component of floorplan interest expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $2.9 million and $2.8 million , respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $11.9 million and $11.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively . For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company entered into one interest rate derivative instrument with a notional value of $4.8 million that was immediately effective. In addition to the $819.3 million of swaps in effect as of March 31, 2017 , the Company held 12 additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2017 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2020 and December 2030 . The aggregate notional value of these 12 forward-starting swaps was $625.0 million , and the weighted average interest rate is 2.2% . The combination of the interest rate derivative instruments currently in effect and these forward-starting derivative instruments is structured such that the notional value in effect at any given time through December 2030 does not exceed $912.7 million , which is less than the Company's expectation for variable-rate debt outstanding during such period. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company reflected liabilities from interest rate risk management activities of $20.4 million and $24.4 million , respectively, in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company reflected $9.7 million and $9.5 million , respectively, of assets from interest rate risk management activities, in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 31, 2017 and 2016 were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $6.7 million and $28.5 million , respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments. The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets . Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2017 2016 (In thousands) Interest rate derivative instruments $ 390 $ (11,141 ) Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Floorplan interest expense $ (2,948 ) $ (2,758 ) Other interest expense (681 ) (625 ) The amount expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $10.8 million .

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan). Long Term Incentive Plan The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024 . The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2017 , there were 1,088,585 shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan. Restricted Stock Awards Under the Incentive Plan, the Company grants to non-employee directors and certain employees restricted stock awards or, at their election, restricted stock units at no cost to the recipient. Restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities as each award contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends. As such, the two-class method is required for the computation of earnings per share. See Note 5, “Earnings Per Share,” for further details. Restricted stock awards are considered outstanding at the date of grant but are subject to vesting periods upon issuance of up to five years . Restricted stock units are considered vested at the time of issuance. However, since they convey no voting rights, they are not considered outstanding when issued. Restricted stock units settle in cash upon the termination of the grantees’ employment or directorship. In the event an employee or non-employee director terminates his or her employment or directorship with the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions, the shares, in most cases, will be forfeited to the Company. The Company issues new shares or treasury shares, if available, when restricted stock vests. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and recognized over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted annually based on the extent to which actual or expected forfeitures differ from the previous estimate. A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2017 , along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows: Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 850,422 $ 67.25 Granted 166,339 78.57 Vested (183,164 ) 68.38 Forfeited (68,678 ) 68.34 Nonvested at March 31, 2017 764,919 $ 69.36 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025 . The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of March 31, 2017 , there were 1,232,389 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company issued 30,154 and 40,877 shares, respectively, of common stock to employees participating in the Purchase Plan. With respect to shares issued under the Purchase Plan, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized specific share repurchases to fund the shares issuable under the Purchase Plan. The weighted average per share fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Purchase Plan was $18.66 and $15.61 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option. Stock-Based Compensation Total stock-based compensation cost was $6.1 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $1.9 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,692 22,448 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 6 5 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,698 22,453 Basic: Net Income $ 33,939 $ 34,291 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,250 1,348 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 32,689 $ 32,943 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 1.47 Diluted: Net Income $ 33,939 $ 34,291 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,250 1,348 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 32,689 $ 32,943 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 1.47

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 33.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was less than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% , due primarily to a portion of the Company's pretax income being generated in the U.K. region, which is taxed at a lower statutory rate, and excess tax deductions for vested restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . This was partially offset by taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions and valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S states and in Brazil. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company's effective tax rate decreased to 33.7% as compared to 36.6% for the same period in 2016 . This decrease was primarily due to the mix effect resulting from proportionately more pretax income generated in the Company's U.K. region, as well as changes to valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil, the tax impact of dealership dispositions in Brazil and excess tax deductions for vested restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions and did not incur any interest and penalties nor did it accrue any interest for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . When applicable, consistent with prior practice, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company's taxable years 2015 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2011 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Detail Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 85,274 $ 95,754 Parts and service receivables 34,881 35,318 Finance and insurance receivables 19,467 24,866 Other 15,538 20,322 Total accounts and notes receivable 155,160 176,260 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 2,366 2,896 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 152,794 $ 173,364 Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,239,905 $ 1,156,383 Used vehicles 293,647 294,812 Rental vehicles 127,109 131,080 Parts, accessories and other 77,265 77,762 Total inventories 1,737,926 1,660,037 Less lower of cost or net realizable value 8,401 8,222 Inventories, net $ 1,729,525 $ 1,651,815 New, used and rental vehicles are valued at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method. Parts and accessories are valued at lower of cost (determined on either a first-in, first-out or an average cost basis) or net realizable value. Property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (dollars in thousands) Land — $ 409,022 $ 400,163 Buildings 25 to 50 559,733 553,961 Leasehold improvements varies 168,101 170,060 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 104,156 100,164 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 90,503 87,691 Company vehicles 3 to 5 11,904 11,632 Construction in progress — 86,190 66,658 Total 1,429,609 1,390,329 Less accumulated depreciation 277,214 264,446 Property and equipment, net $ 1,152,395 $ 1,125,883 During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company incurred $27.6 million of capital expenditures for the construction of new or expanded facilities and the purchase of equipment and other fixed assets in the maintenance of the Company’s dealerships and facilities, excluding $15.9 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2016 . As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had accrued $7.3 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the three months ended March 31, 2017 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $10.3 million .

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
CREDIT FACILITIES	CREDIT FACILITIES In the U.S., the Company has a $1.8 billion revolving syndicated credit arrangement that matures on June 17, 2021 and is comprised of 24 financial institutions, including six manufacturer-affiliated finance companies (“Revolving Credit Facility”). The Company also has a $300.0 million floorplan financing arrangement (“FMCC Facility”) with Ford Motor Credit Company (“FMCC”) for financing of new Ford vehicles in the U.S. and other floorplan financing arrangements with several other automobile manufacturers for financing of a portion of its U.S. rental vehicle inventory. In the U.K., the Company has financing arrangements with BMW Financial Services NA, LLC ("BMWFS"), Volkswagen Finance, FMCC and a third-party financial institution for financing of its new, used and rental vehicles. In Brazil, the Company has financing arrangements for new, used, and rental vehicles with several financial institutions, most of which are manufacturer affiliated. Within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other primarily reflects amounts payable for the purchase of specific new, used and rental vehicle inventory (with the exception of new and rental vehicle purchases financed through lenders affiliated with the respective manufacturer) whereby financing is provided by the Revolving Credit Facility. Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates reflects amounts related to the purchase of vehicles whereby financing is provided by the FMCC Facility, the financing of a portion of the Company's rental vehicles in the U.S., as well as the financing of new, used, and rental vehicles with manufacturer affiliates in both the U.K. and Brazil. Payments on the floorplan notes payable are generally due as the vehicles are sold. As a result, these obligations are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as current liabilities. Revolving Credit Facility The Company's Revolving Credit Facility provides a total borrowing capacity of $1.8 billion and expires on June 17, 2021 . The Revolving Credit Facility consists of two tranches, providing a maximum of $1.75 billion for U.S. vehicle inventory floorplan financing (“Floorplan Line”), as well as a maximum of $360.0 million and a minimum of $50.0 million for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions (“Acquisition Line”). The capacity under these two tranches can be re-designated within the overall $1.8 billion commitment, subject to the aforementioned limits. Up to $125.0 million of the Acquisition Line can be borrowed in either euros or British pound sterling. The Revolving Credit Facility can be expanded to a maximum commitment of $2.1 billion , subject to participating lender approval. The Floorplan Line bears interest at rates equal to the LIBOR plus 125 basis points for new vehicle inventory and the LIBOR plus 150 basis points for used vehicle inventory. The Acquisition Line bears interest at the LIBOR plus 150 basis points plus a margin that ranges from zero to 100 basis points , depending on the Company's total adjusted leverage ratio, for borrowings in U.S. dollars and a LIBOR equivalent plus 125 to 250 basis points , depending on the Company's total adjusted leverage ratio, on borrowings in euros or British pound sterling. The Floorplan Line requires a commitment fee of 0.15% per annum on the unused portion. Amounts borrowed by the Company under the Floorplan Line for specific vehicle inventory are to be repaid upon the sale of the vehicle financed, and in no case is a borrowing for a vehicle to remain outstanding for greater than one year . The Acquisition Line also requires a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.45% per annum, depending on the Company’s total adjusted leverage ratio, based on a minimum commitment of $50.0 million less outstanding borrowings. In conjunction with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company has $5.1 million of related unamortized costs as of March 31, 2017 , which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over the term of the facility. After considering the outstanding balance of $1,066.6 million at March 31, 2017 , the Company had $373.4 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $373.4 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $97.1 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 2.2% and 2.0% as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were no borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . After considering $29.3 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $330.7 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of March 31, 2017 . The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants. All of the U.S. dealership-owning subsidiaries are co-borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by essentially all of the Company's U.S. personal property (other than equity interests in dealership-owning subsidiaries), including all motor vehicle inventory and proceeds from the disposition of dealership-owning subsidiaries, excluding inventory financed directly with manufacturer-affiliates and other third-party financing institutions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the consolidated financial statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of March 31, 2017 , the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $142.7 million . The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2017 . Ford Motor Credit Company Facility The FMCC Facility provides for the financing of, and is collateralized by, the Company’s Ford new vehicle inventory in the U.S., including affiliated brands. This arrangement provides for $300.0 million of floorplan financing and is an evergreen arrangement that may be canceled with 30 days ' notice by either party. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had an outstanding balance of $162.3 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $137.7 million . Included in the $137.7 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $26.8 million of immediately available funds. This facility bears interest at a rate of Prime plus 150 basis points minus certain incentives. The interest rate on the FMCC Facility was 5.50% before considering the applicable incentives as of March 31, 2017 . Other Credit Facilities The Company has credit facilities with BMWFS, Volkswagen Finance, FMCC and a third-party financial institution for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. These facilities are denominated in British pound sterling and are evergreen arrangements that may be canceled with notice by either party and bear interest at a base rate, plus a surcharge that varies based upon the type of vehicle being financed. As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $91.5 million , with annual interest rates ranging from 1.25% to 3.95% . The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in Brazil, most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its Brazilian operations. These facilities are denominated in Brazilian real and have renewal terms ranging from one month to twelve months. They may be canceled with notice by either party and bear interest at a benchmark rate, plus a surcharge that varies based upon the type of vehicle being financed. As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $15.4 million , with annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranging from 16.66% to 23.14% . Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. These financing arrangements generally require small monthly payments and mature in varying amounts over a period of two years. Rental vehicles are typically transferred to used vehicle inventory when they are removed from service and repayment of the borrowing is required at that time. As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $103.0 million , with interest rates that vary up to 5.50% .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016) $ 540,858 $ 540,465 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016) 295,729 295,591 Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 380,393 385,358 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 9.8% and 9.9%, respectively 46,629 47,613 1,263,609 1,269,027 Less current maturities of long-term debt 38,891 56,218 $ 1,224,718 $ 1,212,809 Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , was $7.4 million and $16.2 million , respectively, of short-term financing that was due within one year. 5.00% Senior Notes On June 2, 2014 , the Company issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.00% senior notes due 2022(" 5.00% Notes"). Subsequently, on September 9, 2014 , the Company issued an additional $200.0 million of 5.00% Notes at a discount of 1.5% from face value. The 5.00% Notes will mature on June 1, 2022 and pay interest semiannually, in arrears, in cash on each June 1 and December 1, beginning December 1, 2014. Using proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 5.00% Notes prior to June 1, 2017 , subject to certain conditions, at a redemption price equal to 105% of principal amount of the 5.00% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. Otherwise, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.00% Notes prior to June 1, 2017 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.00% Notes redeemed, plus an applicable premium, and plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after June 1, 2017 , the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.00% Notes at specified prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may be required to purchase the 5.00% Notes if it sells certain assets or triggers the change in control provisions defined in the 5.00% Notes indenture. The 5.00% Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior unsecured debt and senior in right of payment to all of its future subordinated debt. The 5.00% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. subsidiary guarantees rank equally in the right of payment to all of the Company's U.S. subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future subordinated debt. In addition, the 5.00% Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of its non-guarantor subsidiaries and are subject to customary covenants, including a restricted payment basket and debt limitations. The restricted payment basket calculation under the terms of the 5.00% Notes is the same as under the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket. The 5.00% Notes were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in June 2015. The 5.00% Notes are presented net of unamortized underwriters' fees, discount and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over a period of eight years in conjunction with the term of the 5.00% Notes, of $9.1 million as of March 31, 2017 . 5.25% Senior Notes On December 8, 2015 , the Company issued 5.25% senior unsecured notes with a face amount of $300.0 million due to mature on December 15, 2023 (“ 5.25% Notes”). The 5.25% Notes pay interest semiannually, in arrears, in cash on each June 15 and December 15, beginning June 15, 2016. Using proceeds of certain equity offerings, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 5.25% Notes prior to December 15, 2018 , subject to certain conditions, at a redemption price equal to 105% of principal amount of the 5.25% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. Otherwise, the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.25% Notes prior to December 15, 2018 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.25% Notes redeemed, plus an applicable make-whole premium, and plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or after December 15, 2018 , the Company may redeem some or all of the 5.25% Notes at specified prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may be required to purchase the 5.25% Notes if it sells certain assets or triggers the change in control provisions defined in the 5.25% Notes indenture. The 5.25% Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured debt and senior in right of payment to all of its future subordinated debt. The 5.25% Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. subsidiary guarantees rank equally in the right of payment to all of the Company’s U.S. subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future subordinated debt. In addition, the 5.25% Notes are structurally subordinated to the liabilities of its non-guarantor subsidiaries and are subject to customary covenants, including a restricted payment basket and debt limitations. The restricted payment basket calculation under the terms of the 5.25% Notes is the same as under the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket. The 5.25% Notes are presented net of unamortized underwriters' fees and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over a period of eight years in conjunction with the term of the 5.25% Notes, of $4.3 million as of March 31, 2017 . Acquisition Line See Note 8, "Credit Facilities," for further discussion on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility and Acquisition Line. Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt The Company, as well as certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has entered into separate term mortgage loans in the U.S. with three of its manufacturer-affiliated finance partners, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (“TMCC”), BMWFS and FMCC, as well as several third-party financial institutions. These mortgage loans may be expanded for borrowings related to specific buildings and/or properties and are guaranteed by the Company. Each mortgage loan was made in connection with, and is secured by mortgage liens on, the real property owned by the Company that is mortgaged under the loans. The mortgage loans bear interest at fixed rates between 3.00% and 4.69% , and at variable indexed rates plus a spread between 1.50% and 2.50% per annum. The Company capitalized $2.8 million of related debt issuance costs related to the mortgage loans that are included as a direct reduction to the mortgage loans on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are being amortized over the terms of the mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2017 , $0.7 million remained unamortized. The mortgage loans consist of 55 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $363.7 million . As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $317.4 million , with $29.1 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made no additional net borrowings and made principal payments of $4.6 million . The agreements provide for monthly payments based on 15 or 20 -year amortization schedules and mature between November 2017 and December 2024 . These mortgage loans are cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with the mortgages of each respective financial institution. The Company has entered into 13 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034 . As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings under the U.K. Notes totaled $49.9 million , with $4.3 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $1.1 million associated with the U.K. Notes. The Company also has a revolving working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.K. As of March 31, 2017 , short-term borrowings under the U.K. third-party loan totaled $7.4 million and are included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments. The Company has a separate term mortgage loan in Brazil with a third-party financial institution (the "Brazil Note"). The Brazil Note is denominated in Brazilian real and is secured by one of the Company’s Brazilian properties, as well as a guarantee from the Company. The Brazil Note is being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by April 2025 . As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings under the Brazil Note totaled $3.8 million , with $0.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.1 million associated with the Brazil Note. The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. The principal balance on this loan is due by February 2020 with interest only payments being made quarterly until the due date. As of March 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $7.0 million , which are classified as long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings. Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The Company's outstanding 5.00% Notes had a fair value of $559.5 million and $548.4 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $303.8 million and $297.8 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $92.1 million and $93.9 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $92.5 million and $94.5 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on estimated fair values. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rates.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date: • Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as long-term assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 3, "Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities" for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments. See Note 9, "Long-term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, were as follows: As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 910 $ 3,254 Demand obligations 13 12 Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 9,684 $ 9,484 Total $ 10,607 $ 12,750 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 20,360 $ 24,411 Total $ 20,360 $ 24,411

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturer of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in Cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Legal Proceedings In late June 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay up to an aggregate of $14.7 billion to settle claims stemming from the diesel emissions scandal, including claims from customers and automotive dealers. In October 2016 , the Company received notification from Volkswagen that it is entitled to receive, in the aggregate, approximately $13.2 million in connection with the Company's current and prior ownership of seven Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S. The Company accepted and executed the offer in the fourth quarter of 2016 and received half of the compensation in a lump sum amount in January 2017 . The Company had received two of the remaining 18 monthly installments as of March 31, 2017 . The Company recognized the entire settlement as an offset to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A") in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Also, in conjunction with the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen agreed in March 2017 to settle allegations of damages by the Company relative to its three Audi branded dealerships. The Company recognized the settlement as an offset to SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. Other Matters The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement. From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, Operating Leases to "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the 2016 Form 10-K. In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

Intangible Franchise Rights and

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL	INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS AND GOODWILL The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment: Intangible Franchise Rights U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ 260,534 $ 17,337 $ 7,005 $ 284,876 Currency translation — 200 235 435 BALANCE, March 31, 2017 $ 260,534 $ 17,537 $ 7,240 $ 285,311 Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ 805,935 $ 57,054 $ 13,774 $ 876,763 (1) Additions through acquisitions — — 95 95 Disposals — — (933 ) (933 ) Currency translation — 659 462 1,121 Tax adjustments (6 ) — — (6 ) BALANCE, March 31, 2017 $ 805,929 $ 57,713 $ 13,398 $ 877,040 (1) (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (137,613 ) $ (9,331 ) $ (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 4,137 624 4,761 Tax effect — (234 ) (234 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense — 2,948 2,948 Other interest expense — 681 681 Tax effect — (1,361 ) (1,361 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 4,137 2,658 6,795 Balance, March 31, 2017 $ (133,476 ) $ (6,673 ) $ (140,149 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (118,532 ) $ (19,452 ) $ (137,984 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 2,155 (17,826 ) (15,671 ) Tax effect — 6,685 6,685 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to: Floorplan interest expense — 2,758 2,758 Other interest expense — 625 625 Tax effect — (1,269 ) (1,269 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,155 (9,027 ) (6,872 ) Balance, March 31, 2016 $ (116,377 ) $ (28,479 ) $ (144,856 )

Segment Information Segment Inf

Segment Information Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segments and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment. Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,081,632 $ 431,896 $ 94,827 $ 2,608,355 Income (loss) before income taxes 50,204 5,520 (1,622 ) 54,102 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (18,830 ) (1,170 ) 189 (19,811 ) Net income (loss) (1) 31,374 4,350 (1,433 ) 34,291 (1) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.7 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,867,151 $ 496,158 $ 126,054 $ 4,489,363 As of December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,855,701 $ 482,937 $ 123,265 $ 4,461,903

Condensed Consolidated Financia

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , for Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s (as issuer of the 5.00% Notes), guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries (representing foreign entities). The condensed consolidating financial information includes certain allocations of balance sheet, statement of operations and cash flows items that are not necessarily indicative of the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of these entities had they operated on a stand-alone basis. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, condensed consolidated financial statements of non-guarantors are not required. The Company has no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries. Obligations under the 5.00% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company’s current 100%-owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 5,676 $ 28,094 $ — $ 33,770 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 159,067 54,705 — 213,772 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 116,180 36,614 — 152,794 Intercompany accounts receivable — 10,696 — (10,696 ) — Inventories, net — 1,487,326 242,199 — 1,729,525 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 422 6,541 16,253 — 23,216 Total current assets 422 1,785,486 377,865 (10,696 ) 2,153,077 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,013,927 138,468 — 1,152,395 GOODWILL — 805,930 71,110 — 877,040 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 260,534 24,777 — 285,311 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,744,837 — — (2,744,837 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 16,481 5,059 — 21,540 Total assets $ 2,745,259 $ 3,882,358 $ 617,279 $ (2,755,533 ) $ 4,489,363 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,163,756 $ 6,627 $ — $ 1,170,383 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (97,149 ) — — (97,149 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 292,075 100,313 — 392,388 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (26,750 ) — — (26,750 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 34,021 12,319 — 46,340 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 2,597 — — 2,597 Accounts payable — 182,035 165,711 — 347,746 Intercompany accounts payable 800,296 — 10,696 (810,992 ) — Accrued expenses — 161,280 24,440 — 185,720 Total current liabilities 800,296 1,711,865 320,106 (810,992 ) 2,021,275 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 836,587 329,494 58,637 — 1,224,718 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 17,762 — — 17,762 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (735 ) 251,719 5,664 — 256,648 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,109,111 2,371,814 232,872 (2,744,837 ) 968,960 Intercompany note receivable — (800,296 ) — 800,296 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,109,111 1,571,518 232,872 (1,944,541 ) 968,960 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,745,259 $ 3,882,358 $ 617,279 $ (2,755,533 ) $ 4,489,363 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 8,039 $ 12,953 $ — $ 20,992 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 241,097 28,411 — 269,508 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 140,985 32,379 — 173,364 Intercompany accounts receivable — 8,929 — (8,929 ) — Inventories, net — 1,386,871 264,944 — 1,651,815 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 516 7,188 27,204 — 34,908 Total current assets 516 1,793,109 365,891 (8,929 ) 2,150,587 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 990,084 135,799 — 1,125,883 GOODWILL — 805,935 70,828 — 876,763 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 260,534 24,342 — 284,876 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,787,328 — — (2,787,328 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 19,313 4,481 — 23,794 Total assets $ 2,787,844 $ 3,868,975 $ 601,341 $ (2,796,257 ) $ 4,461,903 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,131,718 $ 4,936 $ — $ 1,136,654 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (59,626 ) — — (59,626 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 281,747 110,914 — 392,661 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (25,500 ) — — (25,500 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 44,659 27,760 — 72,419 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 3,941 — — 3,941 Accounts payable — 211,050 145,049 — 356,099 Intercompany accounts payable 875,662 — 8,929 (884,591 ) — Accrued expenses — 156,648 19,821 — 176,469 Total current liabilities 875,662 1,744,637 317,409 (884,591 ) 2,053,117 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 836,056 324,540 52,213 — 1,212,809 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 20,470 — — 20,470 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (1,020 ) 240,348 5,979 — 245,307 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,077,146 2,414,642 225,740 (2,787,328 ) 930,200 Intercompany note receivable — (875,662 ) — 875,662 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,077,146 1,538,980 225,740 (1,911,666 ) 930,200 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,787,844 $ 3,868,975 $ 601,341 $ (2,796,257 ) $ 4,461,903 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 1,967,718 $ 551,111 $ — $ 2,518,829 COST OF SALES: — 1,647,123 488,184 — 2,135,307 GROSS PROFIT — 320,595 62,927 — 383,522 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,966 232,611 55,202 — 289,779 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 11,567 2,039 — 13,606 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,966 ) 76,417 5,686 — 80,137 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,878 ) (1,064 ) — (11,942 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,274 ) (725 ) — (16,999 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,966 ) 49,265 3,897 — 51,196 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 737 (17,084 ) (910 ) — (17,257 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,167 — — (35,167 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 33,938 $ 32,181 $ 2,987 $ (35,167 ) $ 33,939 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 2,658 4,137 — 6,795 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 33,938 $ 34,839 $ 7,124 $ (35,167 ) $ 40,734 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 2,081,633 $ 526,722 $ — $ 2,608,355 COST OF SALES: — 1,748,923 470,331 — 2,219,254 GROSS PROFIT — 332,710 56,391 — 389,101 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,203 243,014 49,447 — 293,664 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 10,596 1,868 — 12,464 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 509 423 — 932 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,203 ) 78,591 4,653 — 82,041 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,048 ) (962 ) — (11,010 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,052 ) (877 ) — (16,929 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,203 ) 52,491 2,814 — 54,102 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 450 (19,281 ) (980 ) — (19,811 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,044 — — (35,044 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 34,291 $ 33,210 $ 1,834 $ (35,044 ) $ 34,291 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES — (9,027 ) 2,155 — (6,872 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 34,291 $ 24,183 $ 3,989 $ (35,044 ) $ 27,419 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 33,939 $ 23,409 $ 14,213 $ 71,561 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (95 ) (95 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 181 2,026 2,207 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (43,091 ) (3,360 ) (46,451 ) Other — 2,459 — 2,459 Net cash used in investing activities — (40,451 ) (1,429 ) (41,880 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,580,590 13,781 1,594,371 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,586,075 ) (12,216 ) (1,598,291 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 15,000 — — 15,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (15,000 ) — — (15,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (232 ) — (232 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (5,589 ) (1,242 ) (6,831 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,030 ) — — (1,030 ) Dividends paid (5,150 ) — — (5,150 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries (70,250 ) 68,483 1,767 — Investment in subsidiaries 42,491 (42,498 ) 7 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (33,939 ) 14,679 2,097 (17,163 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 260 260 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (2,363 ) 15,141 12,778 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 8,039 12,953 20,992 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 5,676 $ 28,094 $ 33,770 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 34,292 $ 85,665 $ (3,882 ) $ 116,075 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (51,110 ) (51,110 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 12,681 1,190 13,871 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (29,121 ) (4,581 ) (33,702 ) Other — (255 ) 149 (106 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (16,695 ) (54,352 ) (71,047 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,648,527 7,415 1,655,942 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,666,103 ) (9,510 ) (1,675,613 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 40,000 — — 40,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (40,000 ) — — (40,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (230 ) (3,028 ) (3,258 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs — 30,331 — 30,331 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (4,325 ) (1,213 ) (5,538 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,243 ) — — (1,243 ) Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (31,945 ) — — (31,945 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation — (53 ) — (53 ) Dividends paid (5,148 ) — — (5,148 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 150,983 (152,665 ) 1,682 — Investment in subsidiaries (146,939 ) 74,576 72,363 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (34,292 ) (69,942 ) 67,709 (36,525 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 841 841 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (972 ) 10,316 9,344 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 6,338 6,699 13,037 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 5,366 $ 17,015 $ 22,381

Interim Financial Information I

Interim Financial Information Interim Financial Information (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The amendments in the accounting standard replace the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: income tax consequences; classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The amendments in this ASU are intended to provide a framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and improve disclosure requirements. This ASU sets forth a five-step model for determining when and how revenue is recognized. Under the model, an entity will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. To assess the impact of the ASU, the Company established an internal implementation team to review its current accounting policies and practices, identify all material revenue streams, assess the impact of the ASU on its material revenue streams and identify potential differences with current policies and practices. The Company’s internal implementation team has substantially completed its initial review of the likely impacts that the application of the amendments in this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. The team has initially identified the Company’s material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing; the sale of service and insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The team has begun its review of a sample of associated contracts and other related documents, but currently, has not quantified an estimated impact of changes, if any, to its current revenue recognition policies and practices. The Company’s implementation team is in the preliminary stages of evaluating the additional disclosure requirements of the ASU, as well as the change, if any, to the Company’s underlying accounting and financial reporting systems and processes necessary to support the recognition and disclosure requirements. The Company expects to identify and implement the necessary changes, if any, during 2017. At this time, based on this review, the Company does not expect the adoption to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. The Company currently expects to adopt the amendments of this ASU during the first fiscal quarter of 2018, as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, but will not make a final decision on the adoption method until later in 2017. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this ASU relate to the accounting for leasing transactions. This standard requires a lessee to record on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. In addition, this standard requires both lessees and lessors to disclose certain key information about lease transactions. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated balance sheet and statement of income. However, the Company expects that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet, as currently approximately half of its real estate is rented, not owned, via operating leases. Adoption of this ASU is required to be done using a modified retrospective approach. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology of recognizing credit losses when a loss is probable, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to assess credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for periods after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendment addresses several specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") . The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business in order to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements as it will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings . The amendments in this update require the disclosure of the impact that a recently issued ASU will have on the financial statements of a registrant when such standards are to be adopted in a future period. The SEC staff view that a registrant should evaluate ASU's that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial statement disclosures about the potential material effects of those ASU's on the financial statements when adopted. The Company does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“ 2016 Form 10-K”). All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and their results of operations are included from the effective dates of the closings of the acquisitions. The allocations of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are assigned and recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.

Derivative Instruments and Ri26

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 8, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt. The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement . The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges.

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Policy Text Block]	ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date: • Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. The Company periodically invests in unsecured, corporate demand obligations with manufacturer-affiliated finance companies, which bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable on demand by the Company. Therefore, the Company has classified these demand obligations as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. In addition, the Company maintains an investment balance with certain of the financial institutions in Brazil that provide credit facilities for the financing of new, used and rental vehicle inventories. The investment balances bear interest at a variable rate and are redeemable by the Company in the future under certain conditions. The Company has classified these investment balances as long-term assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value.

Derivative Instruments and Ri28

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of Unrealized Gain, Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets . Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2017 2016 (In thousands) Interest rate derivative instruments $ 390 $ (11,141 ) Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Floorplan interest expense $ (2,948 ) $ (2,758 ) Other interest expense (681 ) (625 ) The amount expected to be reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings as additional floorplan interest expense or other interest expense in the next twelve months is $10.8 million .

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Awards	A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2017 , along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows: Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 850,422 $ 67.25 Granted 166,339 78.57 Vested (183,164 ) 68.38 Forfeited (68,678 ) 68.34 Nonvested at March 31, 2017 764,919 $ 69.36

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share	The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,692 22,448 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 6 5 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,698 22,453 Basic: Net Income $ 33,939 $ 34,291 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,250 1,348 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 32,689 $ 32,943 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 1.47 Diluted: Net Income $ 33,939 $ 34,291 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,250 1,348 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 32,689 $ 32,943 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.58 $ 1.47

Detail of Certain Balance She31

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts and notes receivable	Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 85,274 $ 95,754 Parts and service receivables 34,881 35,318 Finance and insurance receivables 19,467 24,866 Other 15,538 20,322 Total accounts and notes receivable 155,160 176,260 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 2,366 2,896 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 152,794 $ 173,364
Summary of inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,239,905 $ 1,156,383 Used vehicles 293,647 294,812 Rental vehicles 127,109 131,080 Parts, accessories and other 77,265 77,762 Total inventories 1,737,926 1,660,037 Less lower of cost or net realizable value 8,401 8,222 Inventories, net $ 1,729,525 $ 1,651,815
Property and equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (unaudited) (dollars in thousands) Land — $ 409,022 $ 400,163 Buildings 25 to 50 559,733 553,961 Leasehold improvements varies 168,101 170,060 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 104,156 100,164 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 90,503 87,691 Company vehicles 3 to 5 11,904 11,632 Construction in progress — 86,190 66,658 Total 1,429,609 1,390,329 Less accumulated depreciation 277,214 264,446 Property and equipment, net $ 1,152,395 $ 1,125,883

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Summary of long-term debt	The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016) $ 540,858 $ 540,465 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016) 295,729 295,591 Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 380,393 385,358 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 9.8% and 9.9%, respectively 46,629 47,613 1,263,609 1,269,027 Less current maturities of long-term debt 38,891 56,218 $ 1,224,718 $ 1,212,809

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, were as follows: As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 910 $ 3,254 Demand obligations 13 12 Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 9,684 $ 9,484 Total $ 10,607 $ 12,750 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 20,360 $ 24,411 Total $ 20,360 $ 24,411

Intangible Franchise Rights a34

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Roll-forward of intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts	The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s intangible franchise rights and goodwill accounts by reportable segment: Intangible Franchise Rights U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ 260,534 $ 17,337 $ 7,005 $ 284,876 Currency translation — 200 235 435 BALANCE, March 31, 2017 $ 260,534 $ 17,537 $ 7,240 $ 285,311 Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ 805,935 $ 57,054 $ 13,774 $ 876,763 (1) Additions through acquisitions — — 95 95 Disposals — — (933 ) (933 ) Currency translation — 659 462 1,121 Tax adjustments (6 ) — — (6 ) BALANCE, March 31, 2017 $ 805,929 $ 57,713 $ 13,398 $ 877,040 (1) (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million .

Accumulated Other Comprehensi35

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income	Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (137,613 ) $ (9,331 ) $ (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 4,137 624 4,761 Tax effect — (234 ) (234 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense — 2,948 2,948 Other interest expense — 681 681 Tax effect — (1,361 ) (1,361 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 4,137 2,658 6,795 Balance, March 31, 2017 $ (133,476 ) $ (6,673 ) $ (140,149 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (118,532 ) $ (19,452 ) $ (137,984 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 2,155 (17,826 ) (15,671 ) Tax effect — 6,685 6,685 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to: Floorplan interest expense — 2,758 2,758 Other interest expense — 625 625 Tax effect — (1,269 ) (1,269 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 2,155 (9,027 ) (6,872 ) Balance, March 31, 2016 $ (116,377 ) $ (28,479 ) $ (144,856 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,081,632 $ 431,896 $ 94,827 $ 2,608,355 Income (loss) before income taxes 50,204 5,520 (1,622 ) 54,102 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (18,830 ) (1,170 ) 189 (19,811 ) Net income (loss) (1) 31,374 4,350 (1,433 ) 34,291 (1) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.7 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,867,151 $ 496,158 $ 126,054 $ 4,489,363 As of December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,855,701 $ 482,937 $ 123,265 $ 4,461,903

Condensed Consolidated Financ37

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 5,676 $ 28,094 $ — $ 33,770 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 159,067 54,705 — 213,772 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 116,180 36,614 — 152,794 Intercompany accounts receivable — 10,696 — (10,696 ) — Inventories, net — 1,487,326 242,199 — 1,729,525 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 422 6,541 16,253 — 23,216 Total current assets 422 1,785,486 377,865 (10,696 ) 2,153,077 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,013,927 138,468 — 1,152,395 GOODWILL — 805,930 71,110 — 877,040 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 260,534 24,777 — 285,311 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,744,837 — — (2,744,837 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 16,481 5,059 — 21,540 Total assets $ 2,745,259 $ 3,882,358 $ 617,279 $ (2,755,533 ) $ 4,489,363 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,163,756 $ 6,627 $ — $ 1,170,383 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (97,149 ) — — (97,149 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 292,075 100,313 — 392,388 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (26,750 ) — — (26,750 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 34,021 12,319 — 46,340 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 2,597 — — 2,597 Accounts payable — 182,035 165,711 — 347,746 Intercompany accounts payable 800,296 — 10,696 (810,992 ) — Accrued expenses — 161,280 24,440 — 185,720 Total current liabilities 800,296 1,711,865 320,106 (810,992 ) 2,021,275 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 836,587 329,494 58,637 — 1,224,718 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 17,762 — — 17,762 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (735 ) 251,719 5,664 — 256,648 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,109,111 2,371,814 232,872 (2,744,837 ) 968,960 Intercompany note receivable — (800,296 ) — 800,296 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,109,111 1,571,518 232,872 (1,944,541 ) 968,960 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,745,259 $ 3,882,358 $ 617,279 $ (2,755,533 ) $ 4,489,363 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 8,039 $ 12,953 $ — $ 20,992 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 241,097 28,411 — 269,508 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 140,985 32,379 — 173,364 Intercompany accounts receivable — 8,929 — (8,929 ) — Inventories, net — 1,386,871 264,944 — 1,651,815 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 516 7,188 27,204 — 34,908 Total current assets 516 1,793,109 365,891 (8,929 ) 2,150,587 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 990,084 135,799 — 1,125,883 GOODWILL — 805,935 70,828 — 876,763 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 260,534 24,342 — 284,876 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,787,328 — — (2,787,328 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 19,313 4,481 — 23,794 Total assets $ 2,787,844 $ 3,868,975 $ 601,341 $ (2,796,257 ) $ 4,461,903 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,131,718 $ 4,936 $ — $ 1,136,654 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (59,626 ) — — (59,626 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 281,747 110,914 — 392,661 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (25,500 ) — — (25,500 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 44,659 27,760 — 72,419 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 3,941 — — 3,941 Accounts payable — 211,050 145,049 — 356,099 Intercompany accounts payable 875,662 — 8,929 (884,591 ) — Accrued expenses — 156,648 19,821 — 176,469 Total current liabilities 875,662 1,744,637 317,409 (884,591 ) 2,053,117 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 836,056 324,540 52,213 — 1,212,809 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 20,470 — — 20,470 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (1,020 ) 240,348 5,979 — 245,307 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,077,146 2,414,642 225,740 (2,787,328 ) 930,200 Intercompany note receivable — (875,662 ) — 875,662 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,077,146 1,538,980 225,740 (1,911,666 ) 930,200 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,787,844 $ 3,868,975 $ 601,341 $ (2,796,257 ) $ 4,461,903
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 1,967,718 $ 551,111 $ — $ 2,518,829 COST OF SALES: — 1,647,123 488,184 — 2,135,307 GROSS PROFIT — 320,595 62,927 — 383,522 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,966 232,611 55,202 — 289,779 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 11,567 2,039 — 13,606 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,966 ) 76,417 5,686 — 80,137 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,878 ) (1,064 ) — (11,942 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,274 ) (725 ) — (16,999 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,966 ) 49,265 3,897 — 51,196 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 737 (17,084 ) (910 ) — (17,257 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,167 — — (35,167 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 33,938 $ 32,181 $ 2,987 $ (35,167 ) $ 33,939 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 2,658 4,137 — 6,795 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 33,938 $ 34,839 $ 7,124 $ (35,167 ) $ 40,734 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 2,081,633 $ 526,722 $ — $ 2,608,355 COST OF SALES: — 1,748,923 470,331 — 2,219,254 GROSS PROFIT — 332,710 56,391 — 389,101 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,203 243,014 49,447 — 293,664 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 10,596 1,868 — 12,464 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 509 423 — 932 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,203 ) 78,591 4,653 — 82,041 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,048 ) (962 ) — (11,010 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,052 ) (877 ) — (16,929 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,203 ) 52,491 2,814 — 54,102 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 450 (19,281 ) (980 ) — (19,811 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,044 — — (35,044 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 34,291 $ 33,210 $ 1,834 $ (35,044 ) $ 34,291 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES — (9,027 ) 2,155 — (6,872 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 34,291 $ 24,183 $ 3,989 $ (35,044 ) $ 27,419
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 33,939 $ 23,409 $ 14,213 $ 71,561 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (95 ) (95 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 181 2,026 2,207 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (43,091 ) (3,360 ) (46,451 ) Other — 2,459 — 2,459 Net cash used in investing activities — (40,451 ) (1,429 ) (41,880 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,580,590 13,781 1,594,371 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,586,075 ) (12,216 ) (1,598,291 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 15,000 — — 15,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (15,000 ) — — (15,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (232 ) — (232 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (5,589 ) (1,242 ) (6,831 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,030 ) — — (1,030 ) Dividends paid (5,150 ) — — (5,150 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries (70,250 ) 68,483 1,767 — Investment in subsidiaries 42,491 (42,498 ) 7 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (33,939 ) 14,679 2,097 (17,163 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 260 260 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (2,363 ) 15,141 12,778 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 8,039 12,953 20,992 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 5,676 $ 28,094 $ 33,770 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 34,292 $ 85,665 $ (3,882 ) $ 116,075 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (51,110 ) (51,110 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 12,681 1,190 13,871 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (29,121 ) (4,581 ) (33,702 ) Other — (255 ) 149 (106 ) Net cash used in investing activities — (16,695 ) (54,352 ) (71,047 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,648,527 7,415 1,655,942 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,666,103 ) (9,510 ) (1,675,613 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 40,000 — — 40,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (40,000 ) — — (40,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (230 ) (3,028 ) (3,258 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs — 30,331 — 30,331 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (4,325 ) (1,213 ) (5,538 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,243 ) — — (1,243 ) Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (31,945 ) — — (31,945 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation — (53 ) — (53 ) Dividends paid (5,148 ) — — (5,148 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 150,983 (152,665 ) 1,682 — Investment in subsidiaries (146,939 ) 74,576 72,363 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (34,292 ) (69,942 ) 67,709 (36,525 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 841 841 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (972 ) 10,316 9,344 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 6,338 6,699 13,037 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 5,366 $ 17,015 $ 22,381

Interim Financial Information (

Interim Financial Information (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017dealershipstownstates
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of International Regions	2
Number of Reportable Segments	3
UNITED STATES
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states	14
Number of domestic regions	2
UNITED STATES | East [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of Dealerships	36
UNITED STATES | West [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of Dealerships	75
UNITED KINGDOM
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of Towns in which Entity Operates | town	21
Number of Dealerships	31
BRAZIL
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states	4
Number of Dealerships	16

Acquisitions and Dispositions39

Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details textuals) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
UNITED STATES
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Dealerships Disposed		2
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business		$ 0.9
UNITED KINGDOM
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired		12
Number of Franchises Acquired		15
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 56.1
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents		3.9
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Payable to Sellers		$ 1.1
Number Of Dealerships Opened	1
Number Of Franchises Awarded	1
BRAZIL
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Dealerships Disposed	2	2
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business		$ 1
Number of Franchises Disposed	2

Derivative Instruments and Ri40

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts	$ 390	$ (11,141)
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(2,268)	(2,114)
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	2,948	2,758
Other Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	$ 681	625
Interest Rate Swap Contracts [Member]
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts		$ (11,141)

Derivative Instruments and Ri41

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)swap	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	$ 0	$ 0
Increase in floor plan interest expense due to impact of interest rate hedges	2,900,000	2,800,000
Floor Plan Interest Expense	$ 11,942,000	11,010,000
Newly entered interest rate swaps	1
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Maximum Notional Amount Of Derivatives In Effect At Any Time	$ 912,700,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(6,673,000)	$ (28,479,000)	$ (9,331,000)	$ (19,452,000)
Amount expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings	10,800,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 819,300,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%
Notional amount of interest rate swaps entered into during current year	$ 4,800,000
Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 625,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.20%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps | swap	12
Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2017
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2020
Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2020
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Level 2 [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative financial instruments included in balance sheet as liabilities from interest risk management activities	$ 20,360,000		24,411,000
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 9,684,000		$ 9,484,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan42

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Awards, Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | shares	850,422
Awards, Granted | shares	166,339
Awards, Vested | shares	(183,164)
Awards, Forfeited | shares	(68,678)
Awards, Nonvested at June 30, 2016 | shares	764,919
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 67.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	78.57
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	68.38
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	68.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, June 30, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 69.36

Stock-Based Compensation Plan43

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	$ 6,074	$ 5,511
Cash received from employee stock purchase plan purchases	$ 1,900	$ 2,000
2014 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 21, 2024
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	1,088,585
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 19, 2025
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	1,232,389
Shares authorized for issuance	4,500,000
Shares issued to employee under purchase plan	30,154	40,877
Weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued	$ 18.66	$ 15.61
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Range Of Forfeiture Provisions	5 years

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,692	22,448
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	6	5
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,698	22,453
Basic:
Net income	$ 33,939	$ 34,291
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	1,250	1,348
Earnings available to basic common shares	$ 32,689	$ 32,943
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.58	$ 1.47
Diluted:
Net income	$ 33,939	$ 34,291
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted	1,250	1,348
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$ 32,689	$ 32,943
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.58	$ 1.47

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 33.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was less than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% , due primarily to a portion of the Company's pretax income being generated in the U.K. region, which is taxed at a lower statutory rate, and excess tax deductions for vested restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . This was partially offset by taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions and valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S states and in Brazil. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company's effective tax rate decreased to 33.7% as compared to 36.6% for the same period in 2016 . This decrease was primarily due to the mix effect resulting from proportionately more pretax income generated in the Company's U.K. region, as well as changes to valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil, the tax impact of dealership dispositions in Brazil and excess tax deductions for vested restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions and did not incur any interest and penalties nor did it accrue any interest for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . When applicable, consistent with prior practice, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company's taxable years 2015 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2011 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.
Effective tax rate	33.70%	36.60%
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 0		$ 0
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2,015
BRAZIL
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2,011

Detail of Certain Balance She46

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Accounts and Notes Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 155,160	$ 176,260
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	2,366	2,896
Accounts and notes receivable, net	152,794	173,364
Amounts due from manufacturers [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	85,274	95,754
Parts and service receivables [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	34,881	35,318
Finance and insurance receivables, net [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	19,467	24,866
Other [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 15,538	$ 20,322

Detail of Certain Balance She47

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of inventories
New Vehicles Inventory, Gross	$ 1,239,905	$ 1,156,383
Used Vehicles Inventory, Gross	293,647	294,812
Rental Vehicles Inventory, Gross	127,109	131,080
Parts, Accessories and Other Inventory, Gross	77,265	77,762
Inventory, Gross	1,737,926	1,660,037
Lower of cost or market reserves	8,401	8,222
Inventories, net	$ 1,729,525	$ 1,651,815

Detail of Certain Balance She48

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,429,609	$ 1,390,329
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	277,214	264,446
Property and equipment, net	1,152,395	1,125,883
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	409,022	400,163
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 559,733	553,961
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P25Y
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P50Y
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	varies
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 168,101	170,060
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 104,156	100,164
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P7Y
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P20Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 90,503	87,691
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P10Y
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 11,904	11,632
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P5Y
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 86,190	$ 66,658

Detail of Certain Balance She49

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures incurred for purchase and construction of assets	$ 27,600
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	7,287	$ 22,274	$ 15,900
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of fixed assets	$ 10,300

Credit Facilities (Details Text

Credit Facilities (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Offset	$ (97,149)	$ (59,626)
FMCC Offset	(26,750)	$ (25,500)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 1,800,000
Expiry date of Revolving Credit Facility	Jun. 17, 2021
Number of financial institutions | loan	24
Number of Manufacturer-affiliated finance companies | loan	6
Number of tranches	2
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Can Be Extended Amount	$ 2,100,000
Line of credit facility, Unamortized Cost	$ 5,100
Maximum Limit Of Restricted Payment Basket	the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014
Restricted payment	$ 142,700
Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	15,400
FMCC Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 300,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 162,300
Available amount under borrowing capacity	$ 137,700
Cancellation of agreement	30 days
Debt interest rate	5.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 1,750,000
Commitment fees, Percentage	0.15%
Maximum period for outstanding borrowing	1 year
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,066,600
Available amount under borrowing capacity	373,400
Floorplan Offset	$ (97,100)
Weighted average interest rate	2.20%	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, New Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, Used Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 360,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Available amount under borrowing capacity	330,700
Letters of credit outstanding	29,300
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	103,000
UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 91,500
Minimum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	16.66%
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Period	1 month
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	0 days
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fees, Percentage	0.20%
Minimum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	23.14%
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Period	12 months
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	90 days
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fees, Percentage	0.45%
Maximum [Member] | Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	5.50%
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Period	2 years
Maximum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	3.95%
United States of America, Dollars | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
United States of America, Dollars | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 125,000
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 9.8% and 9.9%, respectively	$ 46,629	$ 47,613
Net carrying amount of liability component	1,263,609	1,269,027
Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Excluding Short Term Financing Current	38,891	56,218
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,224,718	1,212,809
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	540,858	540,465
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	550,000	550,000	$ 200,000	$ 350,000
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	295,729	295,591
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	9.80%	9.90%
Lease Expiration Date	Jun. 1, 2034
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	$ 380,393	$ 385,358

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Short-term Debt	$ 7,400	$ 16,200
Number of manufacturer-affiliated finance partners	3
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 550,000	550,000	$ 200,000	$ 350,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%
Ending date of installments to be repaid	Jun. 1, 2022
Additional borrowings discount from face value	1.50%
Amortization period of underwriters fees and debt issuance costs	8 years
Unamortized Underwriters Fees, Discount, and Debt Issuance Costs	$ 9,100
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	35.00%
Redemption price percentage of principal outstanding and accrued unpaid interest	105.00%
Redemption price percentage of principal redeemed	100.00%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 559,500	548,400
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 300,000	300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.25%
Amortization period of underwriters fees and debt issuance costs	8 years
Maturity date of notes	Dec. 15, 2023
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	35.00%
Redemption price percentage of principal outstanding and accrued unpaid interest	105.25%
Redemption price percentage of principal redeemed	100.00%
Unamortized Underwriters Fees and Debt Issuance Costs	$ 4,300
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	303,800	297,800
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 363,700
Interest on real estate notes, minimum	3.00%
Interest on real estate notes, maximum	4.69%
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 2,800
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 700
Number of loans as per loan agreements	55
Total borrowings	$ 317,400
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	29,100
Repayments of Long-term Debt	4,600
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	92,100	93,900
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Fair Value	$ 92,500	$ 94,500
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Nov. 1, 2017
Variable Interest Rate	1.50%
Amortization schedule	15 years
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Dec. 1, 2024
Variable Interest Rate	2.50%
Amortization schedule	20 years
U.K. Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Sep. 1, 2034
Number of loans as per loan agreements	0
Total borrowings	$ 49,900
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	4,300
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 1,100
Brazil Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Apr. 1, 2025
Total borrowings	$ 3,800
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 100
Brazilian third party financial institution [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Ending date of installments to be repaid	Feb. 1, 2020
Total borrowings	$ 7,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0
U.K. Working Capital Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	7,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 9,684	$ 9,484
Total	10,607	12,750
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	20,360	24,411
Total	20,360	24,411
Investments [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	910	3,254
Demand Obligation [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13	$ 12

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017dealerships
Manufacturer [Line Items]
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 13.2
Volkswagen legal claims	$ 14,700
Volkswagen [Member]
Manufacturer [Line Items]
Number Of Dealerships | dealerships		7

Intangible Franchise Rights a55

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		$ 284,876
Currency Translation		435
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		285,311
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		876,763
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		95
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(933)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		1,121
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	877,040
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss			$ 97,800
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset		6
BRAZIL
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		7,005
Currency Translation		235
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		7,240
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	13,774
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		95
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(933)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		462
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	13,398
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset		0
UNITED KINGDOM
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		17,337
Currency Translation		200
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		17,537
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	57,054
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		659
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	57,713
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset		0
UNITED STATES
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		260,534
Currency Translation		0
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		260,534
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	805,935
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	805,929
Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset		$ 6
[1]	1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi56

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	$ (137,613)	$ (118,532)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	4,137	2,155
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	4,137	2,155
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(133,476)	(116,377)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(9,331)	(19,452)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	624	(17,826)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(234)	6,685
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	1,361	1,269
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	2,658	(9,027)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(6,673)	(28,479)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(146,944)	(137,984)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	4,761	(15,671)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax	(234)	6,685
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(1,361)	(1,269)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,795	(6,872)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(146,944)	(137,984)	$ (140,149)	$ (144,856)
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	2,948	2,758
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	2,948	2,758
Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	681	625
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$ 681	$ 625

Segment Information Segment I57

Segment Information Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Legal Settlements			$ 13,200
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	$ 2,518,829	$ 2,608,355
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	51,196	54,102
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(17,257)	(19,811)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	33,939	34,291
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	$ 4,489,363		4,461,903
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segments and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment. Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,081,632 $ 431,896 $ 94,827 $ 2,608,355 Income (loss) before income taxes 50,204 5,520 (1,622 ) 54,102 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (18,830 ) (1,170 ) 189 (19,811 ) Net income (loss) (1) 31,374 4,350 (1,433 ) 34,291 (1) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.7 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,867,151 $ 496,158 $ 126,054 $ 4,489,363 As of December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 3,855,701 $ 482,937 $ 123,265 $ 4,461,903
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	$ 1,967,719	2,081,632
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	45,606	50,204
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(16,347)	(18,830)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	29,259	31,374
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	3,867,151		3,855,701
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	450,327	431,896
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	5,381	5,520
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(870)	(1,170)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	4,511	4,350
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	496,158		482,937
BRAZIL
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	100,783	94,827
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	209	(1,622)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(40)	189
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	169	(1,433)
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	126,054		$ 123,265
Net of taxes [Member] | UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss from Catastrophes		$ 1,700
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 1,100

Condensed Consolidated Financ58

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,770		$ 20,992	$ 13,037	$ 22,381
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	213,772		269,508
Accounts and notes receivable, net	152,794		173,364
Intercompany accounts receivable	0		0
Inventories, net	1,729,525		1,651,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,216		34,908
Total current assets	2,153,077		2,150,587
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,152,395		1,125,883
GOODWILL	877,040	[1]	876,763
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	285,311		284,876
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0		0
OTHER ASSETS	21,540		23,794
Total assets	4,489,363		4,461,903
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,170,383		1,136,654
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(97,149)		(59,626)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	392,388		392,661
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(26,750)		(25,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	46,340		72,419
Derivative Liability, Current	2,597		3,941
Accounts payable	347,746		356,099
Intercompany accounts payable	0		0
Accrued expenses	185,720		176,469
Total current liabilities	2,021,275		2,053,117
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,224,718		1,212,809
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	17,762		20,470
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	256,648		245,307
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	968,960		930,200
Intercompany note receivable	0		0
Total stockholders’ equity	968,960		930,200
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,489,363		4,461,903
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0	0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0		0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0		0
Intercompany accounts receivable	0		0
Inventories, net	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	422		516
Total current assets	422		516
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0		0
GOODWILL	0		0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0		0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,744,837		2,787,328
OTHER ASSETS	0		0
Total assets	2,745,259		2,787,844
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0		0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0		0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0		0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0		0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0		0
Derivative Liability, Current	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Intercompany accounts payable	800,296		875,662
Accrued expenses	0		0
Total current liabilities	800,296		875,662
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	836,587		836,056
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0		0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(735)		(1,020)
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,109,111		1,077,146
Intercompany note receivable	0		0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,109,111		1,077,146
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,745,259		2,787,844
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	5,676		8,039	6,338	5,366
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	159,067		241,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net	116,180		140,985
Intercompany accounts receivable	10,696		8,929
Inventories, net	1,487,326		1,386,871
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,541		7,188
Total current assets	1,785,486		1,793,109
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,013,927		990,084
GOODWILL	805,930		805,935
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	260,534		260,534
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0		0
OTHER ASSETS	16,481		19,313
Total assets	3,882,358		3,868,975
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,163,756		1,131,718
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(97,149)		(59,626)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	292,075		281,747
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(26,750)		(25,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	34,021		44,659
Derivative Liability, Current	2,597		3,941
Accounts payable	182,035		211,050
Intercompany accounts payable	0		0
Accrued expenses	161,280		156,648
Total current liabilities	1,711,865		1,744,637
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	329,494		324,540
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	17,762		20,470
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	251,719		240,348
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	2,371,814		2,414,642
Intercompany note receivable	(800,296)		(875,662)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,571,518		1,538,980
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,882,358		3,868,975
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	28,094		12,953	$ 6,699	$ 17,015
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	54,705		28,411
Accounts and notes receivable, net	36,614		32,379
Intercompany accounts receivable	0		0
Inventories, net	242,199		264,944
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,253		27,204
Total current assets	377,865		365,891
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	138,468		135,799
GOODWILL	71,110		70,828
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	24,777		24,342
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0		0
OTHER ASSETS	5,059		4,481
Total assets	617,279		601,341
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	6,627		4,936
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0		0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	100,313		110,914
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0		0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	12,319		27,760
Derivative Liability, Current	0		0
Accounts payable	165,711		145,049
Intercompany accounts payable	10,696		8,929
Accrued expenses	24,440		19,821
Total current liabilities	320,106		317,409
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	58,637		52,213
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0		0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	5,664		5,979
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	232,872		225,740
Intercompany note receivable	0		0
Total stockholders’ equity	232,872		225,740
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	617,279		601,341
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0		0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0		0
Intercompany accounts receivable	(10,696)		(8,929)
Inventories, net	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0		0
Total current assets	(10,696)		(8,929)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0		0
GOODWILL	0		0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0		0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	(2,744,837)		(2,787,328)
OTHER ASSETS	0		0
Total assets	(2,755,533)		(2,796,257)
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0		0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0		0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0		0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0		0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0		0
Derivative Liability, Current	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Intercompany accounts payable	(810,992)		(884,591)
Accrued expenses	0		0
Total current liabilities	(810,992)		(884,591)
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	0		0
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0		0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	0		0
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	(2,744,837)		(2,787,328)
Intercompany note receivable	800,296		875,662
Total stockholders’ equity	(1,944,541)		(1,911,666)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ (2,755,533)		$ (2,796,257)
[1]	1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million.

Condensed Consolidated Financ59

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	$ 2,518,829	$ 2,608,355
COST OF SALES:	2,135,307	2,219,254
GROSS PROFIT	383,522	389,101
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	289,779	293,664
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	13,606	12,464
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0	932
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	80,137	82,041
Floorplan interest expense	(11,942)	(11,010)
Interest Expense, Other	(16,999)	(16,929)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	51,196	54,102
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(17,257)	(19,811)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	33,939	34,291
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	6,795	(6,872)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	40,734	27,419
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,966	1,203
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS		0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	(1,966)	(1,203)
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(1,966)	(1,203)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	737	450
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	35,167	35,044
NET INCOME	33,938	34,291
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	33,938	34,291
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	1,967,718	2,081,633
COST OF SALES:	1,647,123	1,748,923
GROSS PROFIT	320,595	332,710
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	232,611	243,014
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	11,567	10,596
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS		509
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	76,417	78,591
Floorplan interest expense	(10,878)	(10,048)
Interest Expense, Other	(16,274)	(16,052)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	49,265	52,491
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(17,084)	(19,281)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	32,181	33,210
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	2,658	(9,027)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	34,839	24,183
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	551,111	526,722
COST OF SALES:	488,184	470,331
GROSS PROFIT	62,927	56,391
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	55,202	49,447
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	2,039	1,868
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS		423
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	5,686	4,653
Floorplan interest expense	(1,064)	(962)
Interest Expense, Other	(725)	(877)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	3,897	2,814
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(910)	(980)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	2,987	1,834
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	4,137	2,155
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	7,124	3,989
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	0	0
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS		0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	0	0
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	0	0
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	0	0
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(35,167)	(35,044)
NET INCOME	(35,167)	(35,044)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$ (35,167)	$ (35,044)

Condensed Consolidated Financ60

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 71,561	$ 116,075
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(95)	(51,110)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,207	13,871
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(46,451)	(33,702)
Other	2,459	(106)
Net cash used in investing activities	(41,880)	(71,047)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	1,594,371	1,655,942
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,598,291)	(1,675,613)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000	40,000
Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000)	(40,000)
Borrowings on other debt	0	0
Principal payments on other debt	(232)	(3,258)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	0	30,331
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(6,831)	(5,538)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,030)	(1,243)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0	(31,945)
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	0	(53)
Dividends paid	(5,150)	(5,148)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Distributions to parent		0
Net cash used in financing activities	(17,163)	(36,525)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	260	841
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	12,778	9,344
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	20,992	13,037
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,770
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,939	34,292
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	15,000	40,000
Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line	(15,000)	(40,000)
Borrowings on other debt	0	0
Principal payments on other debt	0	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs		0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	0	0
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,030)	(1,243)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date		(31,945)
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net		0
Dividends paid	(5,150)	(5,148)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	(70,250)	150,983
Investment in subsidiaries	42,491	(146,939)
Distributions to parent		0
Net cash used in financing activities	(33,939)	(34,292)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	23,409	85,665
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	181	12,681
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(43,091)	(29,121)
Other	2,459	(255)
Net cash used in investing activities	(40,451)	(16,695)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	1,580,590	1,648,527
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,586,075)	(1,666,103)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	0	0
Principal payments on other debt	(232)	(230)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs		30,331
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(5,589)	(4,325)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date		0
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net		(53)
Dividends paid	0	0
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	68,483	(152,665)
Investment in subsidiaries	(42,498)	74,576
Distributions to parent		0
Net cash used in financing activities	14,679	(69,942)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(2,363)	(972)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	8,039	6,338
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	5,676
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,213	(3,882)
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(95)	(51,110)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,026	1,190
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(3,360)	(4,581)
Other	0	149
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,429)	(54,352)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	13,781	7,415
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(12,216)	(9,510)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	0	0
Principal payments on other debt	0	(3,028)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs		0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(1,242)	(1,213)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date		0
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net		0
Dividends paid	0	0
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	1,767	1,682
Investment in subsidiaries	7	72,363
Distributions to parent		0
Net cash used in financing activities	2,097	67,709
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	260	841
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	15,141	10,316
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	12,953	$ 6,699
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 28,094