Group 1 Automotive (GPI) 10-K 20 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 12, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,031,203
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,226.2
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,911,543
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01			$ 0.01

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,787,000	$ 20,992,000
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	306,433,000	269,508,000
Accounts and notes receivable, net	188,611,000	173,364,000
Inventories, net	1,763,293,000	1,651,815,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,062,000	34,908,000
Total current assets	2,329,186,000	2,150,587,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,318,959,000	1,125,883,000
GOODWILL	913,034,000	876,763,000
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	285,632,000	284,876,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
OTHER ASSETS	24,254,000	23,794,000
Total assets	4,871,065,000	4,461,903,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,240,695,000	1,136,654,000
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(86,547,000)	(59,626,000)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	397,183,000	392,661,000
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(22,500,000)	(25,500,000)
Current maturities of long-term debt	77,609,000	72,419,000
Derivative Liability, Current	1,996,000	3,941,000
Accounts payable	412,981,000	356,099,000
Accrued expenses	177,070,000	176,469,000
Total current liabilities	2,198,487,000	2,053,117,000
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,318,184,000	1,212,809,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	124,404,000	161,502,000
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	8,583,000	20,470,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	97,125,000	83,805,000
Commitments and Contingencies	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Value, Issued	255,000	257,000
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	291,461,000	290,899,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	1,246,323,000	1,053,301,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(123,226,000)	(146,944,000)
Treasury Stock, Value	(290,531,000)	(267,313,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable	1,124,282,000	930,200,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,871,065,000	4,461,903,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0	0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	(39,936,000)	(8,929,000)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0	0
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(2,999,407,000)	(2,787,328,000)
OTHER ASSETS	0	0
Total assets	(3,039,343,000)	(2,796,257,000)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
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	0	0
Derivative Liability, Current	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	(930,931,000)	(884,591,000)
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	0	0
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable	(2,999,407,000)	(2,787,328,000)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(3,039,343,000)	(2,796,257,000)
Parent Company [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	0	0
Accounts and notes receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,934,000	516,000
Total current assets	28,922,000	516,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0	0
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	2,999,407,000	2,787,328,000
OTHER ASSETS	0	0
Total assets	3,028,329,000	2,787,844,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
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	24,741,000	0
Derivative Liability, Current	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	915,736,000	875,662,000
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	865,202,000	836,056,000
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable	1,247,508,000	1,077,146,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,028,329,000	$ 2,787,844,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets Con

Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 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 or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	25,515,306	25,662,950
Treasury Stock, Shares	4,616,635	4,257,915

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$ 6,157,531	$ 6,046,075	$ 6,001,306
Used vehicle retail sales	2,798,986	2,757,713	2,638,969
Used vehicle wholesale sales	400,170	401,863	397,251
Parts and service sales	1,338,032	1,261,307	1,186,193
Finance, insurance and other, net	429,002	420,654	408,786
Total revenues	11,123,721	10,887,612	10,632,505
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	5,835,526	5,729,697	5,695,829
Used vehicle retail sales	2,621,431	2,575,234	2,459,499
Used vehicle wholesale sales	402,912	406,305	399,171
Parts and service sales	618,343	581,307	544,034
Total cost of sales	9,478,212	9,292,543	9,098,533
GROSS PROFIT	1,645,509	1,595,069	1,533,972
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,226,195	1,170,763	1,120,833
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	57,936	51,234	47,239
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	19,506	32,838	87,562
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	341,872	340,234	278,338
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Floorplan interest expense	(52,372)	(44,927)	(39,264)
Other interest expense, net	(70,497)	(67,936)	(56,903)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	219,003	227,371	182,171
Provision for income taxes	(5,561)	(80,306)	(88,172)
NET INCOME	$ 213,442	$ 147,065	$ 93,999
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.91
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,420	21,161	23,148
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.90
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,425	21,170	23,152
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.97	$ 0.91	$ 0.83

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 213,442	$ 147,065	$ 93,999
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized	15,061	(19,081)	(54,457)
Net unrealized loss on foreign currency translation	15,061	(19,081)	(54,457)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax benefit	1,034	1,728	(9,856)
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision	7,623	8,393	8,313
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	8,657	10,121	(1,543)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES	23,718	(8,960)	(56,000)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 237,160	$ 138,105	$ 37,999

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax (benefit) provision of unrealized loss on interest rate swap	$ 620	$ 1,037	$ (5,914)
Tax (benefit) provision of reclassification adjustment	$ (4,573)	$ (5,036)	$ (4,987)

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 978,010	$ 257	$ 286,854	$ 852,057	$ (81,984)	$ (79,174)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		25,724
Net income	93,999	$ 0	0		0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(56,000)	0	0	0	(56,000)	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued		$ 0	0	0	0	99,015
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		(18)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	206	$ 0	(16,701)	0	0	16,907
Purchases of treasury stock	(99,015)
Stock-based compensation	20,939	0	20,939	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(19,887)	0	0	(19,887)	0	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	918,252	$ 257	291,092	926,169	(137,984)	(161,282)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		25,706
Net income	147,065	$ 0	0		0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(8,960)	0	0	0	(8,960)	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued		$ 0	0	0	0	129,187
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		(43)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	2,193	$ 0	(20,963)	0	0	23,156
Purchases of treasury stock	(129,187)
Stock-based compensation	20,770	0	20,770	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(19,933)	0	0	(19,933)	0	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	930,200	$ 257	290,899	1,053,301	(146,944)	(267,313)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		25,663
Net income	213,442	$ 0	0		0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	23,718	0	0	0	23,718	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued		$ 0	0	0	0	(42,084)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		(148)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	571	$ (2)	(18,293)	0	0	18,866
Purchases of treasury stock	(42,084)
Stock-based compensation	18,855	0	18,855	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(20,420)	0	0	(20,420)	0	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,124,282	$ 255	$ 291,461	$ 1,246,323	$ (123,226)	$ (290,531)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		25,515

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (46,063)	$ 14,162	$ 11,884
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 0	$ 2,142	$ 1,841

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net borrowings on 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 296,250
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	213,442	147,065	93,999
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	57,936	51,234	47,239
Deferred income taxes	46,063	(14,162)	(11,884)
Asset impairments	19,506	32,838	87,562
Stock-based compensation	18,900	21,073	18,851
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	3,661	3,694	3,652
Gain on disposition of assets	(781)	2,675	9,719
Other	407	1,084	1,192
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	35,576	76,126	25,108
Accounts and notes receivable	10,674	(18,663)	(17,887)
Inventories	44,021	79,319	(186,634)
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	33,484	(15,621)	(17,944)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	6,889	8,244	(3,153)
Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates	8,294	(12,630)	87,516
Deferred revenues	517	(393)	(619)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	198,925	384,857	141,047
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(109,081)	(57,327)	(212,252)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	10,708	36,843	41,581
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(215,832)	(156,521)	(120,252)
Other	1,607	2,965	6,421
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(312,598)	(174,040)	(284,502)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility — floorplan line and other	7,019,070	6,597,406	7,557,237
Repayments on credit facility — floorplan line and other	(6,957,866)	(6,676,161)	(7,504,516)
Borrowings on credit facility — acquisition line	68,086	220,020	489,548
Repayments on credit facility — acquisition line	(42,278)	(220,020)	(557,696)
Debt issue costs		3,513	788
Borrowings on other debt	165,702	49,972	59,855
Principal payments on other debt	(121,199)	(45,928)	(63,769)
Borrowings on debt related to real estate, net of debt issue costs	(75,309)	(42,654)	(32,026)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs		39,141	31,238
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(29,391)	(25,463)	(72,079)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	4,603	3,868	214
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(40,094)	(127,606)	(97,473)
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net	0	(249)	2,142
Dividends paid	(20,466)	(19,987)	(19,942)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	121,476	(205,007)	121,009
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	(8)	2,145	(5,492)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	7,795	7,955	(27,938)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	20,992	13,037	40,975
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	28,787	20,992	13,037
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 8,759	$ 15,930	$ 32,720

Annual Financial Information

Annual Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION	ANNUAL 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 15 states in the United States of America (“U.S.”), 28 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 December 31, 2017 , the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 115 dealerships within the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The President of U.S. Operations reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall performance of the U.S. region, as well as for overseeing the market directors and dealership general managers. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 , the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 42 dealerships and (b) Brazil, which consisted of 16 dealerships. The operations of the Company's international regions are structured similar to the U.S. region, each with a regional vice president reporting directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Use of Estimates The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Management analyzes the Company’s estimates based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances; however, actual results could differ from such estimates. The significant estimates made by management in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements relate to inventory market adjustments, reserves for future chargebacks on finance and vehicle service contract fees, self-insured property/casualty insurance exposure, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the valuation of goodwill and intangible franchise rights, and reserves for potential litigation. Basis of Presentation All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted by applying the aquisition 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. Revenue Recognition Revenues from vehicle sales, parts sales and vehicle service are recognized upon completion of the sale or service and delivery to the customer. Conditions to completing a sale entail having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and having a reasonable expectation that the sales price will be collected. The Company includes revenues from its collision center operations in parts and services sales. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in total revenues. The Company records the profit it receives for arranging vehicle fleet transactions, net, in other finance and insurance revenues. Since all sales of new vehicles must occur through franchised new vehicle dealerships, the dealerships effectively act as agents for the automobile manufacturers in completing sales of vehicles to fleet customers. As these customers typically order the vehicles, the Company has no significant general inventory risk. Additionally, fleet customers generally receive special purchase incentives from the automobile manufacturers and the Company receives only a nominal fee for facilitating the transactions. The Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives financing fees based on the difference between the loan rates charged to customers and wholesale financing rates set by the financing institution. In addition, the Company receives fees from the sale of insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. Revenues from these fees are recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles as finance and insurance revenue earned. Further, through agreements with certain vehicle service contract administrators, the Company earns volume incentive rebates and interest income on reserves, as well as participates in the underwriting profits of the products. These amounts earned are also recognized as finance and insurance revenue. The Company may be charged back for unearned financing, insurance contract or vehicle service contract fees in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. A reserve for future amounts estimated to be charged back is recorded, as a reduction of Finance, insurance and other revenue, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations, based on the Company’s historical chargeback results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. While chargeback results vary depending on the type of contract sold, a 10% increase in the historical chargeback experience used in determining estimates of future amounts that might be charged back would have increased the reserve at December 31, 2017 by $5.0 million . Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , cash and cash equivalents excluded $109.0 million and $85.1 million , respectively, of immediately available funds used to pay down the Floorplan Line of the Revolving Credit Facility and the FMCC Facility (as defined in Note 11, “Credit Facilities”), which are the Company’s primary options for the short-term investment of excess cash. These amounts are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the offset accounts related to Floorplan Notes Payable - Credit Facility and Floorplan Notes Payable - Manufacturer Affiliates. Contracts-in-Transit and Vehicle Receivables Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables consist primarily of amounts due from financing institutions on retail finance contracts from vehicle sales and dealer incentives due from manufacturers. Also included are amounts receivable from vehicle wholesale sales. Inventories New, used and demonstrator vehicle inventories are carried at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Vehicle inventory cost consists of the amount paid to acquire the inventory, plus the cost of reconditioning, cost of equipment added and transportation cost. Additionally, the Company receives interest assistance from some of the automobile manufacturers. This assistance is accounted for as a vehicle purchase price discount and is reflected as a reduction to the inventory cost on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a reduction to cost of sales in its Statements of Operations as the vehicles are sold. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , inventory cost had been reduced by $9.1 million and $9.6 million , respectively, for interest assistance received from manufacturers. New vehicle cost of sales was reduced by $48.9 million , $49.2 million and $50.5 million for interest assistance received related to vehicles sold for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The interest assistance over the past three years has ranged from approximately 88.0% of the Company’s quarterly floorplan interest expense in the first quarter of 2017 to 139.9% for the third quarter of 2015 . Since the market value of inventory typically declines over time, the Company establishes new and used vehicle reserves based on its historical loss experience and management’s considerations of current market trends. These reserves are charged to cost of sales and reduce the carrying value of inventory on hand. Used vehicles are complex to value as there is no standardized source for determining exact values and each vehicle and each market in which the Company operates is unique. As a result, the value of each used vehicle taken at trade-in, or purchased at auction, is determined based on industry data, primarily accessed via the Company’s used vehicle management software and the industry expertise of the responsible used vehicle manager. Valuation risk is partially mitigated by the speed at which the Company turns this inventory. At December 31, 2017 , the Company’s used vehicle days’ supply was 39 days . Parts and accessories inventories are valued at lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company incurs shipping costs in connection with selling parts to customers. The cost of shipping these parts is included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the estimated term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. The amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the assets, are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at cost less accumulated depreciation, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current operations. The Company reviews long-lived assets that are held-for-use for impairment at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows whenever there is evidence that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable (i.e., triggering events). This review consists of comparing the carrying amount of the asset with its expected future undiscounted cash flows without interest costs. If the asset’s carrying amount is greater than such cash flow estimate, then it is required to be written down to its fair value. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on currently available information and reasonable and supportable assumptions. See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” for additional details regarding the Company’s impairment of long-lived assets. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. During 2016, the Company was organized into four geographic regions, East and West regions in the U.S., the U.K. region and the Brazil region. During 2017, the Company reorganized into three geographic regions, the U.S. region, the U.K. region and the Brazil region. The Company has determined that each region represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing goodwill for impairment. Annually in the fourth quarter, based on the carrying values of the Company’s regions as of October 31 st , the Company performs a fair value and potential impairment assessment of its goodwill. An impairment analysis is done more frequently if certain events or circumstances arise that would indicate a change in the fair value of the intangible asset has occurred (i.e., an impairment indicator). In evaluating its goodwill, the Company compares the carrying value of the net assets of each reporting unit to its respective fair value, which is calculated by using unobservable inputs based upon the Company’s internally developed assumptions. This represents the first step of the impairment test. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its net assets, the Company proceeds to step two of the impairment test. Step two involves allocating the calculated fair value to all of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the calculated fair value were the purchase price in a business combination. The Company then compares the value of the implied goodwill resulting from this second step to the carrying value of the goodwill in the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value under step two of the impairment test, a non-cash impairment charge equal to the difference is recorded. The Company uses a combination of the discounted cash flow, or income approach ( 80% weighted), and the market approach ( 20% weighted) to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. Included in the discounted cash flow approach are assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, future gross margins, future selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) and an estimated weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The Company also must estimate residual values at the end of the forecast period and future capital expenditure requirements. Specifically, with regard to the valuation assumptions utilized in the income approach for the U.S. reporting unit (which represents the Company’s largest reporting unit) as of October 31, 2017 , the Company based its analysis on an estimate of industry sales of 16.9 million units in 2018 , 16.7 million units in 2019, 16.5 million units in 2020 and remaining flat for the remainder of the forecasted years. For the market approach, the Company utilizes recent market multiples of guideline companies for both revenue and pretax net income weighted as appropriate by reporting unit. Each of these assumptions requires the Company to use its knowledge of (1) the industry, (2) recent transactions and (3) reasonable performance expectations for its operations. If any one of the above assumptions change or fails to materialize, the resulting decline in the estimated fair value could result in a material, non-cash impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit(s). See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” and Note 16, “Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill,” for additional details regarding the Company’s goodwill. Intangible Franchise Rights The Company’s only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers, which are recorded at an individual dealership level. The Company expects these franchise agreements to continue for an indefinite period and, for agreements that do not have indefinite terms, the Company believes that renewal of these agreements can be obtained without substantial cost, based on the history with the manufacturer. As such, the Company believes that its franchise agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period and, therefore, the carrying amounts of the franchise rights are not amortized. Franchise rights acquired in business acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001, were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill in the U.S. reporting unit and remain as part of goodwill in the U.S. reporting unit at December 31, 2017 and 2016 in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Since July 1, 2001, intangible franchise rights acquired in business combinations have been recorded as distinctly separate intangible assets. In accordance with guidance primarily codified within Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other , the Company evaluates these franchise rights for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, based on the carrying values of the Company’s individual dealerships as of October 31 st , or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment has occurred. In performing its impairment assessments, the Company tests the carrying value of each individual franchise right that was recorded by using a direct value method discounted cash flow model, or income approach, specifically the excess earnings method. Included in this analysis are assumptions, at a dealership level, regarding the cash flows directly attributable to the franchise rights, revenue growth rates, future gross margins and future SG&A expenses. Using an estimated WACC, estimated residual values at the end of the forecast period and estimated future capital expenditure requirements, the Company calculates the fair value of each dealership’s franchise rights. See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” and Note 16, “Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill,” for additional details regarding the Company’s intangible franchise rights. Income Taxes Currently, the Company operates in 15 different states in the U.S., in the U.K. and in Brazil, each of which has unique tax rates and payment calculations. As the amount of income generated in each jurisdiction varies from period to period, the Company’s estimated effective tax rate can vary based on the proportion of taxable income generated in each jurisdiction. The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes . Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are realized or liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has recognized deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, that it believes will be realized, based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income. As it relates to U.S. state net operating losses, as well as deferred tax assets primarily relating to net operating losses and goodwill for certain Brazil subsidiaries, a corresponding valuation allowance has been established to the extent that the Company has determined that net income attributable to certain jurisdictions may not be sufficient to realize the benefit. See Note 7, “Income Taxes” for additional details. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, 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, credit facilities and variable-rate long-term debt approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. However, the carrying value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt differs from fair value. For discussion on the fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments and fixed-rate long-term debt, refer to “ Derivative Financial Instruments” and Note 12, “Long-Term Debt” below, respectively. Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations are estimated using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions, and those requiring the most judgment, involve the estimated fair values of property and equipment and intangible franchise rights. The Company utilizes third-party experts to determine the fair values of property and equipment purchased, including real estate, and utilizes its fair value model as discussed under “Intangible Franchise Rights” above, supplemented with assistance from third-party experts, to determine the fair value of intangible franchise rights acquired. Derivative Financial Instruments One of the Company’s primary market risk exposures is increasing interest rates. Interest rate derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges, are used to adjust interest rate exposures, when determined appropriate based on current and forecasted future market conditions. The Company follows the requirements of guidance primarily codified within ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) pertaining to the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities. ASC 815 requires the Company to recognize all cash flow hedges on its balance sheet at fair value. The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivatives 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. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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. All of the Company’s interest rate hedges were designated as cash flow hedges and were deemed to be effective at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting estimated 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (“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 ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), hierarchy framework in Note 13, “Fair Value Measurements.” The Company validates the outputs of its valuation technique by comparison to valuations from the respective counterparties. See Note 4, “Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities,” and Note 13, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further details regarding the Company’s derivative financial instruments and fair value measurements. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£) and of the Company’s Brazil subsidiaries is the Brazilian real (R$). The financial statements of all the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The difference in the U.S. dollar results that arise from the translation of all assets and liabilities are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders’ equity and in other income/expense, when applicable. Upon disposition of the Company’s investment in a foreign subsidiary, the Company removes the accumulated translation adjustment attributable to that subsidiary from equity and recognizes it through earnings as a part of the gain or loss on the disposition transaction. Factory Incentives In addition to the interest assistance discussed above, the Company receives various dealer incentive payments from certain of the automobile manufacturers. These incentive payments are typically received on parts purchases from the automobile manufacturers and on new vehicle retail sales. These incentives are reflected as reductions of cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Factory incentive amounts related to parts and vehicles still in inventory as of the balance sheet date are reflected in inventory. Earnings Per Share The Company utilizes the two-class method for the computation of 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 qualify as participating securities as each contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares. 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. Advertising The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , totaled $74.1 million , $75.3 million and $74.6 million , respectively. The Company receives advertising assistance from some of the automobile manufacturers that the Company must spend on qualified advertising and is subject to audit and chargeback by the manufacturer. The assistance is accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense, which is included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, as the assistance is earned. Advertising assistance amounts received related to vehicles still in inventory as of the balance sheet date are reflected in accrued expenses. Advertising expense has been reduced by $15.3 million , $16.7 million and $17.3 million for advertising assistance earned related to vehicles sold for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Business and Credit Risk Concentrations The Company owns and operates franchised automotive dealerships in the U.S., the U.K. and Brazil. Automotive dealerships operate pursuant to franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers. Franchise agreements generally provide the manufacturers or distributors with considerable influence over the operations of the dealership. The success of any franchised automotive dealership is dependent, to a large extent, on the financial condition, management, marketing, production and distribution capabilities of the vehicle manufacturers or distributors of which the Company holds franchises. The Company purchases substantially all of its new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices to all franchised dealers. The Company’s sales volume could be adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply the dealerships with an adequate supply of vehicles. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , Toyota (including Lexus, Scion and Toyota brands), Volkswagen (including Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen brands), BMW (including MINI and BMW brands), Ford (including Ford and Lincoln brands), Honda (including Acura and Honda brands), Nissan, General Motors (including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac brands), Daimler (including Mercedes-Benz, smart and Sprinter brands), Hyundai (including Hyundai and Kia brands) and FCA US (formerly Chrysler) (including Chrysler, Dodge, RAM and Jeep brands), accounted for 25.3% , 13.0% , 12.7% , 11.5% , 9.2% , 7.4% , 6.2% , 4% , 3.9% , and 3.9% of the Company’s new vehicle sales volume, respectively. No other manufacturer accounted for more than 2.9% of the Company’s total new vehicle sales volume in 2017 . Through the use of an open account, the Company purchases and returns parts and accessories from/to the manufacturers and receives reimbursement for rebates, incentives and other earned credits. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company was due $109.6 million from various manufacturers (see Note 8, “Accounts and Notes Receivable”). Receivable balances from Toyota, General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, and FCA US (formerly Chrysler), represented 16.6% , 14.1% , 14.0% , 13.5% , 11.2% , 9.0% , 5.0% , 3.8% , 3.4% and 3.2% , respectively, of this total balance due from manufacturers. Statements of Cash Flows With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly to the Company from the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 11, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowing from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $117.1 million , $109.3 million and $92 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $61.0 million , $56.9 million and $74.8 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation represents the expense related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation expense at grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognizes the cost on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the employee requisite service period. The Company estimates the fair value of its employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The expense for stock-based awards is recognized as an SG&A expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Business Segment Information The Company, through its regions, conducts business in the automotive retailing industry, including selling new and used cars and light trucks, arranging related vehicle financing, selling service and insurance contracts, providing automotive maintenance and repair services and selling vehicle parts. 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 20, “Segment Information,” for additional details regarding the Company’s reportable segments. Self-Insured Medical, Property and Casualty Reserves The Company purchases insurance policies for worker’s compensation, liability, auto physical damage, property, pollution, employee medical benefits and other risks consisting of large deductibles and/or self-insured retentions. The Company’s U.S. auto physical damage insurance coverage is composed of a $10.0 million per occurrence company deductible with an annual maximum aggregate deductible of $30.0 million with no maximum payout. Under the Company’s U.S. workers’ compensation and general liability insurance coverage, its exposure per claim is limited to $1.0 million per occurrence, with unlimited exposure on the number of claims up to $1.0 million that may be incurred. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had accrued $20.5 million for its estimated liability on incurred workers’ compe

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 14 franchises, and opened one additional dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. In addition, the Company acquired three dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of four franchises, opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.S. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $120.3 million , including the associated real estate and goodwill, as well as $11.2 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices have been allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. The allocation of the purchase prices is preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation periods (generally one year from the respective acquisition date). In addition, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, the Company disposed of three dealerships: two in Brazil representing two franchises and one in the U.K. representing one franchise. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired 12 U.K. dealerships, inclusive of 15 franchises, and opened two additional dealerships for two awarded franchises in the U.K. The Company also acquired one dealership in Brazil, representing one franchise, and opened two additional dealerships in Brazil representing one acquired and two previously awarded franchises. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $61.2 million, including the associated real estate and goodwill, as well as $3.9 million of cash received in the acquisition of the dealerships. The purchase prices were allocated based upon the consideration paid and the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates. In addition, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company disposed of ten franchises: five in the U.S., four in Brazil and one in the U.K. Primarily as a result of these U.S., Brazil and U.K. dealership dispositions, a net pre-tax gain of $2.7 million and net pretax losses of $0.8 million and $0.3 million , respectively, were recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

Derivative Instruments and Risk

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 11, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month LIBOR plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these 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. In effect as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company held interest rate derivative instruments with an aggregate notional value of $623.0 million and $765.3 million , respectively, that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.5% and 2.5% , respectively. Of the $623.0 million in notional value of swaps in effect as of December 31, 2017 , $110.6 million became effective during the year ended December 31, 2017 . The following table presents the notional value of the annual expiration of swaps in effect as of December 31, 2017 (excludes forward starting swaps): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Notional amount of swaps expiring (in millions) $ 153.6 $ 353.7 $ 53.7 $ 12.0 $ 18.8 $ 26.9 $ 4.2 The Company records the majority of the impact of the periodic settlements of these swaps as a component of floorplan interest expense. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $10.3 million , $11.1 million , and $11.5 million , respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges, was $52.4 million , $44.9 million , and $39.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In addition to the $623.0 million of swaps in effect as of December 31, 2017 , the Company held 11 additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between January 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2020 and December 2030 . As of December 31, 2017 , the aggregate notional value of these 11 forward-starting swaps was $575.0 million , of which $200.0 million were to become effective by January 2, 2018, and the weighted average interest rate was 2.1% . 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 $918.4 million , which is less than the Company’s expectation for variable rate debt outstanding during such period. In aggregate, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company reflected liabilities from interest rate risk management activities of $10.6 million and $24.4 million , respectively, in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, as of both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company reflected $9.5 million of assets from interest rate risk management activities included in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $0.7 million , $9.3 million , and $19.5 million , respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , all of the Company’s derivative contracts 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 years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 or 2015 , respectively. The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company’s derivative financial instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in OCI Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Interest rate derivative instruments $ 1,034 $ 1,728 $ (9,856 ) Amount of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statement of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations Floorplan interest expense $ (10,272 ) $ (11,097 ) $ (11,486 ) Other interest expense (1,924 ) (2,332 ) (1,814 ) 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 $6.9 million .

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 T he 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 December 31, 2017 , there were 1,063,975 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 because 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 6, “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 December 31, 2017 , along with the changes during the year then ended, is as follows: Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 850,422 $ 67.25 Granted 223,139 75.45 Vested (270,335 ) 70.93 Forfeited (100,448 ) 68.79 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 702,778 $ 68.23 The total fair value of restricted stock awards which vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , was $19.2 million , $16.5 million and $13.9 million , respectively. 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 December 31, 2017 , there were 1,139,095 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company issued 123,448 , 152,138 , and 102,029 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 $16.51 , $13.40 , and $18.56 during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embed ded call option and the value of the embedded put option. Stock-Based Compensation Total stock-based compensation cost was $18.9 million , $21.1 million , and $18.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , there was $34.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years . Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $7.1 million , $7.1 million and $7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The two-class method is utilized for the computation of 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 qualify as participating securities as each contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. 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 years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,420 21,161 23,148 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 5 9 4 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,425 21,170 23,152 Basic: Net income $ 213,442 $ 147,065 $ 93,999 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 7,512 5,871 3,595 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 205,930 $ 141,194 $ 90,404 Basic earnings per common share $ 10.08 $ 6.67 $ 3.91 Diluted: Net income $ 213,442 $ 147,065 $ 93,999 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 7,511 5,869 3,595 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 205,931 $ 141,196 $ 90,404 Diluted earnings per common share $ 10.08 $ 6.67 $ 3.90

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Income/(loss) before income taxes by geographic area was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Domestic $ 206,579 $ 222,178 $ 231,798 Foreign 12,424 5,193 (49,627 ) Total income before income taxes $ 219,003 $ 227,371 $ 182,171 Federal, state and foreign income tax provisions/(benefits) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal: Current $ 44,921 $ 57,321 $ 66,973 Deferred (46,938 ) 18,704 15,528 State: Current 3,774 4,636 5,165 Deferred 3,921 1,878 1,768 Foreign: Current 2,929 4,187 4,150 Deferred (3,046 ) (6,420 ) (5,412 ) Provision for income taxes $ 5,561 $ 80,306 $ 88,172 Actual income tax expense differed from income tax expense computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ 76,651 $ 79,580 $ 63,760 Increase (decrease) resulting from: State income tax, net of benefit for federal deduction 4,472 4,230 4,448 Foreign income tax rate differential (2,443 ) (2,799 ) (2,002 ) Employment credits (862 ) (821 ) (407 ) Changes in valuation allowances 629 749 14,667 Non-deductible goodwill — 34 4,651 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Deferred Tax Effect (73,028 ) — — — Stock-based compensation (136 ) 368 386 Other 278 (1,035 ) 2,669 Provision for income taxes $ 5,561 $ 80,306 $ 88,172 On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% , creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, and requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries. In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not exceed one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act and recognized that estimate as a provisional amount. Based on the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax to 21% , effective January 1, 2018, the Company recorded a provisional $73.0 million tax benefit to continuing operations, with a corresponding reduction in its net deferred tax liabilities. This was based on the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, and a review of the Company’s valuation allowances, using the new tax rate prescribed in the Tax Act effective in 2018. In addition, the Company provisionally determined that it does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (E&P) of our foreign subsidiaries, based on its estimated calculation of E&P as of the relevant measurement dates. Due to the timing of the enactment and complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, we based our provisions on reasonable estimates of the law’s effects in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017. We will complete our accounting for the Tax Act after we have considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies, and we have gathered and analyzed additional data relative to our calculations. This may result in adjustments to our provisional amounts, which would impact our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate in the period the adjustments are made. We will complete our accounting for the Tax Act in 2018. With regard to the new tax on post-2017 “global intangible low-taxed income” (GILTI) created by the Tax Act, the Company has elected to adopt an accounting policy of accounting for this tax as a period charge in the future period the tax may arise, and has not provided any deferred taxes related to its foreign investments with respect to GILTI. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded a tax provision of $5.6 million . This included the tax benefit for the deferred tax impact of the Tax Act noted above, as well as excess tax deductions for restricted stock resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09, which were partially offset by certain expenses for stock-based compensation recorded in 2017 that were non-deductible for income tax purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company also provided valuation allowances with respect to deferred tax assets primarily relating to goodwill and net operating losses of certain Brazil subsidiaries, as well as state net operating losses in the U.S., based on expectations concerning their realizability. As a result of these items recorded in 2017 compared to the 2016 items discussed below, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased to 2.5% , as compared to 35.3% for the year ended December 31, 2016 . During 2016 , the Company recorded a tax provision of $80.3 million . Certain expenses for stock-based compensation recorded in 2016 were non-deductible for income tax purposes. The Company provided valuation allowances with respect to goodwill and net operating losses of certain Brazil subsidiaries, as well as state net operating losses in the U.S., based on expectations concerning their realizability. As a result of these items, the impact of a relatively higher proportion of the Company’s pretax income being generated in the Company’s U.K. region, relatively less valuation allowances recognized in 2016 compared to 2015 and the 2015 items discussed below, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased to 35.3% , as compared to 48.4% for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, the Company recorded a tax provision of $88.2 million . Certain expenses for stock-based compensation recorded in 2015 were non-deductible for income tax purposes. The Company provided valuation allowances with respect to goodwill and net operating losses of certain Brazil subsidiaries, as well as state net operating losses in the U.S., based on expectations concerning their realizability. In addition, no substantial deferred tax benefit relative to the impairment of goodwill in the Brazil reporting unit was recognized for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes. Deferred income tax provisions resulted from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expenses for financial reporting purposes and for tax purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences representing deferred tax assets/liabilities resulted principally from the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss reserves and accruals $ 44,004 $ 59,884 Interest rate swaps 259 5,598 Goodwill and intangible franchise rights 2,770 5,907 U.S. state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards 17,430 16,848 Depreciation expense — 775 Foreign NOL carryforwards 40,582 34,946 Other 379 — Deferred tax assets 105,424 123,958 Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets (54,415 ) (53,946 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 51,009 $ 70,012 Deferred tax liabilities: Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ (118,447 ) $ (160,439 ) Depreciation expense (50,166 ) (64,465 ) Deferred gain on bond redemption (327 ) (1,023 ) Other (1,820 ) (3,317 ) Deferred tax liabilities (170,760 ) (229,244 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (119,751 ) $ (159,232 ) As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had state NOL carryforwards in the U.S. of $261.9 million that will expire between 2018 and 2037 , and foreign NOL carryforwards of $122.0 million that may be carried forward indefinitely. To the extent that the Company expects that net income will not be sufficient to realize these NOLs in certain jurisdictions, a valuation allowance has been established. The Company believes it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances provided, will be realized, based primarily on our expectation of future taxable income, considering future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had two controlled foreign corporations that own its foreign operations (the “Foreign Subsidiaries”). The Company has not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on the outside basis differences of its Foreign Subsidiaries, as the Company has taken the position that its investment in the Foreign Subsidiaries will be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. The book basis for one of the Company’s Foreign Subsidiaries that consists of the Company’s U.K. operations exceeded the tax basis by approximately $15.0 million , as of December 31, 2017. If a taxable event resulting in the recognition of these outside basis differences occurred, the resulting tax would not be material. The Company is subject to income tax in U.S. federal and numerous state jurisdictions, as well as in the U.K. and Brazil. Based on applicable statutes of limitations, the Company is generally no longer subject to examinations by U.S. tax authorities in years prior to 2013 , by U.K. tax authorities in years prior to 2013 and by Brazil tax authorities in years prior to 2012 . The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 with respect to uncertain tax positions and did not incur any interest and penalties for the year then ended. The Company added $1.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during 2017, based upon tax positions in prior years, that was also the total unrecognized tax benefit balance as of December 31, 2017. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the effective tax rate in that period by approximately $0.8 million . For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded approximately $0.2 million of interest and penalty related to its uncertain tax positions. Consistent with prior practice, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts and Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE	ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE, NET The Company’s accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 109,599 $ 95,754 Parts and service receivables 39,343 35,318 Finance and insurance receivables 25,293 24,866 Other 17,514 20,322 Total accounts and notes receivable 191,749 176,260 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 3,138 2,896 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 188,611 $ 173,364

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES, NET The Company’s inventories consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,194,632 $ 1,156,383 Used vehicles 350,760 294,812 Rental vehicles 144,213 131,080 Parts, accessories and other 82,755 77,762 Total inventories 1,772,360 1,660,037 Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance 9,067 8,222 Inventories, net $ 1,763,293 $ 1,651,815

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET The Company’s property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Land — $ 482,600 $ 400,163 Buildings 25 to 50 700,257 553,961 Leasehold improvements varies 172,071 170,060 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 117,781 100,164 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 100,881 87,691 Company vehicles 3 to 5 11,933 11,632 Construction in progress — 41,824 66,658 Total 1,627,347 1,390,329 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 308,388 264,446 Property and equipment, net $ 1,318,959 $ 1,125,883 During 2017, the Company incurred $98.3 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 December 31, 2017, the Company had accrued $8.8 million of capital expenditures. In addition, in 2017, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) associated with existing dealership operations totaling $110.4 million . And, in conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in 2017, the Company acquired $29.0 million of real estate and other property and equipment. The Company recognized $0.2 million in asset impairments related to property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2016, the Company incurred $100.6 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 $32.7 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had accrued $15.9 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) associated with existing dealership operations totaling $39.1 million . And, in conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in 2016, the Company acquired $28.8 million of real estate and other property and equipment. The Company recognized $2.8 million in asset impairments related to property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2016. Depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of capital leases, totaled $57.9 million , $51.2 million and $47.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $77.4 million and $68.9 million of buildings under capital leases were recorded as property and equipment, before accumulated depreciation, respectively.

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, 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. (through lenders affiliated with the respective manufacturer), 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. The outstanding balances under these financing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other New vehicles $ 1,019,511 $ 941,913 Used vehicles 176,802 160,070 Rental vehicles 23,530 29,735 Floorplan offset (86,547 ) (59,626 ) Total floorplan notes payable - credit facility 1,133,296 1,072,092 Other floorplan notes payable 20,852 4,936 Total floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other $ 1,154,148 $ 1,077,028 Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates FMCC Facility $ 152,984 $ 175,244 Floorplan offset (22,500 ) (25,500 ) Total FMCC Facility 130,484 149,744 Foreign and rental vehicles 244,199 217,417 Total floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates $ 374,683 $ 367,161 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 Acquisition Line is not due until maturity of the facility and is, therefore, classified as long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See further discussion of the Acquisition Line in Note 12, “Long-Term Debt”. 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 $4.2 million of related unamortized costs as of December 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 $1,133.3 million at December 31, 2017 , the Company had $306.7 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $306.7 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $86.5 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 2.7% and 2.0% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $27.0 million borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016. The interest rate on the Acquisition Line was 2.25% as of December 31, 2017. After considering $25.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $308.2 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of December 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 December 31, 2017 , the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $184.8 million . As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility. 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 December 31, 2017 , the Company had an outstanding balance of $130.5 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $169.5 million . Included in the $169.5 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $22.5 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 6.00% and 5.25% before considering the applicable incentives as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Other Credit Facilities The Company has credit facilities with BMWFS, Volkswagen Finance, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, 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 December 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $122.8 million . Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 30 days, ranged 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 December 31, 2017 , borrowings under these facilities totaled $22.7 million . Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranged from 11.42% to 18.02% . 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 December 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $119.6 million , with interest rates that vary up to 6.00% .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016) $ 542,063 $ 540,465 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016) 296,151 295,591 Acquisition Line 26,988 — Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 440,845 385,358 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 10.4% and 9.9%, respectively 51,665 47,613 1,357,712 1,269,027 Less current maturities of long-term debt 39,528 56,218 $ 1,318,184 $ 1,212,809 Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company has two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. and an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.S. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , short-term borrowings under the U.K. third-party loans totaled $13.4 million and $16.2 million , respectively. During 2017 , the Company made borrowings of $5.1 million and no principal payments under the U.K. third-party loans. As of December 31, 2017 , short-term borrowings under the U.S. third-party loan totaled $24.7 million . During 2017 , the Company made borrowings of $25.1 million and made principal payments of $0.3 million under the U.S. third-party loan. 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. 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 $7.9 million as of December 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 35.0% of the 5.25% Notes prior to December 15, 2018, subject to certain conditions, at a redemption price equal to 105.25% 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, discount 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 $3.8 million as of December 31, 2017 . Acquisition Line The Revolving Credit Facility has the total borrowing capacity of $1.8 billion and expires on June 17, 2021 . This arrangement provides a maximum of $360.0 million and a minimum of $50.0 million for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. See Note 11, “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”), BMW Financial Services NA, LLC (“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 3.25% and 4.69% , and at variable indexed rates plus a spread between 1.50% and 2.50% per annum. The mortgage loans consist of 57 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $398.0 million . As of December 31, 2017 , borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $350.0 million , with $26.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, as compared to $321.9 million outstanding with $39.8 million classified as current as of December 31, 2016 . During 2017 , the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments of $46.4 million and $18.4 million , respectively. These mortgage loans are presented net of unamortized underwriters’ fees, discount, and debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the terms of the mortgage loans, of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The agreements provide for monthly payments based on 15 or 30-year amortization schedules and mature between December 2018 and November 2032 . These mortgage loans are cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with each other. The Company has entered into 16 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 December 31, 2017 , borrowings under the U.K. Notes totaled $79.2 million , with $7.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, as compared to $50.4 million outstanding with $4.3 million classified as current as of December 31, 2016 . During 2017 , the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $28.9 million and $5.7 million , respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes. 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 December 31, 2017 , borrowings under the Brazil Note totaled $3.3 million , with $0.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.6 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 the loan is due by February 2020 with interest only payments being made until the due date. As of December 31, 2017 , borrowings under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $6.6 million . During 2017 , the Company made no additional borrowings or principal payments. Fair Value of Long-Term Debt The Company’s outstanding 5.00% Notes had a fair value of $567.9 million and $548.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company’s outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $310.9 million and $297.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $86.8 million and $93.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $92.9 million and $94.5 million as of December 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 December 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. All Long-Term Debt Total interest expense on the 5.00% Notes and 5.25% Notes for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $43.3 million , $43.3 million , and $28.5 million , respectively, excluding amortization of discounts and capitalized cost of $2.2 million , $2.1 million , and $1.5 million , respectively. Total interest expense on real estate related and other long-term debt, as well as the Acquisition Line, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , was $15.0 million , $13.7 million and $17.6 million , respectively. These amounts exclude the impact of the interest rate derivative instruments related to various real estate related mortgage loans of $1.9 million , $2.3 million , and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. In addition, the Company recognized $8.2 million , $6.6 million and $7.6 million of total interest expense related to capital leases and various other notes payable, net of interest income, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company capitalized $1.6 million , $1.7 million , and $0.7 million of interest on construction projects in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, excluding unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs of $3.5 million , for the next five years are as follows: Total (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 39,721 2019 86,967 2020 55,170 2021 86,336 2022 589,406 Thereafter 503,634 Total $ 1,361,234

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 swaps. 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. Refer to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates,” for more information on fair value measurements of interest rate derivative instruments. Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 844 $ 3,254 Demand obligations 13 12 Interest rate derivative financial instruments 9,501 9,484 Total $ 10,358 $ 12,750 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 10,579 $ 24,411 Total $ 10,579 $ 24,411

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 SG&A 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 September 2015, Volkswagen admitted that certain of its diesel models were intentionally programmed to meet various regulatory emissions standards only during laboratory emissions testing. 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, a U.S. Federal judge approved this settlement. In September 2016, Volkswagen agreed to allocate $1.2 billion among its 652 dealers for a class settlement in exchange for their agreement not to sue Volkswagen. 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. segment to date. The Company accepted and executed the offer in the fourth quarter of 2016. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has received half of the aggregate compensation in a lump sum amount and is to receive the remaining half in 18 equal installments, of which 11 payments have been made to date. The Company recognized the entire settlement as an offset to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. In addition, as a result of Volkswagen’s agreement to repurchase customers’ vehicles in the settlement, the Company identified its potential liability as it relates to chargebacks for finance and insurance products sold by the Company to such customers. So, in conjunction with the recognition of the Company’s settlement with Volkswagen, the Company estimated its liability for these chargebacks and recognized such as an offset to the settlement for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Volkswagen brand represented 2.6% of the Company's total new vehicle retail unit sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 . 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 received the cash and recognized the settlement as an offset to SG&A in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 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”. 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.

Asset Impairments

Asset Impairments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	ASSET IMPAIRMENTS The Company performs its annual impairment assessment of the carrying value of its goodwill and intangible franchise rights as of October 31st of each year. The Company also performs interim reviews of all of its long-lived and indefinite-lived assets for impairment when evidence exists that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In the Company’s 2017 annual goodwill assessment, the fair value of each of its reporting units exceeded the carrying value of its net assets (step one of the goodwill impairment test). As a result, the Company was not required to conduct the second step of the impairment test for goodwill. If, in future periods, the Company determines that the carrying amount of its net assets exceeds the respective fair value of its goodwill for any or all of its reporting units, the Company could be required to recognize a material non-cash impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit(s). In the Company’s 2017 interim and annual impairment assessments of long-lived assets and intangible franchise rights, the Company recorded the following non-cash impairment charges, all of which are reflected in asset impairments in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations: • The Company determined that the carrying values of certain of its intangible franchise rights were greater than the fair value and, as a result, recognized $19.3 million in aggregate pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charges during the third and fourth quarters of 2017. • In addition, the Company determined that the carrying value of various other long-term assets was no longer recoverable, and recognized $0.2 million in pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charges. If any of the Company’s assumptions change, or fail to materialize, the resulting decline in its estimated fair market value of intangible franchise rights could result in a material non-cash impairment charge. For example, the Company performed two separate sensitivity analyses on its 2017 annual impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible franchise rights. If the Company’s assumptions regarding the risk-free rate and cost of debt differed such that the estimated WACC used in its 2017 assessment increased by 200 basis points, and all other assumptions remained constant, an additional $33.2 million of non-cash franchise rights impairment charges would have resulted, excluding franchises acquired since the previous annual test. This additional impairment would have consisted of $33.1 million in the U.S. and $0.1 million in the U.K. The Company’s Brazil reporting unit would have failed the step one impairment test for goodwill in this scenario, while the U.S. and U.K. reporting units would have passed step one. The Company’s second sensitivity analysis represented a recessionary sales environment in the U.S., utilizing the U.S. SAAR equivalent to 2009 levels for 2018. Similar industry sales levels were also applied to the U.K. reporting unit. Relative to the Brazil reporting unit, the recessionary case forecasted revenues to be flat in 2019 and 2020, with increases for the remaining years at lower levels as compared to the base case. In this sensitivity analysis, an additional $51.8 million of non-cash franchise rights impairment charges would have resulted, including $51.0 million and $0.8 million for the U.S. and the U.K., respectively. In this scenario, none of the Company’s reporting units would have failed the step one impairment test for goodwill. On June 23, 2016, the British Citizens voted on a referendum in favor of exiting the EU. The majority vote in favor of Brexit has created uncertainty in the global markets and in the regulatory environment in the U.K., as well as the overall European Union. The impact on our financial results and operations may not be known for some time, but could be adverse. In addition, automotive dealers in the U.K. rely on the legislative doctrine of Block Exemption to govern market representation activities of competing dealers and dealer groups. To date, there has been no clear indication of how such legislation may be effected by Brexit, but a change to such legislation could be adverse. If, as a result of the clarification of any of these uncertainties, the estimates, assumptions and inputs utilized in our annual impairment test for goodwill and intangible franchise rights change or fail to materialize, the resulting decline in the estimated fair market value of such assets could result in a material non-cash impairment charge. While the Company is not aware of any changes in circumstances that has resulted in a decline in fair value of these assets at this time, the Company continues to closely monitor the situation. In the Company’s 2016 annual goodwill assessment, the fair value of each of its reporting units exceeded the carrying value of its net assets (step one of the goodwill impairment test). As a result, the Company was not required to conduct the second step of the impairment test for goodwill. If, in future periods, the Company determines that the carrying amount of its net assets exceeds the respective fair value of its goodwill for any or all of its reporting units, the Company could be required to recognize a material non-cash impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit(s). During 2016 , the Company also completed other impairment assessments on an annual and interim basis, as applicable, and recorded the following non-cash impairment charges, all of which are reflected in asset impairments in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations: • The Company determined that the carrying values of certain of its intangible franchise rights were greater than the fair value and, as a result, recognized a $30.0 million pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charge. • In addition, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of various real estate holdings and other long-lived assets were no longer fully recoverable, and recognized $2.8 million in pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charges. In the Company’s 2015 goodwill assessment, the fair value of its two U.S. reporting units, as well as the U.K. reporting unit, exceeded the carrying value of its net assets (i.e., step one of the goodwill impairment test). As a result, the Company was not required to conduct the second step of the impairment test for goodwill relating to its two U.S. and U.K. reporting units. The Brazil reporting unit’s fair value did not exceed the carrying value of its net assets. As a result, the Company performed a step two analysis for this reporting unit, measured the estimated fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities as of the test date using level 3 inputs and compared the resulting implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. As a result of the carrying value of goodwill exceeding the implied fair value, a $55.4 million impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2015. During 2015, the Company also completed other impairment assessments on an annual or interim basis, as applicable, and recorded the following non-cash impairment charges, all of which are reflected in asset impairments in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations: • The Company determined that the carrying values of certain of its intangible franchise rights were greater than the fair value and, as a result, recognized a $30.1 million pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charge. • In addition, the Company determined that the carrying amounts of various real estate holdings were no longer recoverable, and recognized $1.3 million in pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charges. • The Company also determined that the carrying values of various other long-term assets were no longer recoverable, and recognized $0.8 million in pre-tax non-cash asset impairment charges.

Intangible Franchise Rights and

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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, 2015 $ 285,659 $ 7,773 $ 14,156 $ 307,588 Additions through acquisitions — 12,833 — 12,833 Disposals (5,203 ) — — (5,203 ) Impairments (19,922 ) — (9,901 ) (29,823 ) Currency translation — (3,269 ) 2,750 (519 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 260,534 17,337 7,005 284,876 Additions through acquisitions 8,035 10,133 — 18,168 Impairments (12,588 ) — (6,744 ) (19,332 ) Currency translation — 2,013 (93 ) 1,920 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 255,981 $ 29,483 $ 168 $ 285,632 The increase in the Company’s intangible franchise rights in 2017 was primarily related to the addition of franchise rights associated with the purchase of 12 dealerships in the U.K. and three dealerships in the U.S. The 2017 additions were partially offset by impairments of $12.6 million and $6.7 million in the U.S. and Brazil, respectively. The decrease in the Company’s intangible franchise rights in 2016 was primarily related to impairments in the U.S. and Brazil of $ 19.9 million and $9.9 million , respectively, as a result of the Company’s interim and annual impairment assessments. The impairments were partially offset by the addition of franchise rights associated with the purchase of 12 dealerships in the U.K. during the year ended December 31, 2016. Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 $ 809,775 $ 35,320 $ 9,820 $ 854,915 (1) Additions through acquisitions — 31,644 1,855 33,499 Purchase price allocation adjustments 28 1,024 — 1,052 Disposals (3,868 ) — (191 ) (4,059 ) Currency translation — (10,934 ) 2,290 (8,644 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 805,935 57,054 13,774 876,763 (1) Additions through acquisitions 29,332 2,575 95 32,002 Disposals — — (933 ) (933 ) Currency translation — 5,405 (203 ) 5,202 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 835,267 $ 65,034 $ 12,733 $ 913,034 (1) (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million The increase in the Company’s goodwill in 2017 was primarily related to the goodwill associated with the purchase of three dealerships in the U.S. and 12 dealerships in the U.K. and foreign currency translation adjustments in the U.K. and Brazil, partially offset by the disposal of two dealerships in Brazil. The increase in the Company’s goodwill in 2016 was primarily related to the goodwill associated with the purchase of 12 dealerships in the U.K., partially offset by foreign currency translation adjustments in the U.K. and Brazil and the disposal of five U.S. dealerships.

Employee Savings Plans

Employee Savings Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS	EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS The Company has a deferred compensation plan to provide select employees and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors with the opportunity to accumulate additional savings for retirement on a tax-deferred basis (“Deferred Compensation Plan”). Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are allowed to defer receipt of a portion of their salary and/or bonus compensation, or in the case of the Company’s non-employee directors, annual retainer and meeting fees earned. The participants can choose from various defined investment options to determine their earnings crediting rate. However, the Company has complete discretion over how the funds are utilized. Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are unsecured creditors of the Company. The balances due to participants of the Deferred Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $56.6 million and $49.0 million , respectively, and are included in other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company offers a 401(k) plan to all of its employees and provides a matching contribution to employees that participate in the plan. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the matching contributions paid by the Company totaled $5.1 million and $5.4 million , respectively.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
OPERATING LEASES	OPERATING LEASES The Company leases various facilities and equipment under long-term operating lease agreements. Generally, our real estate and facility leases in the U.S. have 30 -year total terms with initial terms of 15 years and three additional five -year terms, at our option. In the U.K. and Brazil, our real estate and facility leases generally have 20-year terms and 5-year terms, respectively. Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 , are as follows: Total (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 42,693 2019 37,980 2020 33,692 2021 29,447 2022 25,566 Thereafter 158,209 Total (1) $ 327,587 (1) Includes $1.3 million of future, non-cancelable sublease payments to be received. Total rent expense under all operating leases was $51.8 million , $53.8 million , and $51.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Accumulated loss on foreign currency translation Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2014 $ (64,075 ) $ (17,909 ) $ (81,984 ) Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (54,457 ) (1,543 ) (56,000 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 (118,532 ) (19,452 ) (137,984 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (19,081 ) 10,121 (8,960 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 (137,613 ) (9,331 ) (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income, net of tax 15,061 8,657 23,718 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ (122,552 ) $ (674 ) $ (123,226 )

Segment Information Segment Inf

Segment Information Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	20. SEGMENT INFORMATION As of December 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 sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service 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, gross profit, SG&A, depreciation and amortization expense, asset impairment, floorplan interest expense, other interest expense, benefit (provision) for income taxes, net income (loss) and capital expenditures were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,768,864 $ 1,092,612 $ 296,055 $ 6,157,531 Used vehicle retail sales 2,160,699 546,266 92,021 2,798,986 Used vehicle wholesale sales 250,668 136,847 12,655 400,170 Parts and service 1,124,380 165,755 47,897 1,338,032 Finance, insurance and other, net 375,954 44,523 8,525 429,002 Total revenues 8,680,565 (1) 1,986,003 457,153 11,123,721 Gross profit 1,365,314 225,253 54,942 1,645,509 Selling, general and administrative expense 983,974 (2) 191,570 50,651 1,226,195 Depreciation and amortization expense 48,285 8,198 1,453 57,936 Asset impairment 12,762 — 6,744 19,506 Floorplan interest expense (47,221 ) (4,727 ) (424 ) (52,372 ) Other interest expense, net (66,493 ) (3,664 ) (340 ) (70,497 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 206,579 17,094 (4,670 ) 219,003 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (5,679 ) (3) (2,142 ) 2,260 (5,561 ) Net income (loss) 200,900 (4) 14,952 (2,410 ) (5) 213,442 Capital expenditures $ 77,477 $ 19,944 $ 880 $ 98,301 (1) Includes the impact of chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues associated with catastrophic events of $6.6 million . (2) Includes the following, pre-tax: gain on OEM settlement of $1.8 million and loss due to catastrophic events of $8.8 million . (3) Includes a tax benefit of $73.0 million associated with a reduction in the corporate income tax rate enacted in the Tax Act. (4) Includes the after-tax impact of the items noted above and the after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $8.0 million . (5) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $4.4 million . Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,766,047 $ 987,538 $ 292,490 $ 6,046,075 Used vehicle retail sales 2,242,508 434,203 81,002 2,757,713 Used vehicle wholesale sales 276,710 121,747 3,406 401,863 Parts and service 1,071,651 143,362 46,294 1,261,307 Finance, insurance and other, net 377,756 36,305 6,593 420,654 Total revenues 8,734,672 1,723,155 429,785 10,887,612 Gross profit 1,355,349 192,982 46,738 1,595,069 Selling, general and administrative expense 965,139 (1) 158,636 46,988 (3) 1,170,763 Depreciation and amortization expense 43,472 6,594 1,168 51,234 Asset impairment 21,794 201 10,843 32,838 Floorplan interest expense (40,444 ) (4,222 ) (261 ) (44,927 ) Other interest expense, net (62,320 ) (5,197 ) (419 ) (67,936 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 222,180 18,132 (12,941 ) 227,371 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (82,541 ) (3,697 ) 5,932 (80,306 ) Net income (loss) 139,639 (2) 14,435 (7,009 ) (4) 147,065 Capital expenditures $ 86,692 $ 12,602 $ 1,312 $ 100,606 (1) Includes the following, pre-tax: gain on OEM settlement of $11.7 million , loss due to catastrophic events of $5.9 million , a net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $2.7 million , and severance costs of $1.8 million . (2) Includes the following, after tax: non-cash asset impairment charges of $13.5 million , gain on OEM settlement of $7.3 million , loss due to catastrophic events of $3.7 million , net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $1.7 million , and severance costs of $1.2 million . (3) Includes pre-tax loss on real estate and dealership transactions of $0.8 million . (4) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.9 million and a foreign deferred income tax benefit of $1.7 million . Year Ended December 31, 2015 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,989,290 $ 641,888 $ 370,128 $ 6,001,306 Used vehicle retail sales 2,204,728 351,311 82,930 2,638,969 Used vehicle wholesale sales 289,580 100,706 6,965 397,251 Parts and service 1,032,960 102,183 51,050 1,186,193 Finance, insurance and other, net 377,432 24,117 7,237 408,786 Total revenues 8,893,990 1,220,205 518,310 10,632,505 Gross profit 1,338,947 137,646 57,379 1,533,972 Selling, general and administrative expense 958,608 (1) 108,719 53,506 1,120,833 Depreciation and amortization expense 41,220 4,307 1,712 47,239 Asset impairment 18,983 330 68,249 87,562 Floorplan interest expense (36,062 ) (2,276 ) (926 ) (39,264 ) Other interest expense, net (52,277 ) (3,135 ) (1,491 ) (56,903 ) Income before income taxes 231,797 18,879 (68,505 ) 182,171 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (89,433 ) (3,655 ) 4,916 (88,172 ) Net income (loss) 142,364 (2) 15,224 (63,589 ) (3) 93,999 Capital expenditures $ 97,504 $ 9,395 $ 333 $ 107,232 (1) Includes the following, pre-tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.6 million , a net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $8.9 million , and legal items of $1.0 million . (2) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.0 million , net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $5.5 million , and non-cash asset impairment charges of $12.0 million . (3) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $62.4 million . Goodwill and intangible franchise rights and total assets by reportable segment were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ 1,091,248 $ 94,517 $ 12,901 $ 1,198,666 Total assets $ 4,087,039 $ 654,154 $ 129,872 $ 4,871,065 As of December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ 1,066,469 $ 74,391 $ 20,779 $ 1,161,639 Total assets $ 3,855,701 $ 482,937 $ 123,265 $ 4,461,903

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarter First Second Third Fourth Full Year (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Total revenues $ 2,518,829 $ 2,672,195 $ 3,012,292 $ 2,920,405 $ 11,123,721 Gross profit 383,522 404,892 431,420 425,675 1,645,509 Net income 33,939 39,133 29,881 110,489 213,442 Basic earnings per share (1) 1.58 1.84 1.43 5.27 10.08 Diluted earnings per share (1) 1.58 1.84 1.43 5.27 10.08 2016 Total revenues $ 2,608,355 $ 2,782,449 $ 2,823,176 $ 2,673,632 $ 10,887,612 Gross profit 389,101 410,119 406,668 389,181 1,595,069 Net income 34,291 46,580 35,366 30,828 147,065 Basic earnings per share (1) 1.47 2.12 1.65 1.44 6.67 Diluted earnings per share (1) 1.47 2.12 1.65 1.44 6.67 (1) The sum of the quarterly income per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the full year based on the respective weighted average common shares outstanding. During the third and fourth quarters of 2017 , the Company incurred charges of $9.5 million and $10.0 million , respectively, related to the impairment of assets. Included in these charges for the third and fourth quarters were impairments of the Company’s intangible assets of $9.5 million and $9.8 million , respectively. Also included in the third quarter was $14.7 million related to chargeback expense for reserves associated with expected finance and insurance product cancellations and property damage as a result of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2016 , the Company incurred charges of $0.9 million , $1.0 million , $10.9 million and $20.0 million , respectively, related to the impairment of assets. Included in these charges for the first, third, and fourth quarters were impairments of the Company’s intangible assets of $0.2 million , $10.6 million , and $19.2 million , respectively. In addition, during 2016 , the Company sold five dealerships in the U.S., four dealerships in Brazil and one dealership in the U.K., and recognized an aggregate net pre-tax gain of $2.2 million , excluding related asset impairments of $0.6 million . For more information on non-cash impairment charges, refer to Note 15, “Asset Impairments.”

Condensed Consolidated Financia

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block]	22. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 , 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% 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 December 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 10,096 $ 18,691 $ — $ 28,787 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 266,788 39,645 — 306,433 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 144,872 43,739 — 188,611 Intercompany accounts receivable 26,988 12,948 — (39,936 ) — Inventories, net — 1,434,852 328,441 — 1,763,293 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,934 8,378 31,750 — 42,062 Total current assets 28,922 1,877,934 462,266 (39,936 ) 2,329,186 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,121,108 197,851 — 1,318,959 GOODWILL — 835,268 77,766 — 913,034 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 255,980 29,652 — 285,632 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,999,407 — — (2,999,407 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 13,682 10,572 — 24,254 Total assets $ 3,028,329 $ 4,103,972 $ 778,107 $ (3,039,343 ) $ 4,871,065 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,219,844 $ 20,851 $ — $ 1,240,695 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (86,547 ) — — (86,547 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 272,563 124,620 — 397,183 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (22,500 ) — — (22,500 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing 24,741 31,229 21,639 — 77,609 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 1,996 — — 1,996 Accounts payable — 229,470 183,511 — 412,981 Intercompany accounts payable 890,995 — 39,936 (930,931 ) — Accrued expenses — 150,241 26,829 — 177,070 Total current liabilities 915,736 1,796,296 417,386 (930,931 ) 2,198,487 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 865,202 360,526 92,456 — 1,318,184 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 8,583 — — 8,583 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (117 ) 210,216 11,430 — 221,529 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,247,508 2,619,346 256,835 (2,999,407 ) 1,124,282 Intercompany note receivable — (890,995 ) — 890,995 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,247,508 1,728,351 256,835 (2,108,412 ) 1,124,282 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,028,329 $ 4,103,972 $ 778,107 $ (3,039,343 ) $ 4,871,065 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 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,680,565 $ 2,443,156 $ — $ 11,123,721 COST OF SALES: — 7,315,252 2,162,960 — 9,478,212 GROSS PROFIT — 1,365,313 280,196 — 1,645,509 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 3,381 974,413 248,401 — 1,226,195 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 48,284 9,652 — 57,936 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 12,762 6,744 — 19,506 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (3,381 ) 329,854 15,399 — 341,872 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (47,222 ) (5,150 ) — (52,372 ) Other interest income (expense), net — (66,490 ) (4,007 ) — (70,497 ) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (3,381 ) 216,142 6,242 — 219,003 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 1,268 (6,947 ) 118 — (5,561 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 215,556 — — (215,556 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 213,443 $ 209,195 $ 6,360 $ (215,556 ) $ 213,442 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 8,657 15,061 — 23,718 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 213,443 $ 217,852 $ 21,421 $ (215,556 ) $ 237,160 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,734,673 $ 2,152,939 $ — $ 10,887,612 COST OF SALES: — 7,379,323 1,913,220 — 9,292,543 GROSS PROFIT — 1,355,350 239,719 — 1,595,069 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 2,722 954,495 213,546 — 1,170,763 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 43,472 7,762 — 51,234 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 21,794 11,044 — 32,838 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (2,722 ) 335,589 7,367 — 340,234 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (40,444 ) (4,483 ) — (44,927 ) Other interest expense, net — (64,870 ) (3,066 ) — (67,936 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (2,722 ) 230,275 (182 ) — 227,371 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 1,020 (83,560 ) 2,234 — (80,306 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 148,767 — — (148,767 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 147,065 $ 146,715 $ 2,052 $ (148,767 ) $ 147,065 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 10,121 (19,081 ) (8,960 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 147,065 $ 156,836 $ (17,029 ) $ (148,767 ) $ 138,105 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2015 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,893,990 $ 1,738,515 $ — $ 10,632,505 COST OF SALES: — 7,555,043 1,543,490 — 9,098,533 GROSS PROFIT — 1,338,947 195,025 — 1,533,972 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 3,024 950,268 167,541 — 1,120,833 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 41,220 6,019 — 47,239 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 18,899 68,663 — 87,562 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (3,024 ) 328,560 (47,198 ) — 278,338 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (36,063 ) (3,201 ) — (39,264 ) Other interest income (expense), net 2,320 (52,276 ) (6,947 ) — (56,903 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (704 ) 240,221 (57,346 ) — 182,171 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 264 (89,698 ) 1,262 — (88,172 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 94,439 — — (94,439 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 93,999 $ 150,523 $ (56,084 ) $ (94,439 ) $ 93,999 COMPREHENSIVE LOSS — (1,543 ) (54,457 ) — (56,000 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 93,999 $ 148,980 $ (110,541 ) $ (94,439 ) $ 37,999 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2017 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 $ 214,595 $ (13,759 ) $ (1,911 ) $ 198,925 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (62,474 ) (46,607 ) (109,081 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 8,345 2,363 10,708 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (185,342 ) (30,490 ) (215,832 ) Other — 1,607 — 1,607 Net cash used in investing activities — (237,864 ) (74,734 ) (312,598 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 7,019,070 — 7,019,070 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (6,957,866 ) — (6,957,866 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 68,086 — — 68,086 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (42,278 ) — — (42,278 ) Borrowings on other debt 25,054 19 140,629 165,702 Principal payments on other debt (313 ) (718 ) (120,168 ) (121,199 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 46,419 28,890 75,309 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (22,931 ) (6,460 ) (29,391 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings 4,603 — — 4,603 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (40,094 ) — — (40,094 ) Dividends paid (20,466 ) — — (20,466 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 2,892 (32,719 ) 29,827 — Investment in subsidiaries (212,079 ) 202,406 9,673 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (214,595 ) 253,680 82,391 121,476 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — (8 ) (8 ) NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 2,057 5,738 7,795 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 8,039 12,953 20,992 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 10,096 $ 18,691 $ 28,787 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 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 $ 147,065 $ 238,552 $ (760 ) $ 384,857 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (57,327 ) (57,327 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 35,317 1,526 36,843 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (138,263 ) (18,258 ) (156,521 ) Other — 2,748 217 2,965 Net cash used in investing activities — (100,198 ) (73,842 ) (174,040 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 6,597,406 — 6,597,406 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (6,676,161 ) — (6,676,161 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 220,020 — — 220,020 Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line (220,020 ) — — (220,020 ) Debt issue costs (2,997 ) (516 ) — (3,513 ) Borrowings on other debt — — 49,972 49,972 Principal payments on other debt — (923 ) (45,005 ) (45,928 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 42,654 — 42,654 Principal payments on debt related to real estate loans — (20,309 ) (5,154 ) (25,463 ) Issuance of common stock to benefit plans, net 3,868 — — 3,868 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (127,606 ) — — (127,606 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation (249 ) — — (249 ) Dividends paid (19,987 ) — — (19,987 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 399,151 (406,888 ) 7,737 — Investment in subsidiaries (399,245 ) 328,084 71,161 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (147,065 ) (136,653 ) 78,711 (205,007 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 2,145 2,145 NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 1,701 6,254 7,955 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 6,338 6,699 13,037 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 8,039 $ 12,953 $ 20,992 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2015 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ 93,999 $ 49,710 $ (2,662 ) $ 141,047 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (212,252 ) — (212,252 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 40,833 748 41,581 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (97,009 ) (23,243 ) (120,252 ) Other — 6,421 — 6,421 Net cash used in investing activities — (262,007 ) (22,495 ) (284,502 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 7,557,237 — 7,557,237 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (7,504,516 ) — (7,504,516 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 489,548 — — 489,548 Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line (557,696 ) — — (557,696 ) Net borrowings of 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes 296,250 — — 296,250 Debt issue costs — (788 ) — (788 ) Borrowings on other debt — 451 59,404 59,855 Principal payments on other debt — (1,386 ) (62,383 ) (63,769 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate loans — (68,234 ) (3,845 ) (72,079 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 9,596 22,430 32,026 Issuance of common stock to benefit plans, net 214 — — 214 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (97,473 ) — — (97,473 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation — 2,142 — 2,142 Dividends paid (19,942 ) — — (19,942 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 220,281 (211,236 ) (9,045 ) — Investment in subsidiaries (425,181 ) 409,990 15,191 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (93,999 ) 193,256 21,752 121,009 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — (5,492 ) (5,492 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (19,041 ) (8,897 ) (27,938 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 25,379 15,596 40,975 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 6,338 $ 6,699 $ 13,037

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts of revenues and expenses recognized during the reporting period. Management analyzes the Company’s estimates based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances; however, actual results could differ from such estimates. The significant estimates made by management in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements relate to inventory market adjustments, reserves for future chargebacks on finance and vehicle service contract fees, self-insured property/casualty insurance exposure, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, the valuation of goodwill and intangible franchise rights, and reserves for potential litigation.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted by applying the aquisition 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.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues from vehicle sales, parts sales and vehicle service are recognized upon completion of the sale or service and delivery to the customer. Conditions to completing a sale entail having an agreement with the customer, including pricing, and having a reasonable expectation that the sales price will be collected. The Company includes revenues from its collision center operations in parts and services sales. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental agencies are not included in total revenues. The Company records the profit it receives for arranging vehicle fleet transactions, net, in other finance and insurance revenues. Since all sales of new vehicles must occur through franchised new vehicle dealerships, the dealerships effectively act as agents for the automobile manufacturers in completing sales of vehicles to fleet customers. As these customers typically order the vehicles, the Company has no significant general inventory risk. Additionally, fleet customers generally receive special purchase incentives from the automobile manufacturers and the Company receives only a nominal fee for facilitating the transactions. The Company arranges financing for customers through various institutions and receives financing fees based on the difference between the loan rates charged to customers and wholesale financing rates set by the financing institution. In addition, the Company receives fees from the sale of insurance and vehicle service contracts to customers. Revenues from these fees are recorded at the time of the sale of the vehicles as finance and insurance revenue earned. Further, through agreements with certain vehicle service contract administrators, the Company earns volume incentive rebates and interest income on reserves, as well as participates in the underwriting profits of the products. These amounts earned are also recognized as finance and insurance revenue. The Company may be charged back for unearned financing, insurance contract or vehicle service contract fees in the event of early termination of the contracts by customers. A reserve for future amounts estimated to be charged back is recorded, as a reduction of Finance, insurance and other revenue, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations, based on the Company’s historical chargeback results and the termination provisions of the applicable contracts. While chargeback results vary depending on the type of contract sold, a 10% increase in the historical chargeback experience used in determining estimates of future amounts that might be charged back would have increased the reserve at December 31, 2017 by $5.0 million .
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and various other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , cash and cash equivalents excluded $109.0 million and $85.1 million , respectively, of immediately available funds used to pay down the Floorplan Line of the Revolving Credit Facility and the FMCC Facility (as defined in Note 11, “Credit Facilities”), which are the Company’s primary options for the short-term investment of excess cash. These amounts are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the offset accounts related to Floorplan Notes Payable - Credit Facility and Floorplan Notes Payable - Manufacturer Affiliates.
Contracts-in-Transit and Vehicle Receivables	Contracts-in-Transit and Vehicle Receivables Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables consist primarily of amounts due from financing institutions on retail finance contracts from vehicle sales and dealer incentives due from manufacturers. Also included are amounts receivable from vehicle wholesale sales.
Inventories	Inventories New, used and demonstrator vehicle inventories are carried at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Vehicle inventory cost consists of the amount paid to acquire the inventory, plus the cost of reconditioning, cost of equipment added and transportation cost. Additionally, the Company receives interest assistance from some of the automobile manufacturers. This assistance is accounted for as a vehicle purchase price discount and is reflected as a reduction to the inventory cost on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and as a reduction to cost of sales in its Statements of Operations as the vehicles are sold. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , inventory cost had been reduced by $9.1 million and $9.6 million , respectively, for interest assistance received from manufacturers. New vehicle cost of sales was reduced by $48.9 million , $49.2 million and $50.5 million for interest assistance received related to vehicles sold for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The interest assistance over the past three years has ranged from approximately 88.0% of the Company’s quarterly floorplan interest expense in the first quarter of 2017 to 139.9% for the third quarter of 2015 . Since the market value of inventory typically declines over time, the Company establishes new and used vehicle reserves based on its historical loss experience and management’s considerations of current market trends. These reserves are charged to cost of sales and reduce the carrying value of inventory on hand. Used vehicles are complex to value as there is no standardized source for determining exact values and each vehicle and each market in which the Company operates is unique. As a result, the value of each used vehicle taken at trade-in, or purchased at auction, is determined based on industry data, primarily accessed via the Company’s used vehicle management software and the industry expertise of the responsible used vehicle manager. Valuation risk is partially mitigated by the speed at which the Company turns this inventory. At December 31, 2017 , the Company’s used vehicle days’ supply was 39 days . Parts and accessories inventories are valued at lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company incurs shipping costs in connection with selling parts to customers. The cost of shipping these parts is included in cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the lesser of the estimated term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. The amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Expenditures for major additions or improvements, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Minor replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the assets, are expensed as incurred. Disposals are removed at cost less accumulated depreciation, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in current operations. The Company reviews long-lived assets that are held-for-use for impairment at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows whenever there is evidence that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable (i.e., triggering events). This review consists of comparing the carrying amount of the asset with its expected future undiscounted cash flows without interest costs. If the asset’s carrying amount is greater than such cash flow estimate, then it is required to be written down to its fair value. Estimates of expected future cash flows represent management’s best estimate based on currently available information and reasonable and supportable assumptions. See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” for additional details regarding the Company’s impairment of long-lived assets.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess, at the date of acquisition, of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. During 2016, the Company was organized into four geographic regions, East and West regions in the U.S., the U.K. region and the Brazil region. During 2017, the Company reorganized into three geographic regions, the U.S. region, the U.K. region and the Brazil region. The Company has determined that each region represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing goodwill for impairment. Annually in the fourth quarter, based on the carrying values of the Company’s regions as of October 31 st , the Company performs a fair value and potential impairment assessment of its goodwill. An impairment analysis is done more frequently if certain events or circumstances arise that would indicate a change in the fair value of the intangible asset has occurred (i.e., an impairment indicator). In evaluating its goodwill, the Company compares the carrying value of the net assets of each reporting unit to its respective fair value, which is calculated by using unobservable inputs based upon the Company’s internally developed assumptions. This represents the first step of the impairment test. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its net assets, the Company proceeds to step two of the impairment test. Step two involves allocating the calculated fair value to all of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the calculated fair value were the purchase price in a business combination. The Company then compares the value of the implied goodwill resulting from this second step to the carrying value of the goodwill in the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value under step two of the impairment test, a non-cash impairment charge equal to the difference is recorded. The Company uses a combination of the discounted cash flow, or income approach ( 80% weighted), and the market approach ( 20% weighted) to determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units. Included in the discounted cash flow approach are assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, future gross margins, future selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) and an estimated weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The Company also must estimate residual values at the end of the forecast period and future capital expenditure requirements. Specifically, with regard to the valuation assumptions utilized in the income approach for the U.S. reporting unit (which represents the Company’s largest reporting unit) as of October 31, 2017 , the Company based its analysis on an estimate of industry sales of 16.9 million units in 2018 , 16.7 million units in 2019, 16.5 million units in 2020 and remaining flat for the remainder of the forecasted years. For the market approach, the Company utilizes recent market multiples of guideline companies for both revenue and pretax net income weighted as appropriate by reporting unit. Each of these assumptions requires the Company to use its knowledge of (1) the industry, (2) recent transactions and (3) reasonable performance expectations for its operations. If any one of the above assumptions change or fails to materialize, the resulting decline in the estimated fair value could result in a material, non-cash impairment charge to the goodwill associated with the reporting unit(s). See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” and Note 16, “Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill,” for additional details regarding the Company’s goodwill.
Intangible Franchise Rights	Intangible Franchise Rights The Company’s only significant identifiable intangible assets, other than goodwill, are rights under franchise agreements with manufacturers, which are recorded at an individual dealership level. The Company expects these franchise agreements to continue for an indefinite period and, for agreements that do not have indefinite terms, the Company believes that renewal of these agreements can be obtained without substantial cost, based on the history with the manufacturer. As such, the Company believes that its franchise agreements will contribute to cash flows for an indefinite period and, therefore, the carrying amounts of the franchise rights are not amortized. Franchise rights acquired in business acquisitions prior to July 1, 2001, were recorded and amortized as part of goodwill in the U.S. reporting unit and remain as part of goodwill in the U.S. reporting unit at December 31, 2017 and 2016 in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Since July 1, 2001, intangible franchise rights acquired in business combinations have been recorded as distinctly separate intangible assets. In accordance with guidance primarily codified within Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other , the Company evaluates these franchise rights for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, based on the carrying values of the Company’s individual dealerships as of October 31 st , or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment has occurred. In performing its impairment assessments, the Company tests the carrying value of each individual franchise right that was recorded by using a direct value method discounted cash flow model, or income approach, specifically the excess earnings method. Included in this analysis are assumptions, at a dealership level, regarding the cash flows directly attributable to the franchise rights, revenue growth rates, future gross margins and future SG&A expenses. Using an estimated WACC, estimated residual values at the end of the forecast period and estimated future capital expenditure requirements, the Company calculates the fair value of each dealership’s franchise rights. See Note 15, “Asset Impairments,” and Note 16, “Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill,” for additional details regarding the Company’s intangible franchise rights.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Currently, the Company operates in 15 different states in the U.S., in the U.K. and in Brazil, each of which has unique tax rates and payment calculations. As the amount of income generated in each jurisdiction varies from period to period, the Company’s estimated effective tax rate can vary based on the proportion of taxable income generated in each jurisdiction. The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes . Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the underlying assets are realized or liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has recognized deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, that it believes will be realized, based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income. As it relates to U.S. state net operating losses, as well as deferred tax assets primarily relating to net operating losses and goodwill for certain Brazil subsidiaries, a corresponding valuation allowance has been established to the extent that the Company has determined that net income attributable to certain jurisdictions may not be sufficient to realize the benefit.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, 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, credit facilities and variable-rate long-term debt approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. However, the carrying value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt differs from fair value. For discussion on the fair value of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments and fixed-rate long-term debt, refer to “ Derivative Financial Instruments” and Note 12, “Long-Term Debt” below, respectively.
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in Business Combinations The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations are estimated using various assumptions. The most significant assumptions, and those requiring the most judgment, involve the estimated fair values of property and equipment and intangible franchise rights. The Company utilizes third-party experts to determine the fair values of property and equipment purchased, including real estate, and utilizes its fair value model as discussed under “Intangible Franchise Rights” above, supplemented with assistance from third-party experts, to determine the fair value of intangible franchise rights acquired.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries is the British pound sterling (£) and of the Company’s Brazil subsidiaries is the Brazilian real (R$). The financial statements of all the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The difference in the U.S. dollar results that arise from the translation of all assets and liabilities are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss in stockholders’ equity and in other income/expense, when applicable. Upon disposition of the Company’s investment in a foreign subsidiary, the Company removes the accumulated translation adjustment attributable to that subsidiary from equity and recognizes it through earnings as a part of the gain or loss on the disposition transaction.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments One of the Company’s primary market risk exposures is increasing interest rates. Interest rate derivatives, designated as cash flow hedges, are used to adjust interest rate exposures, when determined appropriate based on current and forecasted future market conditions. The Company follows the requirements of guidance primarily codified within ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) pertaining to the accounting for derivatives and hedging activities. ASC 815 requires the Company to recognize all cash flow hedges on its balance sheet at fair value. The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivatives 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. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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. All of the Company’s interest rate hedges were designated as cash flow hedges and were deemed to be effective at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting estimated 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 London Interbank Offered Rate (“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 ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), hierarchy framework in Note 13, “Fair Value Measurements.” The Company validates the outputs of its valuation technique by comparison to valuations from the respective counterparties. See Note 4, “Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities,” and Note 13, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further details regarding the Company’s derivative financial instruments and fair value measurements.
Factory Incentives	Factory Incentives In addition to the interest assistance discussed above, the Company receives various dealer incentive payments from certain of the automobile manufacturers. These incentive payments are typically received on parts purchases from the automobile manufacturers and on new vehicle retail sales. These incentives are reflected as reductions of cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The Company utilizes the two-class method for the computation of 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 qualify as participating securities as each contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares. 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.
Advertising	Advertising The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , totaled $74.1 million , $75.3 million and $74.6 million , respectively. The Company receives advertising assistance from some of the automobile manufacturers that the Company must spend on qualified advertising and is subject to audit and chargeback by the manufacturer. The assistance is accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense, which is included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, as the assistance is earned. Advertising assistance amounts received related to vehicles still in inventory as of the balance sheet date are reflected in accrued expenses. Advertising expense has been reduced by $15.3 million , $16.7 million and $17.3 million for advertising assistance earned related to vehicles sold for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Business and Credit Risk Concentrations	Business and Credit Risk Concentrations The Company owns and operates franchised automotive dealerships in the U.S., the U.K. and Brazil. Automotive dealerships operate pursuant to franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers. Franchise agreements generally provide the manufacturers or distributors with considerable influence over the operations of the dealership. The success of any franchised automotive dealership is dependent, to a large extent, on the financial condition, management, marketing, production and distribution capabilities of the vehicle manufacturers or distributors of which the Company holds franchises. The Company purchases substantially all of its new vehicles from various manufacturers or distributors at the prevailing prices to all franchised dealers. The Company’s sales volume could be adversely impacted by the manufacturers’ or distributors’ inability to supply the dealerships with an adequate supply of vehicles. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , Toyota (including Lexus, Scion and Toyota brands), Volkswagen (including Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen brands), BMW (including MINI and BMW brands), Ford (including Ford and Lincoln brands), Honda (including Acura and Honda brands), Nissan, General Motors (including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac brands), Daimler (including Mercedes-Benz, smart and Sprinter brands), Hyundai (including Hyundai and Kia brands) and FCA US (formerly Chrysler) (including Chrysler, Dodge, RAM and Jeep brands), accounted for 25.3% , 13.0% , 12.7% , 11.5% , 9.2% , 7.4% , 6.2% , 4% , 3.9% , and 3.9% of the Company’s new vehicle sales volume, respectively. No other manufacturer accounted for more than 2.9% of the Company’s total new vehicle sales volume in 2017 . Through the use of an open account, the Company purchases and returns parts and accessories from/to the manufacturers and receives reimbursement for rebates, incentives and other earned credits. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company was due $109.6 million from various manufacturers (see Note 8, “Accounts and Notes Receivable”). Receivable balances from Toyota, General Motors, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, and FCA US (formerly Chrysler), represented 16.6% , 14.1% , 14.0% , 13.5% , 11.2% , 9.0% , 5.0% , 3.8% , 3.4% and 3.2% , respectively, of this total balance due from manufacturers.
Statements of Cash Flows	Statements of Cash Flows With respect to all new vehicle floorplan borrowings, the manufacturers of the vehicles draft the Company’s credit facilities directly with no cash flow to or from the Company. With respect to borrowings for used vehicle financing in the U.S., the Company finances up to 85% of the value of the used vehicle inventory and the funds flow directly to the Company from the lender. In the U.K. and Brazil, the Company chooses which used vehicles to finance and the borrowings flow directly to the Company from the lender. All borrowings from, and repayments to, lenders affiliated with the vehicle manufacturers (excluding the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the Company’s syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility) are presented within Cash Flows from Operating Activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. All borrowings from, and repayments to, the syndicated lending group under the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 11, “Credit Facilities”) (including the cash flows from or to manufacturer affiliated lenders participating in the facility), as well as borrowing from, and repayments to, the Company’s other credit facilities are presented within Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Cash paid for interest, including the monthly settlement of the Company’s interest rate derivatives, was $117.1 million , $109.3 million and $92 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $61.0 million , $56.9 million and $74.8 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation represents the expense related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation expense at grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognizes the cost on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the employee requisite service period. The Company estimates the fair value of its employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The expense for stock-based awards is recognized as an SG&A expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information The Company, through its regions, conducts business in the automotive retailing industry, including selling new and used cars and light trucks, arranging related vehicle financing, selling service and insurance contracts, providing automotive maintenance and repair services and selling vehicle parts. 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 20, “Segment Information,” for additional details regarding the Company’s reportable segments.
Self-Insured Medical, Property and Casualty Reserves	Self-Insured Medical, Property and Casualty Reserves The Company purchases insurance policies for worker’s compensation, liability, auto physical damage, property, pollution, employee medical benefits and other risks consisting of large deductibles and/or self-insured retentions. The Company’s U.S. auto physical damage insurance coverage is composed of a $10.0 million per occurrence company deductible with an annual maximum aggregate deductible of $30.0 million with no maximum payout. Under the Company’s U.S. workers’ compensation and general liability insurance coverage, its exposure per claim is limited to $1.0 million per occurrence, with unlimited exposure on the number of claims up to $1.0 million that may be incurred. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had accrued $20.5 million for its estimated liability on incurred workers’ compensation and general liability claims
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	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 replaced the lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The amendments in this ASU were to be applied prospectively and were 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 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 team identified the Company’s material revenue streams to be the sale of new and used vehicles; arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts; the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services; and the sale of vehicle parts. The team reviewed a sample of contracts and other related documents associated with each revenue stream in each region. Based upon this review and application within the ASU, the team has concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as parts are necessary. As it relates to vehicle maintenance and repair services, the team identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company has recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services are completed and the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Under the new standard, the team has determined that the Company has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed and, thus, will be required to recognize revenue over time as the maintenance and repair services are performed. With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the team also identified a change in the Company’s accounting policies and procedures. Generally, the Company receives an upfront commission for these transactions from the finance or insurance provider and recognizes the associated revenue when the contract is executed. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of contracts sold by the Company. Through December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounting policy was to recognize the retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The team has concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the contract is executed. Under the new standard, an estimate of variable consideration, subject to a constraint, is to be included in the transaction price and recognized when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. Therefore, the Company’s accounting policy must change under the new ASU such that the Company will estimate the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognize such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the contract is executed. Changes in the Company’s estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be adjusted through revenue as determined. The Company will adopt the amendments of this ASU during the first fiscal quarter of 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. As a result of adopting the new standard and implementing the changes aforementioned, the Company expects the net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of finalizing its estimate of the cumulative effect adjustment, pending certain data and considerations of the appropriate level of constraint. The Company expects to complete its calculation in the first quarter of adoption. 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, but does not expect the amendments in this ASU to materially impact its consolidated financial statements. 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 2017-04, 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 impact of the adoption of the provisions of the ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will depend upon the significance of future impairments realized. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting . The amendments in this update provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance of Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if all of the following are the same immediately before and after the change: 1) the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if those measurement methods are used), 2) the award's vesting conditions, and 3) the award's classification as an equity or liability instrument. The amendments in this ASU should be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, 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 August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 715): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments in this update better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. The amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships should be applied using a modified retrospective approach while the presentation and disclosure requirements are applied prospectively, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Variable Interest Entity Policy (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]

Derivative Instruments and Ri34

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of Unrealized Gain, Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income	Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in OCI Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship Interest rate derivative instruments $ 1,034 $ 1,728 $ (9,856 ) Amount of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statement of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations Floorplan interest expense $ (10,272 ) $ (11,097 ) $ (11,486 ) Other interest expense (1,924 ) (2,332 ) (1,814 )

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Awards	Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 850,422 $ 67.25 Granted 223,139 75.45 Vested (270,335 ) 70.93 Forfeited (100,448 ) 68.79 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 702,778 $ 68.23

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share	The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,420 21,161 23,148 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 5 9 4 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,425 21,170 23,152 Basic: Net income $ 213,442 $ 147,065 $ 93,999 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 7,512 5,871 3,595 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 205,930 $ 141,194 $ 90,404 Basic earnings per common share $ 10.08 $ 6.67 $ 3.91 Diluted: Net income $ 213,442 $ 147,065 $ 93,999 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 7,511 5,869 3,595 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 205,931 $ 141,196 $ 90,404 Diluted earnings per common share $ 10.08 $ 6.67 $ 3.90

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before income taxes by geographic area	Income/(loss) before income taxes by geographic area was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Domestic $ 206,579 $ 222,178 $ 231,798 Foreign 12,424 5,193 (49,627 ) Total income before income taxes $ 219,003 $ 227,371 $ 182,171
Federal, state and foreign income taxes	Federal, state and foreign income tax provisions/(benefits) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Federal: Current $ 44,921 $ 57,321 $ 66,973 Deferred (46,938 ) 18,704 15,528 State: Current 3,774 4,636 5,165 Deferred 3,921 1,878 1,768 Foreign: Current 2,929 4,187 4,150 Deferred (3,046 ) (6,420 ) (5,412 ) Provision for income taxes $ 5,561 $ 80,306 $ 88,172
Difference between the income tax computation by the company and the statutory body	Actual income tax expense differed from income tax expense computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate $ 76,651 $ 79,580 $ 63,760 Increase (decrease) resulting from: State income tax, net of benefit for federal deduction 4,472 4,230 4,448 Foreign income tax rate differential (2,443 ) (2,799 ) (2,002 ) Employment credits (862 ) (821 ) (407 ) Changes in valuation allowances 629 749 14,667 Non-deductible goodwill — 34 4,651 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Deferred Tax Effect (73,028 ) — — — Stock-based compensation (136 ) 368 386 Other 278 (1,035 ) 2,669 Provision for income taxes $ 5,561 $ 80,306 $ 88,172
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The tax effects of these temporary differences representing deferred tax assets/liabilities resulted principally from the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss reserves and accruals $ 44,004 $ 59,884 Interest rate swaps 259 5,598 Goodwill and intangible franchise rights 2,770 5,907 U.S. state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards 17,430 16,848 Depreciation expense — 775 Foreign NOL carryforwards 40,582 34,946 Other 379 — Deferred tax assets 105,424 123,958 Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets (54,415 ) (53,946 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 51,009 $ 70,012 Deferred tax liabilities: Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ (118,447 ) $ (160,439 ) Depreciation expense (50,166 ) (64,465 ) Deferred gain on bond redemption (327 ) (1,023 ) Other (1,820 ) (3,317 ) Deferred tax liabilities (170,760 ) (229,244 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (119,751 ) $ (159,232 )

Accounts and Notes Receivable (

Accounts and Notes Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts and notes receivable	The Company’s accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 109,599 $ 95,754 Parts and service receivables 39,343 35,318 Finance and insurance receivables 25,293 24,866 Other 17,514 20,322 Total accounts and notes receivable 191,749 176,260 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 3,138 2,896 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 188,611 $ 173,364

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of inventories	The Company’s inventories consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,194,632 $ 1,156,383 Used vehicles 350,760 294,812 Rental vehicles 144,213 131,080 Parts, accessories and other 82,755 77,762 Total inventories 1,772,360 1,660,037 Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance 9,067 8,222 Inventories, net $ 1,763,293 $ 1,651,815

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment	The Company’s property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Land — $ 482,600 $ 400,163 Buildings 25 to 50 700,257 553,961 Leasehold improvements varies 172,071 170,060 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 117,781 100,164 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 100,881 87,691 Company vehicles 3 to 5 11,933 11,632 Construction in progress — 41,824 66,658 Total 1,627,347 1,390,329 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 308,388 264,446 Property and equipment, net $ 1,318,959 $ 1,125,883

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Outstanding balances under financing arrangements	The outstanding balances under these financing arrangements were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other New vehicles $ 1,019,511 $ 941,913 Used vehicles 176,802 160,070 Rental vehicles 23,530 29,735 Floorplan offset (86,547 ) (59,626 ) Total floorplan notes payable - credit facility 1,133,296 1,072,092 Other floorplan notes payable 20,852 4,936 Total floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other $ 1,154,148 $ 1,077,028 Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates FMCC Facility $ 152,984 $ 175,244 Floorplan offset (22,500 ) (25,500 ) Total FMCC Facility 130,484 149,744 Foreign and rental vehicles 244,199 217,417 Total floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates $ 374,683 $ 367,161

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016) $ 542,063 $ 540,465 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016) 296,151 295,591 Acquisition Line 26,988 — Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 440,845 385,358 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through June 2034 with a weighted average interest rate of 10.4% and 9.9%, respectively 51,665 47,613 1,357,712 1,269,027 Less current maturities of long-term debt 39,528 56,218 $ 1,318,184 $ 1,212,809
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, excluding unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs of $3.5 million , for the next five years are as follows: Total (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 39,721 2019 86,967 2020 55,170 2021 86,336 2022 589,406 Thereafter 503,634 Total $ 1,361,234

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value	Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 844 $ 3,254 Demand obligations 13 12 Interest rate derivative financial instruments 9,501 9,484 Total $ 10,358 $ 12,750 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 10,579 $ 24,411 Total $ 10,579 $ 24,411

Intangible Franchise Rights a44

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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, 2015 $ 285,659 $ 7,773 $ 14,156 $ 307,588 Additions through acquisitions — 12,833 — 12,833 Disposals (5,203 ) — — (5,203 ) Impairments (19,922 ) — (9,901 ) (29,823 ) Currency translation — (3,269 ) 2,750 (519 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 260,534 17,337 7,005 284,876 Additions through acquisitions 8,035 10,133 — 18,168 Impairments (12,588 ) — (6,744 ) (19,332 ) Currency translation — 2,013 (93 ) 1,920 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 255,981 $ 29,483 $ 168 $ 285,632 The increase in the Company’s intangible franchise rights in 2017 was primarily related to the addition of franchise rights associated with the purchase of 12 dealerships in the U.K. and three dealerships in the U.S. The 2017 additions were partially offset by impairments of $12.6 million and $6.7 million in the U.S. and Brazil, respectively. The decrease in the Company’s intangible franchise rights in 2016 was primarily related to impairments in the U.S. and Brazil of $ 19.9 million and $9.9 million , respectively, as a result of the Company’s interim and annual impairment assessments. The impairments were partially offset by the addition of franchise rights associated with the purchase of 12 dealerships in the U.K. during the year ended December 31, 2016. Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 $ 809,775 $ 35,320 $ 9,820 $ 854,915 (1) Additions through acquisitions — 31,644 1,855 33,499 Purchase price allocation adjustments 28 1,024 — 1,052 Disposals (3,868 ) — (191 ) (4,059 ) Currency translation — (10,934 ) 2,290 (8,644 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 805,935 57,054 13,774 876,763 (1) Additions through acquisitions 29,332 2,575 95 32,002 Disposals — — (933 ) (933 ) Currency translation — 5,405 (203 ) 5,202 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 835,267 $ 65,034 $ 12,733 $ 913,034 (1)

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 , are as follows: Total (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 42,693 2019 37,980 2020 33,692 2021 29,447 2022 25,566 Thereafter 158,209 Total (1) $ 327,587 (1) Includes $1.3 million of future, non-cancelable sublease payments to be received.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 income for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Accumulated loss on foreign currency translation Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2014 $ (64,075 ) $ (17,909 ) $ (81,984 ) Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (54,457 ) (1,543 ) (56,000 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 (118,532 ) (19,452 ) (137,984 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (19,081 ) 10,121 (8,960 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2016 (137,613 ) (9,331 ) (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income, net of tax 15,061 8,657 23,718 BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ (122,552 ) $ (674 ) $ (123,226 )

Segment Information Segment I47

Segment Information Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Reportable segment revenue, gross profit, SG&A, depreciation and amortization expense, asset impairment, floorplan interest expense, other interest expense, benefit (provision) for income taxes, net income (loss) and capital expenditures were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,768,864 $ 1,092,612 $ 296,055 $ 6,157,531 Used vehicle retail sales 2,160,699 546,266 92,021 2,798,986 Used vehicle wholesale sales 250,668 136,847 12,655 400,170 Parts and service 1,124,380 165,755 47,897 1,338,032 Finance, insurance and other, net 375,954 44,523 8,525 429,002 Total revenues 8,680,565 (1) 1,986,003 457,153 11,123,721 Gross profit 1,365,314 225,253 54,942 1,645,509 Selling, general and administrative expense 983,974 (2) 191,570 50,651 1,226,195 Depreciation and amortization expense 48,285 8,198 1,453 57,936 Asset impairment 12,762 — 6,744 19,506 Floorplan interest expense (47,221 ) (4,727 ) (424 ) (52,372 ) Other interest expense, net (66,493 ) (3,664 ) (340 ) (70,497 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 206,579 17,094 (4,670 ) 219,003 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (5,679 ) (3) (2,142 ) 2,260 (5,561 ) Net income (loss) 200,900 (4) 14,952 (2,410 ) (5) 213,442 Capital expenditures $ 77,477 $ 19,944 $ 880 $ 98,301 (1) Includes the impact of chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues associated with catastrophic events of $6.6 million . (2) Includes the following, pre-tax: gain on OEM settlement of $1.8 million and loss due to catastrophic events of $8.8 million . (3) Includes a tax benefit of $73.0 million associated with a reduction in the corporate income tax rate enacted in the Tax Act. (4) Includes the after-tax impact of the items noted above and the after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $8.0 million . (5) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $4.4 million . Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,766,047 $ 987,538 $ 292,490 $ 6,046,075 Used vehicle retail sales 2,242,508 434,203 81,002 2,757,713 Used vehicle wholesale sales 276,710 121,747 3,406 401,863 Parts and service 1,071,651 143,362 46,294 1,261,307 Finance, insurance and other, net 377,756 36,305 6,593 420,654 Total revenues 8,734,672 1,723,155 429,785 10,887,612 Gross profit 1,355,349 192,982 46,738 1,595,069 Selling, general and administrative expense 965,139 (1) 158,636 46,988 (3) 1,170,763 Depreciation and amortization expense 43,472 6,594 1,168 51,234 Asset impairment 21,794 201 10,843 32,838 Floorplan interest expense (40,444 ) (4,222 ) (261 ) (44,927 ) Other interest expense, net (62,320 ) (5,197 ) (419 ) (67,936 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 222,180 18,132 (12,941 ) 227,371 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (82,541 ) (3,697 ) 5,932 (80,306 ) Net income (loss) 139,639 (2) 14,435 (7,009 ) (4) 147,065 Capital expenditures $ 86,692 $ 12,602 $ 1,312 $ 100,606 (1) Includes the following, pre-tax: gain on OEM settlement of $11.7 million , loss due to catastrophic events of $5.9 million , a net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $2.7 million , and severance costs of $1.8 million . (2) Includes the following, after tax: non-cash asset impairment charges of $13.5 million , gain on OEM settlement of $7.3 million , loss due to catastrophic events of $3.7 million , net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $1.7 million , and severance costs of $1.2 million . (3) Includes pre-tax loss on real estate and dealership transactions of $0.8 million . (4) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $6.9 million and a foreign deferred income tax benefit of $1.7 million . Year Ended December 31, 2015 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 4,989,290 $ 641,888 $ 370,128 $ 6,001,306 Used vehicle retail sales 2,204,728 351,311 82,930 2,638,969 Used vehicle wholesale sales 289,580 100,706 6,965 397,251 Parts and service 1,032,960 102,183 51,050 1,186,193 Finance, insurance and other, net 377,432 24,117 7,237 408,786 Total revenues 8,893,990 1,220,205 518,310 10,632,505 Gross profit 1,338,947 137,646 57,379 1,533,972 Selling, general and administrative expense 958,608 (1) 108,719 53,506 1,120,833 Depreciation and amortization expense 41,220 4,307 1,712 47,239 Asset impairment 18,983 330 68,249 87,562 Floorplan interest expense (36,062 ) (2,276 ) (926 ) (39,264 ) Other interest expense, net (52,277 ) (3,135 ) (1,491 ) (56,903 ) Income before income taxes 231,797 18,879 (68,505 ) 182,171 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (89,433 ) (3,655 ) 4,916 (88,172 ) Net income (loss) 142,364 (2) 15,224 (63,589 ) (3) 93,999 Capital expenditures $ 97,504 $ 9,395 $ 333 $ 107,232 (1) Includes the following, pre-tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.6 million , a net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $8.9 million , and legal items of $1.0 million . (2) Includes the following, after tax: loss due to catastrophic events of $1.0 million , net gain on real estate and dealership transactions of $5.5 million , and non-cash asset impairment charges of $12.0 million . (3) Includes after-tax non-cash asset impairment charges of $62.4 million .
Schedule of Segment Reporting, by Segment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	oodwill and intangible franchise rights and total assets by reportable segment were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ 1,091,248 $ 94,517 $ 12,901 $ 1,198,666 Total assets $ 4,087,039 $ 654,154 $ 129,872 $ 4,871,065 As of December 31, 2016 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Goodwill and intangible franchise rights $ 1,066,469 $ 74,391 $ 20,779 $ 1,161,639 Total assets $ 3,855,701 $ 482,937 $ 123,265 $ 4,461,903

Selected Quarterly Financial 48

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter First Second Third Fourth Full Year (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Total revenues $ 2,518,829 $ 2,672,195 $ 3,012,292 $ 2,920,405 $ 11,123,721 Gross profit 383,522 404,892 431,420 425,675 1,645,509 Net income 33,939 39,133 29,881 110,489 213,442 Basic earnings per share (1) 1.58 1.84 1.43 5.27 10.08 Diluted earnings per share (1) 1.58 1.84 1.43 5.27 10.08 2016 Total revenues $ 2,608,355 $ 2,782,449 $ 2,823,176 $ 2,673,632 $ 10,887,612 Gross profit 389,101 410,119 406,668 389,181 1,595,069 Net income 34,291 46,580 35,366 30,828 147,065 Basic earnings per share (1) 1.47 2.12 1.65 1.44 6.67 Diluted earnings per share (1) 1.47 2.12 1.65 1.44 6.67 (1) The sum of the quarterly income per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the full year based on the respective weighted average common shares outstanding.

Condensed Consolidated Financ49

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 10,096 $ 18,691 $ — $ 28,787 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 266,788 39,645 — 306,433 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 144,872 43,739 — 188,611 Intercompany accounts receivable 26,988 12,948 — (39,936 ) — Inventories, net — 1,434,852 328,441 — 1,763,293 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,934 8,378 31,750 — 42,062 Total current assets 28,922 1,877,934 462,266 (39,936 ) 2,329,186 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,121,108 197,851 — 1,318,959 GOODWILL — 835,268 77,766 — 913,034 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 255,980 29,652 — 285,632 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 2,999,407 — — (2,999,407 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 13,682 10,572 — 24,254 Total assets $ 3,028,329 $ 4,103,972 $ 778,107 $ (3,039,343 ) $ 4,871,065 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,219,844 $ 20,851 $ — $ 1,240,695 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (86,547 ) — — (86,547 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 272,563 124,620 — 397,183 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (22,500 ) — — (22,500 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing 24,741 31,229 21,639 — 77,609 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 1,996 — — 1,996 Accounts payable — 229,470 183,511 — 412,981 Intercompany accounts payable 890,995 — 39,936 (930,931 ) — Accrued expenses — 150,241 26,829 — 177,070 Total current liabilities 915,736 1,796,296 417,386 (930,931 ) 2,198,487 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 865,202 360,526 92,456 — 1,318,184 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 8,583 — — 8,583 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (117 ) 210,216 11,430 — 221,529 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,247,508 2,619,346 256,835 (2,999,407 ) 1,124,282 Intercompany note receivable — (890,995 ) — 890,995 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,247,508 1,728,351 256,835 (2,108,412 ) 1,124,282 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,028,329 $ 4,103,972 $ 778,107 $ (3,039,343 ) $ 4,871,065 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 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,680,565 $ 2,443,156 $ — $ 11,123,721 COST OF SALES: — 7,315,252 2,162,960 — 9,478,212 GROSS PROFIT — 1,365,313 280,196 — 1,645,509 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 3,381 974,413 248,401 — 1,226,195 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 48,284 9,652 — 57,936 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 12,762 6,744 — 19,506 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (3,381 ) 329,854 15,399 — 341,872 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (47,222 ) (5,150 ) — (52,372 ) Other interest income (expense), net — (66,490 ) (4,007 ) — (70,497 ) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (3,381 ) 216,142 6,242 — 219,003 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 1,268 (6,947 ) 118 — (5,561 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 215,556 — — (215,556 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 213,443 $ 209,195 $ 6,360 $ (215,556 ) $ 213,442 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 8,657 15,061 — 23,718 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 213,443 $ 217,852 $ 21,421 $ (215,556 ) $ 237,160 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2016 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,734,673 $ 2,152,939 $ — $ 10,887,612 COST OF SALES: — 7,379,323 1,913,220 — 9,292,543 GROSS PROFIT — 1,355,350 239,719 — 1,595,069 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 2,722 954,495 213,546 — 1,170,763 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 43,472 7,762 — 51,234 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 21,794 11,044 — 32,838 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (2,722 ) 335,589 7,367 — 340,234 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (40,444 ) (4,483 ) — (44,927 ) Other interest expense, net — (64,870 ) (3,066 ) — (67,936 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (2,722 ) 230,275 (182 ) — 227,371 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 1,020 (83,560 ) 2,234 — (80,306 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 148,767 — — (148,767 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 147,065 $ 146,715 $ 2,052 $ (148,767 ) $ 147,065 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 10,121 (19,081 ) (8,960 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 147,065 $ 156,836 $ (17,029 ) $ (148,767 ) $ 138,105 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2015 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (In thousands) REVENUES: $ — $ 8,893,990 $ 1,738,515 $ — $ 10,632,505 COST OF SALES: — 7,555,043 1,543,490 — 9,098,533 GROSS PROFIT — 1,338,947 195,025 — 1,533,972 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 3,024 950,268 167,541 — 1,120,833 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 41,220 6,019 — 47,239 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — 18,899 68,663 — 87,562 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (3,024 ) 328,560 (47,198 ) — 278,338 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (36,063 ) (3,201 ) — (39,264 ) Other interest income (expense), net 2,320 (52,276 ) (6,947 ) — (56,903 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (704 ) 240,221 (57,346 ) — 182,171 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 264 (89,698 ) 1,262 — (88,172 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 94,439 — — (94,439 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 93,999 $ 150,523 $ (56,084 ) $ (94,439 ) $ 93,999 COMPREHENSIVE LOSS — (1,543 ) (54,457 ) — (56,000 ) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 93,999 $ 148,980 $ (110,541 ) $ (94,439 ) $ 37,999
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2017 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 $ 214,595 $ (13,759 ) $ (1,911 ) $ 198,925 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (62,474 ) (46,607 ) (109,081 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 8,345 2,363 10,708 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (185,342 ) (30,490 ) (215,832 ) Other — 1,607 — 1,607 Net cash used in investing activities — (237,864 ) (74,734 ) (312,598 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 7,019,070 — 7,019,070 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (6,957,866 ) — (6,957,866 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 68,086 — — 68,086 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (42,278 ) — — (42,278 ) Borrowings on other debt 25,054 19 140,629 165,702 Principal payments on other debt (313 ) (718 ) (120,168 ) (121,199 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 46,419 28,890 75,309 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (22,931 ) (6,460 ) (29,391 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings 4,603 — — 4,603 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (40,094 ) — — (40,094 ) Dividends paid (20,466 ) — — (20,466 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 2,892 (32,719 ) 29,827 — Investment in subsidiaries (212,079 ) 202,406 9,673 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (214,595 ) 253,680 82,391 121,476 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — (8 ) (8 ) NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 2,057 5,738 7,795 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 8,039 12,953 20,992 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 10,096 $ 18,691 $ 28,787 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 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 $ 147,065 $ 238,552 $ (760 ) $ 384,857 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (57,327 ) (57,327 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 35,317 1,526 36,843 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (138,263 ) (18,258 ) (156,521 ) Other — 2,748 217 2,965 Net cash used in investing activities — (100,198 ) (73,842 ) (174,040 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 6,597,406 — 6,597,406 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (6,676,161 ) — (6,676,161 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 220,020 — — 220,020 Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line (220,020 ) — — (220,020 ) Debt issue costs (2,997 ) (516 ) — (3,513 ) Borrowings on other debt — — 49,972 49,972 Principal payments on other debt — (923 ) (45,005 ) (45,928 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 42,654 — 42,654 Principal payments on debt related to real estate loans — (20,309 ) (5,154 ) (25,463 ) Issuance of common stock to benefit plans, net 3,868 — — 3,868 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (127,606 ) — — (127,606 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation (249 ) — — (249 ) Dividends paid (19,987 ) — — (19,987 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 399,151 (406,888 ) 7,737 — Investment in subsidiaries (399,245 ) 328,084 71,161 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (147,065 ) (136,653 ) 78,711 (205,007 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 2,145 2,145 NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 1,701 6,254 7,955 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 6,338 6,699 13,037 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 8,039 $ 12,953 $ 20,992 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2015 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (In thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ 93,999 $ 49,710 $ (2,662 ) $ 141,047 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (212,252 ) — (212,252 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 40,833 748 41,581 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (97,009 ) (23,243 ) (120,252 ) Other — 6,421 — 6,421 Net cash used in investing activities — (262,007 ) (22,495 ) (284,502 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 7,557,237 — 7,557,237 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (7,504,516 ) — (7,504,516 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 489,548 — — 489,548 Repayment on credit facility - acquisition line (557,696 ) — — (557,696 ) Net borrowings of 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes 296,250 — — 296,250 Debt issue costs — (788 ) — (788 ) Borrowings on other debt — 451 59,404 59,855 Principal payments on other debt — (1,386 ) (62,383 ) (63,769 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate loans — (68,234 ) (3,845 ) (72,079 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 9,596 22,430 32,026 Issuance of common stock to benefit plans, net 214 — — 214 Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (97,473 ) — — (97,473 ) Tax effect from stock-based compensation — 2,142 — 2,142 Dividends paid (19,942 ) — — (19,942 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 220,281 (211,236 ) (9,045 ) — Investment in subsidiaries (425,181 ) 409,990 15,191 — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (93,999 ) 193,256 21,752 121,009 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — (5,492 ) (5,492 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (19,041 ) (8,897 ) (27,938 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 25,379 15,596 40,975 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 6,338 $ 6,699 $ 13,037

Annual Financial Information (D

Annual Financial Information (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2017
Business and Organization [Line Items]
Number of domestic regions	2
Number of international regions	2
U.S.
Business and Organization [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	15
Number of dealerships	115
U.K.
Business and Organization [Line Items]
Number of Towns in which Entity Operates	28
Number of dealerships	42
Brazil
Business and Organization [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	4
Number of dealerships	16

Summary of Significant Accoun51

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates Summary of Significant Account Policies and Estimates (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Value of used vehicle inventory financed							85.00%
Number of Reportable Segments							3
Change in the historical chargeback results used in determining estimates of future amounts	10.00%						10.00%
Change in the reserve of future amounts	$ 5,000,000						$ 5,000,000
Restricted cash and short term investments	109,000,000		$ 85,100,000				109,000,000	$ 85,100,000
Inventory cost reduced for interest assistance received from manufacturers	9,100,000		9,600,000				9,100,000	9,600,000
Reduction in new vehicle cost of sales	$ 48,900,000		49,200,000				$ 48,900,000	$ 49,200,000	$ 50,500,000
Number of geographic regions							3	4
Weighted Income approach to determine the fair value of the Company's reporting units	80.00%						80.00%
Weighted Market approach to determine the fair value of the Company's reporting units	20.00%						20.00%
Advertising expenses							$ 74,100,000	$ 75,300,000	74,600,000
Reduction in advertising expenses							$ 15,300,000	16,700,000	17,300,000
Percentage of Company's new vehicle sales volume more than which no other manufacturer accounted for							2.90%
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 191,749,000		176,260,000				$ 191,749,000	176,260,000
Interest paid							117,100,000	109,300,000	92,000,000
Income taxes refundable							$ 61,000,000	56,900,000	74,800,000
Percentage of change in loss reserve due to change in actuarial loss rate per employee	10.00%						10.00%
Change in loss reserve due to change in actuarial loss rate per employee	$ 2,100,000						$ 2,100,000
Maximum payout under first layer							0
Limited exposure in no stop loss plan per occurrence							1,000,000
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims							20,500,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 9,800,000	$ 9,500,000	19,200,000	$ 10,600,000	$ 200,000		$ 19,300,000	30,000,000	$ 30,100,000
Used vehicle days supply							39 days
FCA US [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							3.90%
Share in company receivable balance	3.40%						3.40%
Toyota [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							25.30%
Share in company receivable balance	16.60%						16.60%
BMW [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							12.70%
Share in company receivable balance	14.10%						14.10%
Ford [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							11.50%
Share in company receivable balance	13.50%						13.50%
Daimler [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							4.00%
Share in company receivable balance	9.00%						9.00%
General Motors [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							6.20%
Share in company receivable balance	14.00%						14.00%
Nissan [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							7.40%
Share in company receivable balance	5.00%						5.00%
Honda [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							9.20%
Share in company receivable balance	3.20%						3.20%
Hyundai [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							3.90%
Share in company receivable balance	3.80%						3.80%
Volkswagen [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Share in company sales volume							13.00%
Share in company receivable balance	11.20%						11.20%
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	$ 542,063,000		540,465,000				$ 542,063,000	540,465,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	567,900,000		548,400,000				567,900,000	548,400,000
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	296,151,000		295,591,000				296,151,000	295,591,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	310,900,000		297,000,000				310,900,000	297,000,000
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Other Long-term Debt	$ 440,845,000		385,358,000				440,845,000	385,358,000
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Interest assistance received related to vehicles sold				139.90%
Per Occurrence Company Deductible							10,000,000
Aggregate deductible							$ 30,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Interest assistance received related to vehicles sold						88.00%
U.S.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Company operates in different states	15						15
Amounts Due From Manufacturers [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current	$ 109,599,000		$ 95,754,000				$ 109,599,000	$ 95,754,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates [Line Items]
Recovery back to normalized levels by 2016										16,500,000	16,700,000	16,900,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions (

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of franchises disposed	3	10
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price	$ 120,300,000	$ 0
Cash received in acquisition		3,900,000
Proceeds From Disposition Of Franchise Property And Equipment	10,708,000	36,843,000	$ 41,581,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 109,081,000	57,327,000	$ 212,252,000
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions		$ 2,200,000
Brazil
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired		1
Number of franchises disposed	2	4
Number of franchises awarded		2
Number of franchises acquired		1
Number Of Dealerships Opened		2
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions		$ (800,000)
U.S.
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	3
Number of franchises disposed		5
Number of franchises awarded	1
Number of franchises acquired	4
Number Of Dealerships Opened	1
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions		$ 2,700,000
U.K.
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	12	12
Number of franchises disposed	1	1
Number of franchises awarded	1	2
Number of franchises acquired	14	15
Number Of Dealerships Opened	1	2
Cash received in acquisition	$ 11,200,000
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions		$ (300,000)

Derivative Instruments and Ri53

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts	$ 1,034	$ 1,728	$ (9,856)
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Income (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations	7,623	8,393	8,313
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Income (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations	(10,272)	(11,097)	(11,486)
Other Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Income (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations	$ (1,924)	$ (2,332)	$ (1,814)

Derivative Instruments and Ri54

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 623,000,000	$ 765,300,000
Notional amount of interest rate swaps entered into during current year	110,600,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(7,623,000)	(8,393,000)	$ (8,313,000)
Floorplan interest expense	$ 52,372,000	44,927,000	39,264,000
Derivative, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2030
Maximum Notional Amount Of Derivatives In Effect At Any Time	$ 918,400,000
Unrealized gain (loss) related to hedges, net of income taxes included in other comprehensive loss	(674,000)	(9,331,000)	(19,452,000)		$ (17,909,000)
Amount expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings	6,900,000
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.50%
Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 575,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.10%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps	11
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2017 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 153,600,000
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2018 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	353,700,000
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2019 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	53,700,000
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2020 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	12,000,000
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2021 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	18,800,000
Interest Rate Swaps expiring in 2022 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	26,900,000
Expires in 2023 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 4,200,000
Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	Jan. 1, 2018
Derivative, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2030
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	$ 10,272,000	11,097,000	$ 11,486,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative financial instruments included in balance sheet as liabilities from interest risk management activities	10,579,000	24,411,000
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 9,501,000	$ 9,484,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount				$ 200,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan55

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Awards
Awards, Nonvested at December 31, 2014 | shares	850,422
Awards, Granted | shares	223,139
Awards, Vested | shares	(270,335)
Awards, Forfeited | shares	(100,448)
Awards, Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | shares	702,778
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, December 31, 2014 | $ / shares	$ 67.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	75.45
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	70.93
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	68.79
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 68.23

Stock-Based Compensation Plan56

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation cost	$ 18,900	$ 21,073	$ 18,851
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock based compensation arrangements	$ 34,700
Weighted average period for recognition of cost	3 years 29 days
Cash received from employee stock purchase plan purchases	$ 7,100	7,100	7,200
Increase in financing activities and decrease in operating activities due to tax benefit relating to excess stock based compensation deductions		$ (249)	$ 2,142
2014 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 21, 2024
Shares available for granted under the incentive plan	1,063,975
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 19, 2025
Shares available for granted under the incentive plan	1,139,095
Shares authorized under Employee stock option plan	4,500,000
Employee stock purchase price in percentage of fair market value	85.00%
Shares issued to employee under purchase plan	123,448	152,138	102,029
Weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued	$ 16.51	$ 13.40	$ 18.56
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Fair value of shares vested	$ 19,200	$ 16,500	$ 13,900
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted									$ 7,511	$ 5,869	$ 3,595
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding									20,420	21,161	23,148
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock									5	9	4
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding									20,425	21,170	23,152
Basic:
Net income									$ 213,442	$ 147,065	$ 93,999
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic									7,512	5,871	3,595
Earnings available to basic common shares									$ 205,930	$ 141,194	$ 90,404
Basic earnings per common share	$ 5.27	$ 1.43	$ 1.84	$ 1.58	$ 1.44	$ 1.65	$ 2.12	$ 1.47	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.91
Diluted:
Net income									$ 213,442	$ 147,065	$ 93,999
Earnings available to diluted common shares									$ 205,931	$ 141,196	$ 90,404
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 5.27	$ 1.43	$ 1.84	$ 1.58	$ 1.44	$ 1.65	$ 2.12	$ 1.47	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.90

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (5,561)	$ (80,306)	$ (88,172)
Income before income taxes by geographic area
Domestic	206,579	222,178	231,798
Foreign	12,424	5,193	(49,627)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$ 219,003	$ 227,371	$ 182,171

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Federal:
Current	$ 44,921	$ 57,321	$ 66,973
Deferred	(46,938)	18,704	15,528
State:
Current	3,774	4,636	5,165
Deferred	3,921	1,878	1,768
Foreign:
Current	2,929	4,187	4,150
Deferred	(3,046)	(6,420)	(5,412)
Provision for income taxes	$ 5,561	$ 80,306	$ 88,172

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
deferred tax effect - tax cut job act benefit	$ (73,028)	$ 0	$ 0
Difference between the income tax computation by the company and the statutory body
Provision at the U.S. federal statutory rate	76,651	79,580	63,760
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income tax, net of benefit for federal deduction	4,472	4,230	4,448
Foreign income tax rate differential	(2,443)	(2,799)	(2,002)
Employment credits	(862)	(821)	(407)
Changes in valuation allowances	629	749	14,667
Nondeductible Goodwill	0	34	4,651
Stock-based compensation	(136)	368	386
Other	278	(1,035)	2,669
Provision for income taxes	$ 5,561	$ 80,306	$ 88,172

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (46,063)	$ 14,162	$ 11,884
Net deferred tax liabilities comprised
Loss reserves and accruals	44,004	59,884
Interest rate swaps	259	5,598
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	2,770	5,907
State net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards	17,430	16,848
Deferred tax assets, depreciation expense	0	775
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	40,582	34,946
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	379	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	105,424	123,958
Valuation allowance on state NOL	(54,415)	(53,946)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	51,009	70,012
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights	(118,447)	(160,439)
Depreciation expense	(50,166)	(64,465)
Deferred tax liabilities deferred gain on bond redemption	(327)	(1,023)
Other	(1,820)	(3,317)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	(170,760)	(229,244)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ (119,751)	$ (159,232)

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	$ 379,000	$ 0
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%
deferred tax effect - tax cut job act benefit	$ (73,028,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(46,063,000)	14,162,000	11,884,000
Provision for income taxes	$ 5,561,000	$ 80,306,000	$ 88,172,000
Effective tax rate	2.50%	35.30%	48.40%
number of foreign subsidiaries	2
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 15,000,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	124,404,000	$ 161,502,000
No unrecognized tax benefits	1,000,000	$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	800,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	200,000
U.S.
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses			$ 0
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	122,000,000
State [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 261,900,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2018
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates	Dec. 31, 2037

Accounts and Notes Receivable63

Accounts and Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 191,749	$ 176,260
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,138	2,896
Accounts and notes receivable, net	188,611	173,364
Amounts due from manufacturers [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	109,599	95,754
Parts and service receivables [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	39,343	35,318
Finance and insurance receivables, net [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	25,293	24,866
Other [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 17,514	$ 20,322

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
New Vehicles Inventory, Gross	$ 1,194,632	$ 1,156,383
Used Vehicles Inventory, Gross	350,760	294,812
Rental Vehicles Inventory, Gross	144,213	131,080
Parts, Accessories and Other Inventory, Gross	82,755	77,762
Inventory, Gross	1,772,360	1,660,037
Summary of inventories
Lower of cost or market reserves	$ (9,067)	$ (8,222)

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 1,627,347	$ 1,390,329
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	308,388	264,446
Property and equipment, net	1,318,959	1,125,883
Land [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	482,600	400,163
Buildings [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 700,257	553,961
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	25
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	50
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 172,071	170,060
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 117,781	100,164
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	7
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	20
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 100,881	87,691
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3
Furniture and fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	10
Company vehicles [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 11,933	11,632
Company vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3
Company vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	5
Construction in progress [Member]
Property and Equipment
Total	$ 41,824	$ 66,658

Property and Equipment (Detai66

Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Asset impairment charges of property and equipment	$ 200	$ 2,800
Capital expenditures incurred for purchase and construction of assets	98,300	100,600
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	8,759	15,930	$ 32,720
Depreciation and amortization	57,900	51,200	$ 47,200
Building recorded under capital lease included in property plant equipment before accumulated depreciation	77,400	68,900
Land and Building [Member]
Property Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition of fixed assets	110,400	28,800
Dealership Acquisitions [Member]
Property Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition of fixed assets		$ 39,100
Dealership Acquisitions [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Property Plant and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition of fixed assets	$ 29,000

Credit Facilities (Details)

Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Notes Payable Credit Facility	$ 1,133,296	$ 1,072,092
Floorplan Offset	86,547	59,626
Other floorplan notes payable	20,852	4,936
Total floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other net	1,154,148	1,077,028
FMCC Offset	22,500	25,500
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	397,183	392,661
Floorplan Notes Payable Manufacturer Affiliates Net	374,683	367,161
New Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Notes Payable Credit Facility	1,019,511	941,913
Used Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Notes Payable Credit Facility	176,802	160,070
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Notes Payable Credit Facility	23,530	29,735
FMCC Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Notes Payable Manufacturer Affiliates Gross	152,984	175,244
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	130,484	149,744
Other and Rental Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	$ 244,199	$ 217,417

Credit Facilities (Details Text

Credit Facilities (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	$ (86,547)	$ (86,547)	$ (59,626)
Maximum Limit of Restricted Payment		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
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	397,183	$ 397,183	392,661
FMCC Offset	22,500	22,500	$ 25,500
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jun. 17, 2021
Number of financial institutions	24	24
Number of Manufacturer-affiliated finance companies	6	6
Number of tranches	2	2
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity can be extended, amount	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,100,000
Line of credit facility, unamortized cost	4,200	4,200
Restricted Payment Basket	184,800	184,800
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	1,750,000	$ 1,750,000
Maximum period for outstanding borrowing		1 year
Commitment fees, Percentage		0.15%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	1,133,296	$ 1,133,296
Available amount under borrowing capacity	$ 306,700	$ 306,700
Weighted average interest rate	2.70%	2.70%	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, New Vehicles [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, Used Vehicles [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 360,000	$ 360,000
Line of credit facility minimum borrowing capacity	50,000	$ 50,000
Basis spread on interest rate		1.50%
Restricted payment maximum	50,000	$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	26,988	26,988	$ 0
Available amount under borrowing capacity	308,200	308,200
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Debt interest rate	2.30%	2.30%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Commitment fees, Percentage		0.45%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Commitment fees, Percentage		0.20%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | United States of America, Dollars | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | United States of America, Dollars | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | Euros or Pound Sterling [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 125,000	$ 125,000
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member] | Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		1.25%
FMCC Facility [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	300,000	$ 300,000
Available amount under borrowing capacity	169,500	$ 169,500
Cancellation of agreement		30 days
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	$ 130,484	$ 130,484
Debt interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	5.25%
UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 122,800	$ 122,800
UK Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	3.95%	3.95%
UK Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	1.25%	1.25%
Brazilian Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 22,700	$ 22,700
Debt interest rate	18.02%	18.02%
Brazilian Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	11.42%	11.42%
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	6.00%	6.00%
Debt Instrument Maturity Date Period		2 years
FMCC Facility [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Basis spread on interest rate		1.50%
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	$ 130,484	$ 130,484	$ 149,744
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facility (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 119,600	$ 119,600

Long-Term Debt (Details 1)

Long-Term Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 77,400	$ 68,900
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities	1,357,712	1,269,027
Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Excluding Short Term Financing Current	39,528	56,218
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	1,318,184	1,212,809
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	542,063	540,465
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	296,151	295,591
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Long-term Debt	440,845	385,358
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	51,665	47,613
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Acquisition Line	$ 26,988	$ 0

Long-Term Debt (Details 2)

Long-Term Debt (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt
2,016	$ 39,721
2,017	86,967
2,018	55,170
2,019	86,336
2,020	589,406
Thereafter	503,634
Total Debt	$ 1,361,234

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, BRL in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017BRL	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Lease Expiration Date	Jun. 1, 2034
Short-term Debt				$ 16,200
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 3,500		$ 3,500
Number of manufacturer-affiliated finance partners	3		3			3
Unsecured Debt, Current	$ 24,700		$ 24,700
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans			75,309	42,654	$ 32,026
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	86,800		86,800	93,900
Amortization Cost of Mortgage Facility, Real Estate Related Debt and Acquisition Line			3,661	3,694	3,652
Impact of interest rate derivative instruments related to Mortgage Facility			1,900	2,300	1,800
Total interest expense related to capital leases, net of interest income			8,200	6,600	7,600
Interest costs capitalized on construction projects			1,600	1,700	700
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Debt		$ 300
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt			25,100
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 550,000		$ 550,000	550,000			$ 200,000	$ 350,000
Debt interest rate	5.00%		5.00%			5.00%
Maturity date of notes			Jun. 1, 2022
Additional borrowings discount from face value	1.50%		1.50%			1.50%
Amortization period of underwriters fees, debt issuance costs, and discount			8 years
Unamortized Underwriters Fees, Discount, and Debt Issuance Costs	$ 7,900		$ 7,900
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	567,900		567,900	548,400
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 300,000		$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Debt interest rate				5.25%
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%		105.25%			105.25%
Redemption price percentage of principal redeemed	100.00%		100.00%			100.00%
Amortization period of underwriters fees and debt issuance costs			8 years
Unamortized Underwriters Fees and Debt Issuance Costs	$ 3,800		$ 3,800
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 310,900		$ 310,900	$ 297,000
Other Real Estate Related Long Term Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	3.25%		3.25%			3.25%
Other Real Estate Related Long Term Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	4.69%		4.69%			4.69%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	10.40%		10.40%	9.90%		10.40%
U.K. Working Capital Loan [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term Debt	$ 13,400		$ 13,400
Additional Borrowings			5,100
Proceeds from Short-term Debt			0
Number of loans as per loan agreements	0
Convertible and Senior Notes [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Total interest expense excluding amortization cost			43,300	$ 43,300	28,500
Amortization cost of the 3.00% notes, 2.25% Notes, 5.00% Notes, and 5.25% Notes			$ 2,200	2,100	1,500
Brazilian third party financial institution [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date of notes			Feb. 1, 2020
Total borrowings | BRL						BRL 6.6
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans			$ 0
Brazil Note [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date of notes			Apr. 1, 2025
Total borrowings	$ 3,300		$ 3,300
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	400		400
Repayments of Long-term Debt			600
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans			0
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	398,000		398,000
Unamortized debt issuance cost	600		600
Total borrowings	350,000		350,000	321,900
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	26,400		$ 26,400	39,800
Number of loans as per loan agreements			57
Repayments of Long-term Debt			$ 18,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			$ 46,400
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Variable Interest Rate			1.50%
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date of notes			Nov. 1, 2032
Variable Interest Rate			2.50%
Fixed interest rate debt [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	92,900		$ 92,900	94,500
Real Estate Credit Facility, Real Estate Related Debt and Acquisition Line [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Total interest expense excluding amortization cost			$ 15,000	13,700	$ 17,600
U.K. Notes [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity date of notes			Sep. 1, 2034
Total borrowings	79,200		$ 79,200	50,400
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	7,400		$ 7,400	$ 4,300
Number of loans as per loan agreements			16
Repayments of Long-term Debt			$ 5,700
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans			28,900
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,800,000		1,800,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jun. 17, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Long Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 360,000		360,000
Line of credit facility minimum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000		$ 50,000
Variable Interest Rate			1.50%

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of domestic regions	2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 9,501	$ 9,484
Total	10,358	12,750
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative financial instruments	10,579	24,411
Total	10,579	24,411
Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	844	3,254
Demand Obligation [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13	$ 12

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)dealerships
Manufacturer [Line Items]
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 1,210
Volkswagen legal claims	$ 14,700
Number of Volkswagen dealers	652
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 0
Volkswagen [Member]
Manufacturer [Line Items]
New vehicle retail unit sales	2.60%
Number Of Dealerships | dealerships	7
TotalNumberOfInstallments	18
NumberOfInstallmentsReceived	11,000

Asset Impairments (Details)

Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss								$ 55,400
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 9,800	$ 9,500	$ 19,200	$ 10,600	$ 200	$ 19,300	$ 30,000	30,100
Other Asset Impairment Charges							$ 2,800	1,300
Pre-tax impairment charges of real estate						$ 200
Increase in assumed risk free rate to estimate WACC						2.00%
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						$ 51,800
Pre tax impairment charges of other long lived assets								$ 800
WACC increased 200 bps [Member]
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						33,200
U.S. | WACC increased 200 bps [Member]
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						33,100
U.S. | Recession scenario [Member]
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						50,998
U.K. | WACC increased 200 bps [Member]
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						100
U.K. | Recession scenario [Member]
Assets Impairments (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional franchise rights impairment charge						$ 800

Intangible Franchise Rights (De

Intangible Franchise Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance	$ 284,876	$ 307,588
Additions through acquisitions	18,168	12,833
Disposition of Intangible Franchise Rights		(5,203)
Impairment of Intangible Franchise Rights	(19,332)	(29,823)
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance	285,632	284,876
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	1,920	(519)
U.S.
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance	260,534	285,659
Additions through acquisitions	8,035	0
Disposition of Intangible Franchise Rights		(5,203)
Impairment of Intangible Franchise Rights	(12,588)	(19,922)
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance	255,981	260,534
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0	0
U.K.
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance	17,337	7,773
Additions through acquisitions	10,133	12,833
Disposition of Intangible Franchise Rights		0
Impairment of Intangible Franchise Rights	0	0
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance	29,483	17,337
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	2,013	(3,269)
Brazil
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance	7,005	14,156
Additions through acquisitions	0	0
Disposition of Intangible Franchise Rights		0
Impairment of Intangible Franchise Rights	(6,744)	(9,901)
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance	168	7,005
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	$ (93)	$ 2,750

Intangible Franchise Rights a76

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill Goodwill (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 876,763,000	$ 854,915,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	32,002,000	33,499,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,052,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(933,000)	(4,059,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 55,400,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	5,202,000	(8,644,000)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 913,034,000	876,763,000	854,915,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		97,800,000
U.S.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	3
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 805,935,000	809,775,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	29,332,000	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		28,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	(3,868,000)
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 835,267,000	$ 805,935,000	809,775,000
U.K.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	12	12
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 57,054,000	$ 35,320,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	2,575,000	31,644,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,024,000
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	5,405,000	(10,934,000)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	65,034,000	$ 57,054,000	35,320,000
Brazil
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired		1
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	13,774,000	$ 9,820,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	95,000	1,855,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(933,000)	(191,000)
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(203,000)	2,290,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 12,733,000	$ 13,774,000	$ 9,820,000

Intangible Franchise Rights a77

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Countries and States [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 19,332,000	$ 29,823,000
Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Textual) [Abstract]
Accumulated Impairments		$ 97,800,000
Number of Franchises Disposed	3	10
UNITED KINGDOM
Countries and States [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 0	$ 0
Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	12	12
Number of Franchises Disposed	1	1
Brazil
Countries and States [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 6,744,000	$ 9,901,000
Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired		1
Number of Franchises Disposed	2	4
U.S.
Countries and States [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 12,588,000	$ 19,922,000
Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	3
Number of Franchises Disposed		5

Employee Savings Plans (Details

Employee Savings Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Employee Savings Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan related to participants	$ 56.6	$ 49
Matching contribution paid	$ 5.1	$ 5.4

Operating Leases (Details)

Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,016	$ 42,693
2,017	37,980
2,018	33,692
2,019	29,447
2,020	25,566
Thereafter	158,209
Total	$ 327,587

Operating Leases (Details Textu

Operating Leases (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Total term of lease facility	30 years
Initial term of lease facilities	15 years
Number of additional extensions on lease facility	3
Extended period of lease under option	5 years
Future, non-cancelable sublease payments	$ 1.3
Total rent expense under all operating leases	$ 51.8	$ 53.8	$ 51.5

Accumulated Other Comprehensi81

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 15,061	$ (19,081)	$ (54,457)
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)	(64,075)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(122,552)	(137,613)	(118,532)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(9,331)	(19,452)	(17,909)
Interest rate swap contracts	8,657	10,121	(1,543)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(674)	(9,331)	(19,452)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(146,944)	(137,984)	(81,984)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	23,718	(8,960)	(56,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	$ (146,944)	$ (137,984)	$ (81,984)	$ (123,226)

Segment Information Segment I82

Segment Information Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
New vehicle retail sales									$ 6,157,531	$ 6,046,075	$ 6,001,306
Used vehicle retail sales									2,798,986	2,757,713	2,638,969
Used vehicle wholesale sales									400,170	401,863	397,251
Parts and service									1,338,032	1,261,307	1,186,193
Finance and insurance									429,002	420,654	408,786
Total revenues	$ 2,920,405	$ 3,012,292	$ 2,672,195	$ 2,518,829	$ 2,673,632	$ 2,823,176	$ 2,782,449	$ 2,608,355	11,123,721	10,887,612	10,632,505
Gross profit	425,675	431,420	$ 404,892	$ 383,522	389,181	406,668	410,119	389,101	1,645,509	1,595,069	1,533,972
Selling, general and administrative expense									1,226,195	1,170,763	1,120,833
Depreciation and amortization									57,936	51,234	47,239
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	10,000	$ 9,500			20,000	$ 10,900	$ 1,000	$ 900	19,506	32,838	87,562
Floorplan interest expense									(52,372)	(44,927)	(39,264)
Other interest expense, net									(70,497)	(67,936)	(56,903)
Income before income taxes									219,003	227,371	182,171
Provision for income taxes									(5,561)	(80,306)	(88,172)
Net income									213,442	147,065	93,999
Capital expenditures									98,301	100,606	107,232
Total assets	4,871,065				4,461,903				4,871,065	4,461,903
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
New vehicle retail sales									4,768,864	4,766,047	4,989,290
Used vehicle retail sales									2,160,699	2,242,508	2,204,728
Used vehicle wholesale sales									250,668	276,710	289,580
Parts and service									1,124,380	1,071,651	1,032,960
Finance and insurance									375,954	377,756	377,432
Total revenues									8,680,565	8,734,672	8,893,990
Gross profit									1,365,314	1,355,349	1,338,947
Selling, general and administrative expense									983,974	965,139	958,608
Depreciation and amortization									48,285	43,472	41,220
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									12,762	21,794	18,983
Floorplan interest expense									(47,221)	(40,444)	(36,062)
Other interest expense, net									(66,493)	(62,320)	(52,277)
Income before income taxes									206,579	222,180	231,797
Provision for income taxes									(5,679)	(82,541)	(89,433)
Net income									200,900	139,639	142,364
Capital expenditures									77,477	86,692	97,504
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights	1,091,248				1,066,469				1,091,248	1,066,469
Total assets	4,087,039				3,855,701				4,087,039	3,855,701
U.K.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
New vehicle retail sales									1,092,612	987,538	641,888
Used vehicle retail sales									546,266	434,203	351,311
Used vehicle wholesale sales									136,847	121,747	100,706
Parts and service									165,755	143,362	102,183
Finance and insurance									44,523	36,305	24,117
Total revenues									1,986,003	1,723,155	1,220,205
Gross profit									225,253	192,982	137,646
Selling, general and administrative expense									191,570	158,636	108,719
Depreciation and amortization									8,198	6,594	4,307
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									0	201	330
Floorplan interest expense									(4,727)	(4,222)	(2,276)
Other interest expense, net									(3,664)	(5,197)	(3,135)
Income before income taxes									17,094	18,132	18,879
Provision for income taxes									(2,142)	(3,697)	(3,655)
Net income									14,952	14,435	15,224
Capital expenditures									19,944	12,602	9,395
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights	94,517				74,391				94,517	74,391
Total assets	654,154				482,937				654,154	482,937
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
New vehicle retail sales									296,055	292,490	370,128
Used vehicle retail sales									92,021	81,002	82,930
Used vehicle wholesale sales									12,655	3,406	6,965
Parts and service									47,897	46,294	51,050
Finance and insurance									8,525	6,593	7,237
Total revenues									457,153	429,785	518,310
Gross profit									54,942	46,738	57,379
Selling, general and administrative expense									50,651	46,988	53,506
Depreciation and amortization									1,453	1,168	1,712
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									6,744	10,843	68,249
Floorplan interest expense									(424)	(261)	(926)
Other interest expense, net									(340)	(419)	(1,491)
Income before income taxes									(4,670)	(12,941)	(68,505)
Provision for income taxes									2,260	5,932	4,916
Net income									(2,410)	(7,009)	(63,589)
Capital expenditures									880	1,312	333
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights	12,901				20,779				12,901	20,779
Total assets	129,872				123,265				129,872	123,265
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill and intangible franchise rights	1,198,666				1,161,639				1,198,666	1,161,639
Total assets	$ 4,871,065				$ 4,461,903				4,871,065	4,461,903
Net of taxes [Member] | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									8,000	13,500	12,000
Net of taxes [Member] | Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									$ 4,400	$ 6,900	$ 62,400

Segment Information Segment I83

Segment Information Segment Information (Details textuals) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues		$ 14,700
Payments for Legal Settlements							$ (1,210,000)
deferred tax effect - tax cut job act benefit							$ (73,028)	$ 0	$ 0
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								2,200
Number of Reportable Segments							3
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	$ 10,000	$ 9,500	$ 20,000	$ 10,900	$ 1,000	$ 900	$ 19,506	32,838	87,562
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)							3,046	6,420	5,412
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues							6,600
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								2,700
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							12,762	21,794	18,983
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								(800)
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							6,744	10,843	68,249
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)								1,700
U.K.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								(300)
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							0	201	330
Pre-tax [Member] | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payments for Legal Settlements							(1,800)	11,700	(1,000)
Loss from Catastrophes							8,800	5,900	1,600
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								2,700	8,900
Severance Costs								1,800
Pre-tax [Member] | Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								800
Net of taxes [Member] | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payments for Legal Settlements								(7,300)
Loss from Catastrophes								3,700	1,000
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								1,700	5,500
Severance Costs								1,200
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							8,000	13,500	12,000
Net of taxes [Member] | Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							$ 4,400	$ 6,900	$ 62,400

Selected Quarterly Financial 84

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 2,920,405	$ 3,012,292	$ 2,672,195	$ 2,518,829	$ 2,673,632	$ 2,823,176	$ 2,782,449	$ 2,608,355	$ 11,123,721	$ 10,887,612	$ 10,632,505
Gross profit	425,675	431,420	404,892	383,522	389,181	406,668	410,119	389,101	1,645,509	1,595,069	$ 1,533,972
Net income	$ 110,489	$ 29,881	$ 39,133	$ 33,939	$ 30,828	$ 35,366	$ 46,580	$ 34,291	$ 213,442	$ 147,065
Basic earnings per common share	$ 5.27	$ 1.43	$ 1.84	$ 1.58	$ 1.44	$ 1.65	$ 2.12	$ 1.47	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.91
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 5.27	$ 1.43	$ 1.84	$ 1.58	$ 1.44	$ 1.65	$ 2.12	$ 1.47	$ 10.08	$ 6.67	$ 3.90

Selected Quarterly Financial 85

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	$ 10,000	$ 9,500	$ 20,000	$ 10,900	$ 1,000	$ 900	$ 19,506	$ 32,838	$ 87,562
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 9,800	9,500	$ 19,200	$ 10,600		$ 200	$ 19,300	$ 30,000	30,100
Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues		$ 14,700
Number of Franchises Disposed							3	10
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								$ 2,200
Asset impairment charge on disposition								600
U.S.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							$ 12,762	$ 21,794	18,983
Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues							6,600
Number of Franchises Disposed								5
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								$ 2,700
U.S. | Pre-tax [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								2,700	8,900
U.S. | Net of taxes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							8,000	13,500	12,000
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								1,700	5,500
U.K.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							$ 0	$ 201	330
Number of Franchises Disposed							1	1
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								$ (300)
Brazil
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							$ 6,744	$ 10,843	68,249
Number of Franchises Disposed							2	4
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								$ (800)
Brazil | Pre-tax [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Gain (Loss) on Real Estate and Dealership Transactions								800
Brazil | Net of taxes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS							$ 4,400	$ 6,900	$ 62,400

Condensed Consolidated Financ86

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,787	$ 20,992	$ 13,037	$ 40,975
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	306,433	269,508
Accounts and notes receivable, net	188,611	173,364
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventory, Net	1,763,293	1,651,815
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,062	34,908
Total current assets	2,329,186	2,150,587
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,318,959	1,125,883
GOODWILL	913,034	876,763	854,915
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	285,632	284,876
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
OTHER ASSETS	24,254	23,794
Total assets	4,871,065	4,461,903
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,240,695	1,136,654
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(86,547)	(59,626)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	397,183	392,661
FMCC Offset	(22,500)	(25,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	77,609	72,419
Derivative Liability, Current	1,996	3,941
Accounts payable	412,981	356,099
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	177,070	176,469
Total current liabilities	2,198,487	2,053,117
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,318,184	1,212,809
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	8,583	20,470
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	221,529	245,307
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,124,282	930,200	918,252	978,010
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,124,282	930,200
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,871,065	4,461,903
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	(39,936)	(8,929)
Inventory, Net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	(39,936)	(8,929)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0	0
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0	0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	(2,999,407)	(2,787,328)
OTHER ASSETS	0	0
Total assets	(3,039,343)	(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
FMCC Offset	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	(930,931)	(884,591)
Accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	(930,931)	(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	(2,999,407)	(2,787,328)
Intercompany note receivable	890,995	875,662
Total stockholders’ equity	(2,108,412)	(1,911,666)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	(3,039,343)	(2,796,257)
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	26,988	0
Inventory, Net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,934	516
Total current assets	28,922	516
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0	0
GOODWILL	0	0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0	0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	2,999,407	2,787,328
OTHER ASSETS	0	0
Total assets	3,028,329	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
FMCC Offset	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	24,741	0
Derivative Liability, Current	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany accounts payable	890,995	875,662
Accrued expenses	0	0
Total current liabilities	915,736	875,662
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	865,202	836,056
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0	0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	(117)	(1,020)
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,247,508	1,077,146
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,247,508	1,077,146
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,028,329	2,787,844
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	10,096	8,039	6,338	25,379
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	266,788	241,097
Accounts and notes receivable, net	144,872	140,985
Intercompany accounts receivable	12,948	8,929
Inventory, Net	1,434,852	1,386,871
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,378	7,188
Total current assets	1,877,934	1,793,109
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,121,108	990,084
GOODWILL	835,268	805,935
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	255,980	260,534
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
OTHER ASSETS	13,682	19,313
Total assets	4,103,972	3,868,975
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,219,844	1,131,718
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(86,547)	(59,626)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	272,563	281,747
FMCC Offset	(22,500)	(25,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	31,229	44,659
Derivative Liability, Current	1,996	3,941
Accounts payable	229,470	211,050
Intercompany accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	150,241	156,648
Total current liabilities	1,796,296	1,744,637
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	360,526	324,540
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	8,583	20,470
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	210,216	240,348
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	2,619,346	2,414,642
Intercompany note receivable	(890,995)	(875,662)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,728,351	1,538,980
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,103,972	3,868,975
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	18,691	12,953	$ 6,699	$ 15,596
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	39,645	28,411
Accounts and notes receivable, net	43,739	32,379
Intercompany accounts receivable	0	0
Inventory, Net	328,441	264,944
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	31,750	27,204
Total current assets	462,266	365,891
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	197,851	135,799
GOODWILL	77,766	70,828
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	29,652	24,342
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
OTHER ASSETS	10,572	4,481
Total assets	778,107	601,341
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	20,851	4,936
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0	0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	124,620	110,914
FMCC Offset	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	21,639	27,760
Derivative Liability, Current	0	0
Accounts payable	183,511	145,049
Intercompany accounts payable	39,936	8,929
Accrued expenses	26,829	19,821
Total current liabilities	417,386	317,409
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	92,456	52,213
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0	0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	11,430	5,979
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	256,835	225,740
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	256,835	225,740
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 778,107	$ 601,341

Condensed Consolidated Financ87

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	$ 2,920,405	$ 3,012,292	$ 2,672,195	$ 2,518,829	$ 2,673,632	$ 2,823,176	$ 2,782,449	$ 2,608,355	$ 11,123,721	$ 10,887,612	$ 10,632,505
COST OF SALES:									9,478,212	9,292,543	9,098,533
GROSS PROFIT	425,675	431,420	$ 404,892	$ 383,522	389,181	406,668	410,119	389,101	1,645,509	1,595,069	1,533,972
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES									1,226,195	1,170,763	1,120,833
Depreciation and amortization									57,936	51,234	47,239
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	$ 10,000	$ 9,500			$ 20,000	$ 10,900	$ 1,000	$ 900	19,506	32,838	87,562
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS									341,872	340,234	278,338
Floorplan interest expense									(52,372)	(44,927)	(39,264)
Interest Expense, Other									(70,497)	(67,936)	(56,903)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									219,003	227,371	182,171
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES									(5,561)	(80,306)	(88,172)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									0	0	0
NET INCOME									213,442	147,065	93,999
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)									23,718	(8,960)	(56,000)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT									237,160	138,105	37,999
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:									0	0	0
COST OF SALES:									0	0	0
GROSS PROFIT									0	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									0	0	0
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS									0	0	0
Floorplan interest expense									0	0	0
Interest Expense, Other									0	0	0
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									0	0	0
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES									0	0	0
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									(215,556)	(148,767)	(94,439)
NET INCOME									(215,556)	(148,767)	(94,439)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)									0		0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT									(215,556)	(148,767)	(94,439)
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:									0	0	0
COST OF SALES:									0	0	0
GROSS PROFIT									0	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES									3,381	2,722	3,024
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									0	0	0
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS									(3,381)	(2,722)	(3,024)
Floorplan interest expense									0	0	0
Interest Expense, Other									0	0	2,320
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									(3,381)	(2,722)	(704)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES									1,268	1,020	264
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									215,556	148,767	94,439
NET INCOME									213,443	147,065	93,999
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)									0		0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT									213,443	147,065	93,999
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:									8,680,565	8,734,673	8,893,990
COST OF SALES:									7,315,252	7,379,323	7,555,043
GROSS PROFIT									1,365,313	1,355,350	1,338,947
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES									974,413	954,495	950,268
Depreciation and amortization									48,284	43,472	41,220
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									12,762	21,794	18,899
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS									329,854	335,589	328,560
Floorplan interest expense									(47,222)	(40,444)	(36,063)
Interest Expense, Other									(66,490)	(64,870)	(52,276)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									216,142	230,275	240,221
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES									(6,947)	(83,560)	(89,698)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									0	0	0
NET INCOME									209,195	146,715	150,523
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)									8,657	10,121	(1,543)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT									217,852	156,836	148,980
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:									2,443,156	2,152,939	1,738,515
COST OF SALES:									2,162,960	1,913,220	1,543,490
GROSS PROFIT									280,196	239,719	195,025
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES									248,401	213,546	167,541
Depreciation and amortization									9,652	7,762	6,019
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS									6,744	11,044	68,663
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS									15,399	7,367	(47,198)
Floorplan interest expense									(5,150)	(4,483)	(3,201)
Interest Expense, Other									(4,007)	(3,066)	(6,947)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									6,242	(182)	(57,346)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES									118	2,234	1,262
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES									0	0	0
NET INCOME									6,360	2,052	(56,084)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)									15,061	(19,081)	(54,457)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT									$ 21,421	$ (17,029)	$ (110,541)

Condensed Consolidated Financ88

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 198,925	$ 384,857	$ 141,047
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(109,081)	(57,327)	(212,252)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	10,708	36,843	41,581
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(215,832)	(156,521)	(120,252)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	1,607	2,965	6,421
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(312,598)	(174,040)	(284,502)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	7,019,070	6,597,406	7,557,237
Repayments On Credit Facility Floorplan Line	(6,957,866)	(6,676,161)	(7,504,516)
Borrowings on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	68,086	220,020	489,548
Repayments on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	(42,278)	(220,020)	(557,696)
Net borrowings on 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes	0	0	296,250
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs		(3,513)	(788)
Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt	165,702	49,972	59,855
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(121,199)	(45,928)	(63,769)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	75,309	42,654	32,026
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs		39,141	31,238
Principal Payments Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	(29,391)	(25,463)	(72,079)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	4,603	3,868	214
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(40,094)	(127,606)	(97,473)
Tax effect from excess stock-based compensation		(249)	2,142
Dividends paid	(20,466)	(19,987)	(19,942)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	0	0	0
Change in investment in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	121,476	(205,007)	121,009
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(8)	2,145	(5,492)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	7,795	7,955	(27,938)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	28,787	20,992	13,037	$ 40,975
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(1,911)	(760)	(2,662)
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(46,607)	(57,327)	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,363	1,526	748
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(30,490)	(18,258)	(23,243)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	0	217	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(74,734)	(73,842)	(22,495)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0	0
Repayments On Credit Facility Floorplan Line	0	0	0
Borrowings on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	0	0	0
Repayments on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	0	0	0
Net borrowings on 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes			0
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs		0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt	140,629	49,972	59,404
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(120,168)	(45,005)	(62,383)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	28,890	0	22,430
Principal Payments Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	(6,460)	(5,154)	(3,845)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0	0	0
Tax effect from excess stock-based compensation		0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	29,827	7,737	(9,045)
Change in investment in subsidiaries	9,673	71,161	15,191
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	82,391	78,711	21,752
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(8)	2,145	(5,492)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	5,738	6,254	(8,897)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	18,691	12,953	6,699	15,596
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(13,759)	238,552	49,710
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(62,474)	0	(212,252)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	8,345	35,317	40,833
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(185,342)	(138,263)	(97,009)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	1,607	2,748	6,421
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(237,864)	(100,198)	(262,007)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	7,019,070	6,597,406	7,557,237
Repayments On Credit Facility Floorplan Line	(6,957,866)	(6,676,161)	(7,504,516)
Borrowings on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	0	0	0
Repayments on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	0	0	0
Net borrowings on 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes			0
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs		(516)	(788)
Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt	19	0	451
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(718)	(923)	(1,386)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	46,419	42,654	9,596
Principal Payments Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	(22,931)	(20,309)	(68,234)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0	0	0
Tax effect from excess stock-based compensation		0	2,142
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	(32,719)	(406,888)	(211,236)
Change in investment in subsidiaries	202,406	328,084	409,990
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	253,680	(136,653)	193,256
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	2,057	1,701	(19,041)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	10,096	8,039	6,338	25,379
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	214,595	147,065	93,999
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	0	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	0	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	0	0	0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	0	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0	0
Repayments On Credit Facility Floorplan Line	0	0	0
Borrowings on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	68,086	220,020	489,548
Repayments on Credit Facility Acquisition Line	(42,278)	(220,020)	(557,696)
Net borrowings on 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes			(296,250)
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs		(2,997)	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt	25,054	0	0
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(313)	0	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	0	0	0
Principal Payments Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans	0	0	0
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	4,603	3,868	214
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(40,094)	(127,606)	(97,473)
Tax effect from excess stock-based compensation		(249)	0
Dividends paid	(20,466)	(19,987)	(19,942)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	2,892	399,151	220,281
Change in investment in subsidiaries	(212,079)	(399,245)	(425,181)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(214,595)	(147,065)	(93,999)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0