Group 1 Automotive (GPI) 10-Q 4 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 26, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,031,203
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,928,957
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Total assets	$ 5,058,478		$ 4,871,065
Total current assets	2,413,198		2,329,186
Cash and cash equivalents	33,090		28,787
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	297,885		306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159		188,611
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	77,888		42,062
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,357,870		1,318,959
GOODWILL	960,110	[1]	913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	295,626		285,632
OTHER ASSETS	31,674		24,254
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,058,478		4,871,065
Total current liabilities	2,267,158		2,198,487
Floorplan notes payable - credit facility and other	1,199,741		1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)		(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	420,315		397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)		(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	58,195		77,609
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177		1,996
Accounts payable	491,841		412,981
Accrued expenses	194,248		177,070
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770		1,318,184
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	134,800		124,404
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512		8,583
OTHER LIABILITIES	98,159		97,125
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Total stockholders’ equity	1,178,079		1,124,282
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized; 25,527 and 25,515 issued, respectively	255		255
Additional paid-in capital	286,244		291,461
Retained earnings	1,288,052		1,246,323
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(105,950)		(123,226)
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,597 and 4,617 shares, respectively	$ (290,522)		$ (290,531)
[1]	(1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	(50,000,000)	(50,000,000)
Common Stock, shares issued	(20,298,021)	(25,515,306)
Treasury securities, shares	(4,597,256)	(4,616,635)

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
REVENUES:
New vehicle retail sales	$ 1,513,590	$ 1,337,213
Used vehicle retail sales	780,570	660,927
Used vehicle wholesale sales	104,029	104,157
Parts and service sales	349,515	319,698
Finance, insurance and other, net	112,322	96,834
Total revenues	2,860,026	2,518,829
COST OF SALES:
New vehicle retail sales	1,438,163	1,267,986
Used vehicle retail sales	737,075	615,922
Used vehicle wholesale sales	102,374	104,057
Parts and service sales	162,651	147,342
Total cost of sales	2,440,263	2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	419,763	383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	324,347	289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	79,074	80,137
OTHER EXPENSE:
Floorplan interest expense	(14,087)	(11,942)
Other interest expense, net	(18,820)	(16,999)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	46,167	51,196
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	(10,353)	(17,257)
NET INCOME	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,298	20,692
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding	20,307	20,698
CASH DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE	$ 0.26	$ 0.24

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,871	4,137
Unrealized gain on interest rate risk management activities, net of tax	9,405	2,658
Unrealized gain arising during the period, net of tax provision of $2,492 and $234, respectively	7,892	390
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in interest expense, net of tax provision of $478, and $1,361, respectively	1,513	2,268
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAXES	17,276	6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 53,090	$ 40,734

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax (benefit) provision of unrealized loss on interest rate swap	$ (2,492)	$ (234)
Tax provision of reclassification adjustment	$ (478)	$ (1,361)

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		25,515
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,124,282	$ 255	$ 291,461	$ 1,246,323	$ (123,226)	$ (290,531)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	35,814	0	0	35,814	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,276	0	0	0	17,276	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued	(9,199)	$ 0	0	0	0	(9,199)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		12
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	(1,638)	$ 0	10,846	0	0	(9,208)
Stock-based compensation	5,629	0	5,629	0	0	0
Cash dividends	(5,482)	$ 0	0	(5,482)	0	0
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2018		25,527
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 1,178,079	$ 255	286,244	$ 1,288,052	$ (105,950)	$ (290,522)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 34,559	$ 34,680
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	35,814	33,939
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
Deferred income taxes	2,675	5,503
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
Stock-based compensation	5,642	6,074
Amortization of debt discount and issue costs	650	912
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(516)	(280)
Other	(6)	(871)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	65,200	9,164
Accounts and notes receivable	12,727	21,508
Inventories	7,153	(74,254)
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables	11,237	56,140
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(12,548)	1,066
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	5,067	(3,126)
Deferred revenues	(655)	(164)
Net cash provided by operating activities	148,782	69,217
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(71,499)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,940	2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(47,948)	(46,451)
Other	140	2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367)	(41,880)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on credit facility - Floorplan Line	1,656,192	1,594,371
Repayments on credit facility - Floorplan Line	(1,702,447)	(1,598,291)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	66,945	15,000
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)
Borrowings on other debt	65,614	0
Principal payments on other debt	(40,078)	(232)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	46,835	0
Principal payments of long-term debt related to real estate loans	(37,819)	(6,831)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)	0
Dividends paid	(5,495)	(5,150)
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534)	(17,163)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	4,928	10,434
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	28,787	24,246
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,090
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate, accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 6,066	$ 7,287

Interim Financial Information

Interim Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Information	Business and Organization Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading operator in the automotive retailing industry with business activities in 15 states in the United States of America ("U.S."), 32 towns in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and four states in Brazil. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company" in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company, through its regions, sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company’s U.S. retail network consisted of 117 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 March 31, 2018 , the Company had two international regions: (a) the U.K., which consisted of 47 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. The Company's operating results are generally subject to seasonal variations, as well as changes in the economic environment. This seasonality is generally attributable to consumer buying trends and the timing of manufacturer new vehicle model introductions. In addition, in some regions of the U.S., vehicle purchases decline during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, U.S. revenues and operating income are typically lower in the first and fourth quarters and higher in the second and third quarters. For the U.K., the first and third quarters tend to be stronger, driven by the vehicle license plate change months of March and September. For Brazil, the Company expects higher volumes in the third and fourth calendar quarters. The first quarter in Brazil is generally the weakest, driven by more consumer vacations and activities associated with Carnival. Other factors unrelated to seasonality, such as changes in economic conditions, manufacturer incentive programs, seasonal weather events and changes in currency exchange rates may exaggerate seasonal or cause counter-seasonal fluctuations in the Company's revenues and operating income. Due to seasonality and other factors, the results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be realized for any other interim period or for the entire fiscal year. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition 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. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“ 2017 Form 10-K”). Business Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. See Note 15 , "Segment Information" , for additional details regarding the Company's reportable segments. 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 9 , “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 $20.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11 , "Fair Value Measurements" , for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances. March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 33,090 $ 28,787 Restricted cash, included in other assets 1,469 844 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 34,559 $ 29,631 Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows. 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 Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows. 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. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. 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 Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605. The Company identified its 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 Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions 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 recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company 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 upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. 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 changed under Topic 606 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 with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue. As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned for maintenance and repair services and the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million , respectively. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Balance at Adjustment due to (In thousands) Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 188,611 $ 20,306 $ 208,917 Inventories, net 1,763,293 (3,660 ) 1,759,633 Liabilities Accounts payable $ 412,981 $ 1,756 $ 414,737 Deferred income taxes 124,404 3,493 127,897 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings 1,246,323 11,397 1,257,720 (1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018. The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Income Statement (In thousands) Revenues Parts and service sales $ 349,515 $ 350,992 $ (1,477 ) Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322 112,122 200 Cost of sales Parts and service sales $ 162,651 $ 163,116 $ (465 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 324,347 324,543 (196 ) Provision for income taxes 10,353 10,504 (151 ) Net income 35,814 36,279 (465 ) Balance Sheet Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 200,159 $ 181,131 $ 19,028 Inventories, net 1,804,176 1,807,371 (3,195 ) Liabilities Accounts payable $ 491,841 $ 490,281 $ 1,560 Deferred income taxes 134,800 131,459 3,341 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings $ 1,288,052 $ 1,277,120 $ 10,932 (1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018. Refer to Note 2 , "Revenue" for further discussion of the Company’s significant revenue streams. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. 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. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods 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.

Acquisitions and Dispositions A

Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company acquired 5 dealerships in the U.K., inclusive of 8 franchises, and opened one dealership for one awarded franchise. Additionally, the Company acquired 2 dealerships in the U.S., inclusive of 2 franchises. Aggregate consideration paid for these dealerships totaled $76.6 million , including the associated real estate and goodwill. Also included in the consideration paid was $5.1 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 are 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). During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company opened one dealership for one awarded franchise in the U.K. and added motorcycles to an existing BMW dealership in Brazil. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company disposed of two dealerships in Brazil representing two franchises.

Derivative Instruments and Risk

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt. The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement . The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 31, 2018 , all of the Company’s derivative instruments that were in effect were determined to be effective. The Company had no gains or losses related to ineffectiveness or amounts excluded from effectiveness testing recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017 , respectively. The Company held 25 interest rate derivative instruments in effect as of March 31, 2018 of $822.1 million in notional value that fixed its underlying one-month LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 2.6% . For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the impact of the Company’s interest rate hedges in effect increased floorplan interest expense by $1.7 million and $2.9 million , respectively. Total floorplan interest expense, inclusive of the aforementioned impact of the Company's interest rate hedges, was $14.1 million and $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. In addition to the $822.1 million of swaps in effect as of March 31, 2018 , the Company held seven additional interest rate derivative instruments with forward start dates between December 2018 and December 2020 and expiration dates between December 2021 and December 2030 . The aggregate notional value of these seven forward-starting swaps was $375.0 million , and the weighted average interest rate was 1.8% . 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. Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Assets from interest rate risk management activities: Other long-term assets $ 15,987 $ 9,501 Total $ 15,987 $ 9,501 Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities: Current $ 1,177 $ 1,996 Long-term 3,512 8,583 Total $ 4,689 $ 10,579 Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at March 31, 2018 and 2017 were accumulated unrealized losses, net of income taxes, totaling $8.7 million and $6.7 million , respectively, related to these interest rate derivative instruments. The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets . Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2018 2017 (In thousands) Interest rate derivative instruments $ 7,892 $ 390 Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Floorplan interest expense $ (1,737 ) $ (2,948 ) Other interest expense (254 ) (681 ) The amount of loss 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 $2.7 million .

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The Company provides stock-based compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors pursuant to its 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), as well as to employees pursuant to its Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Purchase Plan", formerly named the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan). Long Term Incentive Plan The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of options (including options qualified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and options that are non-qualified), restricted stock, performance awards, bonus stock, and phantom stock to the Company's employees, consultants, non-employee directors and officers. The Incentive Plan expires on May 21, 2024 . The terms of the awards (including vesting schedules) are established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2018 , there were 878,454 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 (to non-employee directors only) 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 March 31, 2018 , along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows: Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 702,778 $ 68.23 Granted 194,421 75.72 Vested (167,934 ) 61.63 Forfeited (14,180 ) 70.34 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 715,085 $ 71.78 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4.5 million shares of common stock and provides that no options to purchase shares may be granted under the Purchase Plan after May 19, 2025 . The Purchase Plan is available to all employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries and is a qualified plan as defined by Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. At the end of each fiscal quarter (the “Option Period”) during the term of the Purchase Plan, employees can acquire shares of common stock from the Company at 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the Option Period, whichever is lower. As of March 31, 2018 , there were 1,102,825 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company issued 36,270 and 30,154 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 $16.22 and $18.66 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The fair value of stock purchase rights is calculated using the grant date stock price, the value of the embedded call option and the value of the embedded put option. Stock-Based Compensation Total stock-based compensation cost was $5.6 million and $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Cash received from Purchase Plan purchases was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The two-class method is utilized for the computation of the Company's earnings per share (“EPS”). The two-class method requires a portion of net income to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company’s restricted stock awards are participating securities. Income allocated to these participating securities is excluded from net earnings available to common shares, as shown in the table below. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to basic common shares by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to diluted common shares by the weighted average number of dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,298 20,692 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 9 6 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,307 20,698 Basic: Net Income $ 35,814 $ 33,939 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,209 1,250 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 34,605 $ 32,689 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.70 $ 1.58 Diluted: Net Income $ 35,814 $ 33,939 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,208 1,250 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 34,606 $ 32,689 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.70 $ 1.58

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES 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 35.0% to 21.0% , creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax" on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses. In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for the aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxes based on the reduced tax rate, and the Company's provisional determination that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018. The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% , due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7% , the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million , including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0 million . Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Detail Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 107,521 $ 109,599 Parts and service receivables (1) 52,013 39,343 Finance and insurance receivables (1) 31,180 25,293 Other 12,666 17,514 Total accounts and notes receivable 203,380 191,749 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 3,221 3,138 Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 200,159 $ 188,611 Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,237,012 $ 1,194,632 Used vehicles 359,725 350,760 Rental vehicles 136,809 144,213 Parts, accessories and other (1) 80,632 82,755 Total inventories 1,814,178 1,772,360 Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance 10,002 9,067 Inventories, net (1) $ 1,804,176 $ 1,763,293 (1) December 31, 2017 balances have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach as a part of the implementation of Topic 606. See Note 1 , "Interim Financial Information" , for further detail. New, used and rental vehicles are valued at the lower of specific cost or net realizable value and are removed from inventory using the specific identification method. Parts and accessories are valued at lower of cost (determined on either a first-in, first-out or an average cost basis) or net realizable value. Property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (in thousands) Land — $ 485,938 $ 482,600 Buildings 25 to 50 721,033 700,257 Leasehold improvements varies 177,869 172,071 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 120,626 117,781 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 105,632 100,881 Company vehicles 3 to 5 12,157 11,933 Construction in progress — 55,837 41,824 Total 1,679,092 1,627,347 Less accumulated depreciation 321,222 308,388 Property and equipment, net $ 1,357,870 $ 1,318,959 During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company incurred $33.0 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 $8.8 million of capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had accrued $6.1 million of capital expenditures. In addition, the Company purchased real estate (including land and buildings) during the three months ended March 31, 2018 associated with existing dealership operations totaling $12.2 million . In conjunction with the acquisition of dealerships and franchises in the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company acquired $8.9 million of real estate and other property and equipment.

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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”), consisting of two tranches. The borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility can be allocated between the two tranches, subject to certain limits. For U.S. vehicle inventory floorplan financing, the Revolving Credit Facility provides a maximum of $1.75 billion (“Floorplan Line”) and, for working capital and general corporate purposes (including acquisitions), the Revolving Credit Facility provides a maximum of $360.0 million and a minimum of $50.0 million (“Acquisition Line”). 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. 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. Revolving Credit Facility After considering the outstanding balance of $1,087.0 million at March 31, 2018 , the Company had $353.0 million of available floorplan borrowing capacity under the Floorplan Line. Included in the $353.0 million available borrowings under the Floorplan Line was $74.4 million of immediately available funds. The weighted average interest rate on the Floorplan Line was 3.0% and 2.7% as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, excluding the impact of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments. With regards to the Acquisition Line, there were $28.0 million borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and $27.0 million borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017 , both of which consisted entirely of borrowings in British pound sterling. The interest rate on the Acquisition Line was 2.25% as of March 31, 2018, representing the applicable rate for borrowings in British pound sterling. After considering $25.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and other factors included in the Company’s available borrowing base calculation, there was $307.5 million of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line as of March 31, 2018 . The amount of available borrowing capacity under the Acquisition Line is limited from time to time based upon certain debt covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to make disbursements outside of the ordinary course of business, dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, create liens on assets, make investments and engage in mergers or consolidations. The Company is also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, such as the fixed charge coverage and total adjusted leverage ratios. Further, the Revolving Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to make certain payments, such as dividends or other distributions of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities (“Restricted Payments”). The Restricted Payments cannot exceed the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014 (“Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket”). For purposes of the calculation of the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket, net income represents such amounts per the Consolidated Financial Statements adjusted to exclude the Company’s foreign operations, non-cash interest expense, non-cash asset impairment charges, and non-cash stock-based compensation. As of March 31, 2018 , the Credit Facility Restricted Payment Basket totaled $186.6 million . The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants and ratios under the Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018 . 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 financial institutions. Ford Motor Credit Company Facility As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had an outstanding balance of $146.3 million under the FMCC Facility with an available floorplan borrowing capacity of $153.7 million . Included in the $153.7 million available borrowings under the FMCC Facility was $24.0 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 6.25% before considering the applicable incentives as of March 31, 2018 . Other Credit Facilities The Company has credit facilities with financial institutions in the U.K., most of which are affiliated with the manufacturers, for financing new, used and rental vehicle inventories related to its U.K. operations. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $149.6 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. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings outstanding under these facilities totaled $22.8 million . Annual interest rates charged on borrowings outstanding under these facilities, after the grace period of zero to 90 days, ranged from 10.92% to 16.77% . Excluding rental vehicles financed through the Revolving Credit Facility, financing for U.S. rental vehicles is typically obtained directly from the automobile manufacturers. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings outstanding under these rental vehicle facilities totaled $116.0 million , with interest rates that vary up to 6.25% .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) $ 542,474 $ 542,063 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) 296,295 296,151 Acquisition Line 28,035 26,988 Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 500,716 440,845 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively 67,445 51,665 1,434,965 1,357,712 Less current maturities of long-term debt 58,195 39,528 $ 1,376,770 $ 1,318,184 Included in current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2017 , were two short-term revolving working capital loan agreements with third-party financial institutions in the U.K. that totaled $13.4 million and an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in the U.S. that totaled $24.7 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company repaid the entire balance under all of the short-term financing arrangements. Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt The mortgage loans in the U.S. consist of 60 term loans for an aggregate principal amount of $442.9 million . As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings outstanding under these notes totaled $379.7 million , with $41.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company made additional net borrowings and principal payments of $34.8 million and $5.1 million , respectively. The Company has entered into 18 separate term mortgage loans in the U.K. with other third-party financial institutions which are secured by the Company’s U.K. properties. These mortgage loans (collectively, “U.K. Notes”) are denominated in British pound sterling and are being repaid in monthly installments that will mature by September 2034 . As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings under the U.K. mortgage loans totaled $87.6 million , with $8.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company made additional borrowings and principal payments of $12.1 million and $6.6 million , respectively, associated with the U.K. Notes. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company entered into an unsecured loan agreement in the U.K. with a third-party financial institution that matures in March 2028. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings under the agreement totaled $ 22.0 million , with $ 2.2 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings under the Brazil mortgage totaled $3.1 million , with $0.4 million classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company made no additional borrowings and made principal payments of $0.1 million associated with the Brazil mortgage. The Company also has a working capital loan agreement with a third-party financial institution in Brazil. As of March 31, 2018 , borrowings under the Brazilian third-party loan totaled $6.7 million . For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , 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 $555.7 million and $567.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The Company's outstanding 5.25% Notes had a fair value of $300.0 million and $310.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The carrying value of the Company's fixed interest rate borrowings included in real estate related and other long-term debt totaled $85.0 million and $86.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The fair value of such fixed interest rate borrowings was $91.0 million and $92.9 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The fair value estimates are based on Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy available as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The Company determined the estimated fair value of its long-term debt using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company, or holders of the instruments, could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on estimated fair values. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rates.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date: • Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10 , "Long-Term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt. 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 restricted cash within other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value. See Note 4 , "Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities" for further details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 1,469 $ 844 Demand obligations 13 13 Interest rate derivative financial instruments 15,987 9,501 Total $ 17,469 $ 10,358 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 4,689 $ 10,579 Total $ 4,689 $ 10,579

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Company’s dealerships are named in various types of litigation involving customer claims, employment matters, class action claims, purported class action claims, as well as claims involving the manufacturer of automobiles, contractual disputes and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the nature of the automotive retailing business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings or suffer losses that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In the normal course of business, the Company is required to respond to customer, employee and other third-party complaints. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of litigation are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the manufacturers of the vehicles that the Company sells and services have audit rights allowing them to review the validity of amounts claimed for incentive, rebate or warranty-related items and charge the Company back for amounts determined to be invalid payments under the manufacturers’ programs, subject to the Company’s right to appeal any such decision. Amounts that have been accrued or paid related to the settlement of manufacturer chargebacks of recognized incentives and rebates are included in cost of sales in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, while such amounts for manufacturer chargebacks of recognized warranty-related items are included as a reduction of Revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Legal Proceedings Currently, the Company is not party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, including class action lawsuits. However, the results of current, or future, matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of such matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. Other Matters The Company, acting through its subsidiaries, is the lessee under many real estate leases that provide for the use by the Company’s subsidiaries of their respective dealership premises. Pursuant to these leases, the Company’s subsidiaries generally agree to indemnify the lessor and other parties from certain liabilities arising as a result of the use of the leased premises, including environmental liabilities, or a breach of the lease by the lessee. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into agreements in connection with the sale of assets or businesses in which it agrees to indemnify the purchaser, or other parties, from certain liabilities or costs arising in connection with the assets or business. Also, in the ordinary course of business in connection with purchases or sales of goods and services, the Company enters into agreements that may contain indemnification provisions. In the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability would be limited by the terms of the applicable agreement. From time to time, primarily in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries sublet to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships and continue to be primarily obligated on the lease. In these situations, the Company’s subsidiaries retain primary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases. To the extent that the Company remains primarily responsible under such leases, a quantification of such lease obligations is included in the Company's disclosure of future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases in Note 18, "Operating Leases" to "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the 2017 Form 10-K. In certain instances, also in connection with dealership dispositions, the Company’s subsidiaries assign to the dealership purchaser the subsidiaries’ interests in any real property leases associated with such dealerships. The Company’s subsidiaries may retain secondary responsibility for the performance of certain obligations under such leases to the extent that the assignee does not perform, if such performance is required following the assignment of the lease. Additionally, the Company and its subsidiaries may remain subject to the terms of a guaranty made by the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with such leases. In these circumstances, the Company generally has indemnification rights against the assignee in the event of non-performance under these leases, as well as certain defenses. The Company and its subsidiaries also may be called on to perform other obligations under these leases, such as environmental remediation of the leased premises or repair of the leased premises upon termination of the lease. However, potential environmental liabilities are generally known at the time of the sale of the dealership if not previously remediated. The Company does not have any known material environmental commitments or contingencies and presently has no reason to believe that it or its subsidiaries will be called on to so perform. Although not estimated to be material, the Company’s exposure under these leases is difficult to estimate and there can be no assurance that any performance of the Company or its subsidiaries required under these leases would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, or cash flows.

Intangible Franchise Rights and

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2017 $ 255,981 $ 29,483 $ 168 $ 285,632 Additions through acquisitions 1,301 7,454 — 8,755 Currency translation — 1,238 1 1,239 BALANCE, March 31, 2018 $ 257,282 $ 38,175 $ 169 $ 295,626 Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 835,267 $ 65,034 $ 12,733 $ 913,034 (1) Additions through acquisitions 14,199 29,930 — 44,129 Purchase price allocation adjustments 18 — — 18 Currency translation — 2,901 28 2,929 BALANCE, March 31, 2018 $ 849,484 $ 97,865 $ 12,761 $ 960,110 (1) (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (122,552 ) $ (674 ) $ (123,226 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 7,871 10,384 18,255 Tax effect — (2,492 ) (2,492 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) — 1,737 1,737 Other interest expense (pre-tax) — 254 254 Tax effect — (478 ) (478 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 7,871 9,405 17,276 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (114,681 ) $ 8,731 $ (105,950 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (137,613 ) $ (9,331 ) $ (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Pre-tax 4,137 624 4,761 Tax effect — (234 ) (234 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) — 2,948 2,948 Other interest expense (pre-tax) — 681 681 Tax effect — (1,361 ) (1,361 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 4,137 2,658 6,795 Balance, March 31, 2017 $ (133,476 ) $ (6,673 ) $ (140,149 )

Segment Information Segment Inf

Segment Information Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment. Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,088,486 $ 660,542 $ 110,998 $ 2,860,026 Income (loss) before income taxes 40,510 5,737 (80 ) 46,167 Provision for income taxes (9,357 ) (862 ) (134 ) (10,353 ) Net income (loss) 31,153 4,875 (214 ) 35,814 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,099,066 $ 824,333 $ 135,079 $ 5,058,478 As of December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,087,039 $ 654,154 $ 129,872 $ 4,871,065

Condensed Consolidated Financia

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following tables include condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 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 wholly owned domestic subsidiaries and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries, with the exception of the Company’s “minor” subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X). There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or subsidiary guarantors for the Company to obtain funds from its subsidiary guarantors by dividend or loan. None of the subsidiary guarantors’ assets represent restricted assets pursuant to SEC Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 8,874 $ 24,216 $ — $ 33,090 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 209,364 88,521 — 297,885 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 140,243 59,916 — 200,159 Intercompany accounts receivable 28,035 40,271 — (68,306 ) — Inventories, net — 1,438,626 365,550 — 1,804,176 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 28,151 49,737 — 77,888 Total current assets 28,035 1,865,529 587,940 (68,306 ) 2,413,198 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,127,632 230,238 — 1,357,870 GOODWILL — 849,485 110,625 — 960,110 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 257,281 38,345 — 295,626 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 3,017,378 — — (3,017,378 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 19,943 11,731 — 31,674 Total assets $ 3,045,413 $ 4,119,870 $ 978,879 $ (3,085,684 ) $ 5,058,478 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,161,401 $ 38,340 $ — $ 1,199,741 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (74,359 ) — — (74,359 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 286,320 133,995 — 420,315 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (24,000 ) — — (24,000 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 46,207 11,988 — 58,195 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 1,177 — — 1,177 Accounts payable — 217,150 274,691 — 491,841 Intercompany accounts payable 904,425 — 68,306 (972,731 ) — Accrued expenses 696 159,784 33,768 — 194,248 Total current liabilities 905,121 1,773,680 561,088 (972,731 ) 2,267,158 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 866,803 373,977 135,990 — 1,376,770 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 3,512 — — 3,512 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES 855 218,811 13,293 — 232,959 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,272,634 2,654,315 268,508 (3,017,378 ) 1,178,079 Intercompany note receivable — (904,425 ) — 904,425 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,272,634 1,749,890 268,508 (2,112,953 ) 1,178,079 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,045,413 $ 4,119,870 $ 978,879 $ (3,085,684 ) $ 5,058,478 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 STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) REVENUES $ — $ 2,088,487 $ 771,539 $ — $ 2,860,026 COST OF SALES — 1,752,802 687,461 — 2,440,263 GROSS PROFIT — 335,685 84,078 — 419,763 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,768 249,165 73,414 — 324,347 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 12,881 3,461 — 16,342 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — — — — — INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,768 ) 73,639 7,203 — 79,074 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (12,337 ) (1,750 ) — (14,087 ) Other interest expense, net — (17,017 ) (1,803 ) — (18,820 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,768 ) 44,285 3,650 — 46,167 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 424 (9,780 ) (997 ) — (10,353 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 37,158 — — (37,158 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 35,814 $ 34,505 $ 2,653 $ (37,158 ) $ 35,814 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 9,405 7,871 — 17,276 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 35,814 $ 43,910 $ 10,524 $ (37,158 ) $ 53,090 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) REVENUES $ — $ 1,967,718 $ 551,111 $ — $ 2,518,829 COST OF SALES — 1,647,123 488,184 — 2,135,307 GROSS PROFIT — 320,595 62,927 — 383,522 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,966 232,611 55,202 — 289,779 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 11,567 2,039 — 13,606 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,966 ) 76,417 5,686 — 80,137 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,878 ) (1,064 ) — (11,942 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,274 ) (725 ) — (16,999 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,966 ) 49,265 3,897 — 51,196 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 737 (17,084 ) (910 ) — (17,257 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,167 — — (35,167 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 33,938 $ 32,181 $ 2,987 $ (35,167 ) $ 33,939 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 2,658 4,137 — 6,795 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 33,938 $ 34,839 $ 7,124 $ (35,167 ) $ 40,734 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 35,814 $ 114,862 $ (1,894 ) $ 148,782 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (31,414 ) (40,085 ) (71,499 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 918 2,022 2,940 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (34,101 ) (13,847 ) (47,948 ) Other — 140 — 140 Net cash used in investing activities — (64,457 ) (51,910 ) (116,367 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,612,866 43,326 1,656,192 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,675,917 ) (26,530 ) (1,702,447 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 66,945 — — 66,945 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (66,444 ) — — (66,444 ) Borrowings on other debt — 43,326 22,288 65,614 Principal payments on other debt (24,742 ) (1,987 ) (13,349 ) (40,078 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 34,817 12,018 46,835 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (31,000 ) (6,819 ) (37,819 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,638 ) — — (1,638 ) Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (9,199 ) — — (9,199 ) Dividends paid (5,495 ) — — (5,495 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 22,730 (50,554 ) 27,824 — Investment in subsidiaries (17,971 ) 16,822 1,149 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (35,814 ) (51,627 ) 59,907 (27,534 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 47 47 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (1,222 ) 6,150 4,928 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 10,096 19,535 29,631 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 8,874 $ 25,685 $ 34,559 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 33,939 $ 23,409 $ 11,869 $ 69,217 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (95 ) (95 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 181 2,026 2,207 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (43,091 ) (3,360 ) (46,451 ) Other — 2,459 — 2,459 Net cash used in investing activities — (40,451 ) (1,429 ) (41,880 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,580,590 13,781 1,594,371 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,586,075 ) (12,216 ) (1,598,291 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 15,000 — — 15,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (15,000 ) — — (15,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (232 ) — (232 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (5,589 ) (1,242 ) (6,831 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,030 ) — — (1,030 ) Dividends paid (5,150 ) — — (5,150 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries (70,250 ) 68,483 1,767 — Investment in subsidiaries 42,491 (42,498 ) 7 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (33,939 ) 14,679 2,097 (17,163 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 260 260 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (2,363 ) 12,797 10,434 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 8,039 16,207 24,246 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 5,676 $ 29,004 $ 34,680

Interim Financial Information I

Interim Financial Information Interim Financial Information (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Statements of Cash Flows [Policy Text Block]	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 9 , “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 $20.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company received a net refund from taxes of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds, was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 Company adopted ASU 2016-15 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its net income, retained earnings, consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows. 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 Company adopted ASU 2016-18 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements, results of operations or cash flows. 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. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. 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 Company adopted ASU 2017-09 during the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact its consolidated financial statements or results of operations. Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and all subsequent amendments issued thereafter, that amends the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting policies under Topic 605. The Company identified its 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 Company concluded that no changes to the timing of revenue recognition for the sale of new and used vehicles, as well as vehicle parts are necessary. As it relates to the performance of vehicle maintenance and repair services recognized as a part of Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company identified a change in its accounting policies and procedures. Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue once the maintenance or repair services were completed and the vehicle was delivered to the customer. Under Topic 606, the Company determined that it has an enforceable right to payment during the course of the work being performed in certain jurisdictions and, thus, the Company changed its policy under Topic 606 for those jurisdictions 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 recognized as a part of Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the Company 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 upfront commission income earned when the contract was executed and the amount was determinable, and to recognize retrospective commission income as the amounts were determined and realized. The Company concluded that this retrospective commission income represents variable consideration for which the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the end user. 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 changed under Topic 606 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 with the end user. The Company's estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized will be reassessed at the end of each reporting period and changes in those estimates will be adjusted through revenue. As a result of adopting Topic 606 and implementing the changes aforementioned for maintenance and repair services and the arrangement of associated vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts, the Company recognized a net, after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings as of the date of adoption of $4.8 million and $6.6 million , respectively. The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Balance at Adjustment due to (In thousands) Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 188,611 $ 20,306 $ 208,917 Inventories, net 1,763,293 (3,660 ) 1,759,633 Liabilities Accounts payable $ 412,981 $ 1,756 $ 414,737 Deferred income taxes 124,404 3,493 127,897 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings 1,246,323 11,397 1,257,720 (1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.7 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018. The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Income Statement (In thousands) Revenues Parts and service sales $ 349,515 $ 350,992 $ (1,477 ) Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322 112,122 200 Cost of sales Parts and service sales $ 162,651 $ 163,116 $ (465 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 324,347 324,543 (196 ) Provision for income taxes 10,353 10,504 (151 ) Net income 35,814 36,279 (465 ) Balance Sheet Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 200,159 $ 181,131 $ 19,028 Inventories, net 1,804,176 1,807,371 (3,195 ) Liabilities Accounts payable $ 491,841 $ 490,281 $ 1,560 Deferred income taxes 134,800 131,459 3,341 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings $ 1,288,052 $ 1,277,120 $ 10,932 (1) Contract assets, representing a conditional right to payment, of $8.9 million are included in Accounts and notes receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018. Refer to Note 2 , "Revenue" for further discussion of the Company’s significant revenue streams. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . The amendment eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the provisions of the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. 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. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . The amendments in this update will permit entities to reclassify tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax legislation enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), to retained earnings. The FASB gave entities the option to reclassify these amounts rather than require reclassification and the option to apply the guidance retrospectively or in the period of adoption. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods 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.
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. All business acquisitions completed during the periods presented have been accounted for by applying the acquisition 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. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“ 2017 Form 10-K”).
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: the U.S., which includes the activities of the Company's corporate office, the U.K. and Brazil. The reportable segments are the business activities of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and for which operating results are regularly reviewed by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer.

Derivative Instruments and Ri26

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The periodic interest rates of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9, “Credit Facilities”) and certain variable-rate real estate related borrowings in the U.S. are indexed to the one-month London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an associated company credit risk rate. In order to minimize the earnings variability related to fluctuations in these periodic interest rates, the Company employs an interest rate hedging strategy, whereby it enters into arrangements with various financial institutional counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, swapping its variable interest rate exposure for a fixed interest rate over terms not to exceed the related variable-rate debt. The Company presents the fair value of all interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company measures the fair value of its interest rate derivative instruments utilizing an income approach valuation technique, converting future amounts of cash flows to a single present value in order to obtain a transfer exit price within the bid and ask spread that is most representative of the fair value of its derivative instruments. In measuring fair value, the Company utilizes the option-pricing Black-Scholes present value technique for all of its derivative instruments. This option-pricing technique utilizes a one-month LIBOR forward yield curve, obtained from an independent external service provider, matched to the identical maturity term of the instrument being measured. Observable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation technique incorporate identical contractual notional amounts, fixed coupon rates, periodic terms for interest payments and contract maturity. The fair value estimate of the interest rate derivative instruments also considers the credit risk of the Company for instruments in a liability position or the counterparty for instruments in an asset position. The credit risk is calculated by using the spread between the one-month LIBOR yield curve and the relevant average 10 and 20-year rate according to Standard and Poor’s. The Company has determined the valuation measurement inputs of these derivative instruments to maximize the use of observable inputs that market participants would use in pricing similar or identical instruments and market data obtained from independent sources, which is readily observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the derivative instrument. Further, the valuation measurement inputs minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Accordingly, the Company has classified the derivatives within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework as described by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement . The related gains or losses on these interest rate derivative instruments are deferred in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in income in the period in which the related items being hedged are recognized in expense. However, to the extent that the change in value of a derivative contract does not perfectly offset the change in the value of the items being hedged, that ineffective portion is immediately recognized in other income or expense. Monthly contractual settlements of these swap positions are recognized as floorplan or other interest expense in the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. All of the Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges.

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Policy Text Block]	ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; requires disclosure of the extent to which fair value is used to measure financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, the inputs utilized in calculating valuation measurements, and the effect of the measurement of significant unobservable inputs on earnings, or changes in net assets, as of the measurement date; and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs utilized in the measurement and valuation of financial assets or liabilities as of the measurement date: • Level 1 — unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation; and • Level 3 — unobservable inputs based upon the reporting entity’s internally developed assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, investments in debt and equity securities, accounts payable, credit facilities, long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, and credit facilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments and/or the existence of variable interest rates. The Company evaluated its assets and liabilities for those that met the criteria of the disclosure requirements and fair value framework of ASC 820 and identified demand obligations, interest rate derivative instruments, and investment balances in certain financial institutions as having met such criteria. See Note 10 , "Long-Term Debt" for details regarding the fair value of the Company's long-term debt. 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 restricted cash within other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company determined that the valuation measurement inputs of these instruments include inputs other than quoted market prices, that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable data by correlation. Accordingly, the Company has classified these instruments within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework. The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair market value.

Revenue (Policies)

Revenue (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New and Used Vehicle Sales Specific to the sale of new and used vehicles, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the vehicle to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of new and used vehicles is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the vehicle to the customer). In some cases, the Company uses a third-party auction as an agent to facilitate delivery of used vehicles to the customer. Incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract are accrued at the time of sale. The transaction price for new and used vehicle sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual vehicle and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. In many new and used vehicle sales transactions, a portion of the consideration applied by the customer to the satisfaction of the total transaction price is a used vehicle trade-in (i.e., noncash consideration). The Company measures such noncash consideration at fair value. Revenue recognized from the sale of new and used vehicles is reflected in New vehicle retail sales , Used vehicle retail sales , and Used vehicle wholesale sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping from its dealerships to its customers, the Company’s policy is to recognize such cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon new and used vehicle sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues. Vehicle Parts Sales Related to the sale of vehicle parts, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the delivery of the parts to the customer, which is the point at which transfer of control occurs. Revenue from the sale of vehicle parts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (i.e., delivery of the parts to the customer). The transaction price for vehicle parts sales (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the sales contract with the customer) is the stand-alone sales price of each individual part and is generally settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue recognized from the sale of vehicle parts is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to the cost of freight and shipping to its customer, the Company’s policy is to recognize such fulfillment cost in the corresponding Cost of sales category. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle parts sales transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues. Maintenance and Repair Services As it relates to vehicle maintenance and repair services, the Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts - the completion of the services. The Company has an enforceable right to payment in certain jurisdictions and, as such, transfers control of vehicle maintenance and repair services to its customer over time. Therefore, satisfaction of the performance obligation associated with the vehicle maintenance and repair services occurs, and the associated revenue is recognized, over time. The Company uses the input method for the measurement of progress and recognition of revenue, utilizing labor hours and parts applied to the customer vehicle to estimate the services performed for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The transaction price for vehicle maintenance and repair services (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the service contract with the customer) is the sum total of the labor and, if applicable, vehicle parts used in the performance of the service, as well as the margin above cost charged to the customer. The transaction price is typically settled within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation, which generally occurs within a short period of time from contract inception. Revenue recognized from vehicle maintenance and repair services is reflected in Parts and service sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. With respect to taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed upon vehicle maintenance and repair service transactions and collected by the Company from its customer, the Company’s policy is to exclude such amounts from Revenues. Arrangement of Vehicle Financing and the Sale of Service and Other Insurance Contracts With regards to the revenue generated from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance products, the Company receives commissions for these contracts from the finance or insurance provider (the customer, for whom the Company is an agent). The Company has a single performance obligation associated with these contracts for all commissions earned - the facilitation of the financing of the vehicle or sale of the insurance product. Revenue from these contracts is recognized upon satisfaction of the performance obligation, which is when the finance or insurance product contract is executed with the purchaser. The transaction price (i.e., the amount that the Company has the right to under the terms of the contract with the customer) consists of both fixed and variable consideration. With regards to the upfront commission for these contracts, the transaction price is the amount earned for each individual contract executed and is generally collected within 30 days of the satisfaction of the performance obligation. 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. In some cases, the Company also earns retrospective commission income by participating in the future profitability of the portfolio of product contracts sold by the Company. This consideration is variable (i.e., contingent upon the performance of the portfolio of contracts) and is generally settled over 5-7 years from the satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company utilizes the “expected value” method to predict the amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled, subject to constraint in the estimate. Therefore, the Company estimates the amount of future earnings that it will realize from the ultimate profitability of the portfolio and recognizes such estimate, subject to any constraint in the estimate, upfront when the product contract is executed with the end user, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied. Changes in the Company’s estimates of the amount of variable consideration to be ultimately realized are adjusted through revenue. Revenue recognized from the arrangement of vehicle financing and the sale of service and other insurance contracts is reflected in Finance, insurance and other, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and as a contract asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet until the right to such consideration becomes unconditional, at which time amounts due are reclassified to accounts receivable.

Interim Financial Information29

Interim Financial Information Interim Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 11 , "Fair Value Measurements" , for additional details regarding the Company's restricted cash balances. March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 33,090 $ 28,787 Restricted cash, included in other assets 1,469 844 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 34,559 $ 29,631
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]	The cumulative effect of the changes made to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018 for the adoption of Topic 606 were as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2018 Balance Sheet Balance at Adjustment due to (In thousands) Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 188,611 $ 20,306 $ 208,917 Inventories, net 1,763,293 (3,660 ) 1,759,633 Liabilities Accounts payable $ 412,981 $ 1,756 $ 414,737 Deferred income taxes 124,404 3,493 127,897 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings 1,246,323 11,397 1,257,720 The impact of applying Topic 606 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2018 As Reported Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606 Effect of Change Higher / (Lower) Income Statement (In thousands) Revenues Parts and service sales $ 349,515 $ 350,992 $ (1,477 ) Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322 112,122 200 Cost of sales Parts and service sales $ 162,651 $ 163,116 $ (465 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses 324,347 324,543 (196 ) Provision for income taxes 10,353 10,504 (151 ) Net income 35,814 36,279 (465 ) Balance Sheet Assets Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 200,159 $ 181,131 $ 19,028 Inventories, net 1,804,176 1,807,371 (3,195 ) Liabilities Accounts payable $ 491,841 $ 490,281 $ 1,560 Deferred income taxes 134,800 131,459 3,341 Stockholders' equity Retained earnings $ 1,288,052 $ 1,277,120 $ 10,932

Derivative Instruments and Ri30

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	Assets and liabilities associated with interest rate derivative instruments as reflected in the accompanying balance sheets were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Assets from interest rate risk management activities: Other long-term assets $ 15,987 $ 9,501 Total $ 15,987 $ 9,501 Liabilities from interest rate risk management activities: Current $ 1,177 $ 1,996 Long-term 3,512 8,583 Total $ 4,689 $ 10,579
Amount of Unrealized Gain, Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the impact during the current and comparative prior year periods for the Company's interest rate derivative instruments on its Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets . Amount of Unrealized Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Three Months Ended March 31, Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship 2018 2017 (In thousands) Interest rate derivative instruments $ 7,892 $ 390 Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Location of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Floorplan interest expense $ (1,737 ) $ (2,948 ) Other interest expense (254 ) (681 ) The amount of loss 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 $2.7 million .

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Awards	A summary of the restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2018 , along with the changes during the three months then ended, is as follows: Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 702,778 $ 68.23 Granted 194,421 75.72 Vested (167,934 ) 61.63 Forfeited (14,180 ) 70.34 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 715,085 $ 71.78

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share	The following table sets forth the calculation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 . Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Weighted average basic common shares outstanding 20,298 20,692 Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock 9 6 Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 20,307 20,698 Basic: Net Income $ 35,814 $ 33,939 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,209 1,250 Earnings available to basic common shares $ 34,605 $ 32,689 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.70 $ 1.58 Diluted: Net Income $ 35,814 $ 33,939 Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 1,208 1,250 Earnings available to diluted common shares $ 34,606 $ 32,689 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.70 $ 1.58

Detail of Certain Balance She33

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts and notes receivable	Accounts and notes receivable consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (In thousands) Amounts due from manufacturers $ 107,521 $ 109,599 Parts and service receivables (1) 52,013 39,343 Finance and insurance receivables (1) 31,180 25,293 Other 12,666 17,514 Total accounts and notes receivable 203,380 191,749 Less allowance for doubtful accounts 3,221 3,138 Accounts and notes receivable, net (1) $ 200,159 $ 188,611
Summary of inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (In thousands) New vehicles $ 1,237,012 $ 1,194,632 Used vehicles 359,725 350,760 Rental vehicles 136,809 144,213 Parts, accessories and other (1) 80,632 82,755 Total inventories 1,814,178 1,772,360 Less lower of cost or net realizable value allowance 10,002 9,067 Inventories, net (1) $ 1,804,176 $ 1,763,293
Property and equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: Estimated Useful Lives in Years March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (unaudited) (in thousands) Land — $ 485,938 $ 482,600 Buildings 25 to 50 721,033 700,257 Leasehold improvements varies 177,869 172,071 Machinery and equipment 7 to 20 120,626 117,781 Furniture and fixtures 3 to 10 105,632 100,881 Company vehicles 3 to 5 12,157 11,933 Construction in progress — 55,837 41,824 Total 1,679,092 1,627,347 Less accumulated depreciation 321,222 308,388 Property and equipment, net $ 1,357,870 $ 1,318,959

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Summary of long-term debt	The Company carries its long-term debt at face value, net of applicable discounts and capitalized debt issuance costs. Long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) 5.00% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $550,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) $ 542,474 $ 542,063 5.25% Senior Notes (aggregate principal of $300,000 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017) 296,295 296,151 Acquisition Line 28,035 26,988 Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt 500,716 440,845 Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively 67,445 51,665 1,434,965 1,357,712 Less current maturities of long-term debt 58,195 39,528 $ 1,376,770 $ 1,318,184

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Asset and liabilities recorded at fair value	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, within Level 2 of the hierarchy framework, in the accompanying balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Assets: Investments $ 1,469 $ 844 Demand obligations 13 13 Interest rate derivative financial instruments 15,987 9,501 Total $ 17,469 $ 10,358 Liabilities: Interest rate derivative financial instruments $ 4,689 $ 10,579 Total $ 4,689 $ 10,579

Intangible Franchise Rights a36

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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, 2017 $ 255,981 $ 29,483 $ 168 $ 285,632 Additions through acquisitions 1,301 7,454 — 8,755 Currency translation — 1,238 1 1,239 BALANCE, March 31, 2018 $ 257,282 $ 38,175 $ 169 $ 295,626 Goodwill U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) BALANCE, December 31, 2017 $ 835,267 $ 65,034 $ 12,733 $ 913,034 (1) Additions through acquisitions 14,199 29,930 — 44,129 Purchase price allocation adjustments 18 — — 18 Currency translation — 2,901 28 2,929 BALANCE, March 31, 2018 $ 849,484 $ 97,865 $ 12,761 $ 960,110 (1) (1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

Accumulated Other Comprehensi37

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income	Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated gain on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (122,552 ) $ (674 ) $ (123,226 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: Pre-tax 7,871 10,384 18,255 Tax effect — (2,492 ) (2,492 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) — 1,737 1,737 Other interest expense (pre-tax) — 254 254 Tax effect — (478 ) (478 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 7,871 9,405 17,276 Balance, March 31, 2018 $ (114,681 ) $ 8,731 $ (105,950 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Accumulated foreign currency translation loss Accumulated loss on interest rate swaps Total (In thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (137,613 ) $ (9,331 ) $ (146,944 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: Pre-tax 4,137 624 4,761 Tax effect — (234 ) (234 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to: Floorplan interest expense (pre-tax) — 2,948 2,948 Other interest expense (pre-tax) — 681 681 Tax effect — (1,361 ) (1,361 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 4,137 2,658 6,795 Balance, March 31, 2017 $ (133,476 ) $ (6,673 ) $ (140,149 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,088,486 $ 660,542 $ 110,998 $ 2,860,026 Income (loss) before income taxes 40,510 5,737 (80 ) 46,167 Provision for income taxes (9,357 ) (862 ) (134 ) (10,353 ) Net income (loss) 31,153 4,875 (214 ) 35,814 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,099,066 $ 824,333 $ 135,079 $ 5,058,478 As of December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,087,039 $ 654,154 $ 129,872 $ 4,871,065

Condensed Consolidated Financ39

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 8,874 $ 24,216 $ — $ 33,090 Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net — 209,364 88,521 — 297,885 Accounts and notes receivable, net — 140,243 59,916 — 200,159 Intercompany accounts receivable 28,035 40,271 — (68,306 ) — Inventories, net — 1,438,626 365,550 — 1,804,176 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 28,151 49,737 — 77,888 Total current assets 28,035 1,865,529 587,940 (68,306 ) 2,413,198 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net — 1,127,632 230,238 — 1,357,870 GOODWILL — 849,485 110,625 — 960,110 INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS — 257,281 38,345 — 295,626 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 3,017,378 — — (3,017,378 ) — OTHER ASSETS — 19,943 11,731 — 31,674 Total assets $ 3,045,413 $ 4,119,870 $ 978,879 $ (3,085,684 ) $ 5,058,478 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other $ — $ 1,161,401 $ 38,340 $ — $ 1,199,741 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility — (74,359 ) — — (74,359 ) Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates — 286,320 133,995 — 420,315 Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates — (24,000 ) — — (24,000 ) Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing — 46,207 11,988 — 58,195 Current liabilities from interest rate risk management activities — 1,177 — — 1,177 Accounts payable — 217,150 274,691 — 491,841 Intercompany accounts payable 904,425 — 68,306 (972,731 ) — Accrued expenses 696 159,784 33,768 — 194,248 Total current liabilities 905,121 1,773,680 561,088 (972,731 ) 2,267,158 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities 866,803 373,977 135,990 — 1,376,770 LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES — 3,512 — — 3,512 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES 855 218,811 13,293 — 232,959 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Group 1 stockholders’ equity 1,272,634 2,654,315 268,508 (3,017,378 ) 1,178,079 Intercompany note receivable — (904,425 ) — 904,425 — Total stockholders’ equity 1,272,634 1,749,890 268,508 (2,112,953 ) 1,178,079 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,045,413 $ 4,119,870 $ 978,879 $ (3,085,684 ) $ 5,058,478 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 Income Statement [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) REVENUES $ — $ 2,088,487 $ 771,539 $ — $ 2,860,026 COST OF SALES — 1,752,802 687,461 — 2,440,263 GROSS PROFIT — 335,685 84,078 — 419,763 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,768 249,165 73,414 — 324,347 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 12,881 3,461 — 16,342 ASSET IMPAIRMENTS — — — — — INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,768 ) 73,639 7,203 — 79,074 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (12,337 ) (1,750 ) — (14,087 ) Other interest expense, net — (17,017 ) (1,803 ) — (18,820 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,768 ) 44,285 3,650 — 46,167 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 424 (9,780 ) (997 ) — (10,353 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 37,158 — — (37,158 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 35,814 $ 34,505 $ 2,653 $ (37,158 ) $ 35,814 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 9,405 7,871 — 17,276 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 35,814 $ 43,910 $ 10,524 $ (37,158 ) $ 53,090 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Elimination Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) REVENUES $ — $ 1,967,718 $ 551,111 $ — $ 2,518,829 COST OF SALES — 1,647,123 488,184 — 2,135,307 GROSS PROFIT — 320,595 62,927 — 383,522 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 1,966 232,611 55,202 — 289,779 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE — 11,567 2,039 — 13,606 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS (1,966 ) 76,417 5,686 — 80,137 OTHER EXPENSE: Floorplan interest expense — (10,878 ) (1,064 ) — (11,942 ) Other interest expense, net — (16,274 ) (725 ) — (16,999 ) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES (1,966 ) 49,265 3,897 — 51,196 BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES 737 (17,084 ) (910 ) — (17,257 ) EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES 35,167 — — (35,167 ) — NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 33,938 $ 32,181 $ 2,987 $ (35,167 ) $ 33,939 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — 2,658 4,137 — 6,795 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT $ 33,938 $ 34,839 $ 7,124 $ (35,167 ) $ 40,734
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 35,814 $ 114,862 $ (1,894 ) $ 148,782 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — (31,414 ) (40,085 ) (71,499 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 918 2,022 2,940 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (34,101 ) (13,847 ) (47,948 ) Other — 140 — 140 Net cash used in investing activities — (64,457 ) (51,910 ) (116,367 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,612,866 43,326 1,656,192 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,675,917 ) (26,530 ) (1,702,447 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 66,945 — — 66,945 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (66,444 ) — — (66,444 ) Borrowings on other debt — 43,326 22,288 65,614 Principal payments on other debt (24,742 ) (1,987 ) (13,349 ) (40,078 ) Borrowings on debt related to real estate — 34,817 12,018 46,835 Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (31,000 ) (6,819 ) (37,819 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,638 ) — — (1,638 ) Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date (9,199 ) — — (9,199 ) Dividends paid (5,495 ) — — (5,495 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries 22,730 (50,554 ) 27,824 — Investment in subsidiaries (17,971 ) 16,822 1,149 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (35,814 ) (51,627 ) 59,907 (27,534 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 47 47 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (1,222 ) 6,150 4,928 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 10,096 19,535 29,631 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 8,874 $ 25,685 $ 34,559 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Total Company (Unaudited, in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 33,939 $ 23,409 $ 11,869 $ 69,217 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received — — (95 ) (95 ) Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment — 181 2,026 2,207 Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate — (43,091 ) (3,360 ) (46,451 ) Other — 2,459 — 2,459 Net cash used in investing activities — (40,451 ) (1,429 ) (41,880 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other — 1,580,590 13,781 1,594,371 Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other — (1,586,075 ) (12,216 ) (1,598,291 ) Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line 15,000 — — 15,000 Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line (15,000 ) — — (15,000 ) Principal payments on other debt — (232 ) — (232 ) Principal payments on debt related to real estate — (5,589 ) (1,242 ) (6,831 ) Employee stock purchase plan purchases, net of employee tax withholdings (1,030 ) — — (1,030 ) Dividends paid (5,150 ) — — (5,150 ) Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries (70,250 ) 68,483 1,767 — Investment in subsidiaries 42,491 (42,498 ) 7 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (33,939 ) 14,679 2,097 (17,163 ) EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH — — 260 260 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (2,363 ) 12,797 10,434 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 8,039 16,207 24,246 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 5,676 $ 29,004 $ 34,680

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table Text Block]	As discussed in Note 1 , "Interim Financial Information" , the Company’s material revenue streams are 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 following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 (1) (In thousands) REVENUES: New vehicle retail sales $ 1,513,590 $ 1,337,213 Used vehicle retail sales 780,570 660,927 Used vehicle wholesale sales 104,029 104,157 Total new and used vehicle sales 2,398,189 2,102,297 Vehicle parts sales 85,196 74,665 Maintenance and repair sales 264,319 245,033 Total parts and service sales 349,515 319,698 Finance, insurance and other, net 112,322 96,834 Total revenues $ 2,860,026 $ 2,518,829 (1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach. The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by its geographical segments: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Consolidated REVENUES: (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 1,089,953 $ 354,404 $ 69,233 $ 1,513,590 Used vehicle retail sales 563,830 192,549 24,191 780,570 Used vehicle wholesale sales 54,002 46,185 3,842 104,029 Total new and used vehicle sales 1,707,785 593,138 97,266 2,398,189 Vehicle parts sales 74,355 9,515 1,326 85,196 Maintenance and repair sales 210,159 43,626 10,534 264,319 Total parts and service sales 284,514 53,141 11,860 349,515 Finance, insurance and other, net 96,187 14,263 1,872 112,322 Total revenues $ 2,088,486 $ 660,542 $ 110,998 $ 2,860,026 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (1) U.S. U.K. Brazil Consolidated REVENUES: (In thousands) New vehicle retail sales $ 1,018,249 $ 258,640 $ 60,324 $ 1,337,213 Used vehicle retail sales 521,947 115,369 23,611 660,927 Used vehicle wholesale sales 70,545 30,509 3,103 104,157 Total new and used vehicle sales 1,610,741 404,518 87,038 2,102,297 Vehicle parts sales 66,754 6,280 1,631 74,665 Maintenance and repair sales 204,405 30,501 10,127 245,033 Total parts and service sales 271,159 36,781 11,758 319,698 Finance, insurance and other, net 85,819 9,028 1,987 96,834 Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 (1) As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.

Interim Financial Information (

Interim Financial Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)dealershipstownstates	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Value of used vehicle inventory financed		85.00%
Parts And Service Sales		$ 349,515	$ 319,698
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current	$ 208,917	200,159		$ 188,611
Inventory, Net	(1,759,633)	(1,804,176)		(1,763,293)
Accounts Payable, Current	414,737	491,841		412,981
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	127,897	134,800		124,404
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	11,397
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	1,257,720	1,288,052		1,246,323
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		$ 33,090		28,787	$ 24,246
Number of International Regions		2
Number of Reportable Segments		3
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents		$ 34,559	34,680	29,631	$ 24,246
Financial Services Revenue		112,322	96,834
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		162,651	147,342
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(324,347)	(289,779)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		10,353	17,257
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		35,814	33,939
Accrued Liabilities, Current		(194,248)		(177,070)
Interest Paid		20,300	17,600
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds		400	300
BRAZIL
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 11,860	11,758
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states		4
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		16
Financial Services Revenue		$ 1,872	1,987
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		134	40
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		(214)	169
UNITED STATES
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 284,514	271,159
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states		15
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		117
Financial Services Revenue		$ 96,187	85,819
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		9,357	16,347
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		31,153	29,259
UNITED KINGDOM
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		$ 53,141	36,781
Number of Towns in which Entity Operates | town		32
Number of Dealerships | dealerships		47
Financial Services Revenue		$ 14,263	9,028
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		862	870
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		4,875	4,511
Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure		1,469	$ 844	$ 844
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		350,992
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current		181,131
Inventory, Net		(1,807,371)
Accounts Payable, Current		490,281
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent		131,459
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		1,277,120
Financial Services Revenue		112,122
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		163,116
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(324,543)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		10,504
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		36,279
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | PartsandServiceSales606 [Domain]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	4,800
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | FinanceandInsuranceSales606 [Domain]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	6,600
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	20,306
Inventories [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	(3,660)
Accounts Payable [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	1,756
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 3,493
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Business And Organization [Line Items]
Parts And Service Sales		(1,477)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current		19,028
Inventory, Net		(3,195)
Accounts Payable, Current		1,560
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent		3,341
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		10,932
Financial Services Revenue		200
Parts And Service Sales Cost Of Sales		(465)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense		(196)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(151)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent		$ (465)

Acquisitions and Dispositions42

Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details textuals) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 76.6
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	$ 5.1
UNITED STATES
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	2
Number of Franchises Acquired	2
UNITED KINGDOM
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Dealerships Acquired	5
Number of Franchises Acquired	8
Number Of Dealerships Opened	1	1
Number Of Franchises Awarded	1	1
BRAZIL
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Dealerships Disposed		2
Number of Franchises Disposed		2

Derivative Instruments and Ri43

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 15,987		$ 9,501
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	15,987		9,501
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	3,512		8,583
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177		1,996
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts	7,892	$ 390
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(1,513)	(2,268)
Derivative Liability	4,689		$ 10,579
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	1,737	2,948
Other Interest Expense [Member]
Location of Loss Reclassified from OCI into Statements of Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	$ (254)	681
Interest Rate Swap Contracts [Member]
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship
Interest rate swap contracts		$ 390

Derivative Instruments and Ri44

Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)swap	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 15,987,000		$ 9,501,000
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	0	$ 0
Increase in floor plan interest expense due to impact of interest rate hedges	1,700,000	2,900,000
Floor Plan Interest Expense	$ 14,087,000	11,942,000
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Maximum Notional Amount Of Derivatives In Effect At Any Time	$ 918,400,000
Derivative Asset	15,987,000		9,501,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	8,731,000	$ (6,673,000)	(674,000)	$ (9,331,000)
Amount expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive loss into earnings	2,700,000
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177,000		1,996,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	3,512,000		8,583,000
Derivative Liability	4,689,000		10,579,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 822,100,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.60%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps | swap	25
Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional value of forward interest rate swaps	$ 375,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.00%
Number of additional forward interest rate swaps | swap	7
Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2018
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2021
Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps Forward Starting [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward swaps start date	Dec. 31, 2020
Forward swaps expiration date	Dec. 31, 2030
Level 2 [Member]
Additional Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value			$ 9,501,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan45

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Awards, Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | shares	702,778
Awards, Granted | shares	194,421
Awards, Vested | shares	(167,934)
Awards, Forfeited | shares	(14,180)
Awards, Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | shares	715,085
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 68.23
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	75.72
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	61.63
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	70.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested, June 30, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 71.78

Stock-Based Compensation Plan46

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	$ 5,642	$ 6,074
Cash received from employee stock purchase plan purchases	$ 2,000	$ 1,900
2014 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 21, 2024
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	878,454
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Expiry date for stock options grant	May 19, 2025
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Shares available for grant under the incentive plan	1,102,825
Shares authorized for issuance	4,500,000
Shares issued to employee under purchase plan	36,270	30,154
Weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued	$ 16.22	$ 18.66
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock-based Compensation Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Range Of Forfeiture Provisions	5 years

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Basic and Diluted Earnings per share
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	20,298	20,692
Dilutive effect of employee stock purchases, net of assumed repurchase of treasury stock	9	6
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding	20,307	20,698
Basic:
Net income	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	1,209	1,250
Earnings available to basic common shares	$ 34,605	$ 32,689
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.70	$ 1.58
Diluted:
Net income	$ 35,814	$ 33,939
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted	1,208	1,250
Earnings available to diluted common shares	$ 34,606	$ 32,689
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.70	$ 1.58

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES 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 35.0% to 21.0% , creating a territorial tax system that generally eliminates U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of their foreign subsidiaries, creating a "minimum tax" on certain foreign earnings (i.e. global intangible low-taxed income, or "GILTI"), limiting the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations, and eliminating certain deductions, including deductions for certain compensation arrangements and certain other business expenses. In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (“SAB 118”), the Company made a reasonable estimate of the Tax Act’s impact and provisionally recorded this estimate in its results for the period ended December 31, 2017 . As of March 31, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for the aspects of the Tax Act recorded provisionally: the re-measurement of deferred taxes based on the reduced tax rate, and the Company's provisional determination that the Company does not have a transition tax liability for previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries. The Company will continue to gather data and evaluate the impact of the Tax Act after the Company has considered additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, state tax authorities and other standard-setting bodies. This analysis may result in adjustments to the provisional amounts, which would impact the Company's provision for income taxes and effective tax rate for the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to complete its accounting for the Tax Act in 2018. The Company recognizes the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. Under this policy, the Company has not provided deferred taxes related to temporary differences that upon their reversal will affect the amount of income subject to GILTI in the period. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimated that the 2018 GILTI tax will not be material. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes in numerous U.S. states. In addition, the Company is subject to income tax in the U.K. and Brazil relative to its foreign subsidiaries. The Company's effective income tax rate of 22.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was more than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% , due primarily to: (1) the taxes provided for in U.S. state jurisdictions; (2) valuation allowances provided for net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain U.S. states and in Brazil; and (3) unrecognized tax benefits with respect to uncertain tax positions, partially offset by: (1) income generated in the U.K., which is taxed at a 19.0% statutory rate; and (2) excess tax deductions for restricted stock awards. Compared to the effective tax rate for three months ended March 31, 2017 of 33.7% , the Company's effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the impact of the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company's unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.3 million , including related interest and penalty. To the extent that any such tax benefits are recognized in the future, such recognition would impact the tax liability in that period by approximately $1.0 million . Consistent with prior treatment of tax related assessments, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company's taxable years 2013 and subsequent remain open for examination in the U.S. The Company's taxable years 2016 and subsequent remain open in the U.K., and taxable years 2012 and subsequent remain open in Brazil.
Effective tax rate	22.40%	33.70%
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	21.00%		35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 1,300,000		$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	$ 1,000,000
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2,013
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
U.S. federal statutory corporate tax rate	19.00%
Open Tax Year	2,016
BRAZIL
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2,012

Detail of Certain Balance She49

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Accounts and Notes Receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 203,380		$ 191,749
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,221		3,138
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159	$ 208,917	188,611
Amounts due from manufacturers [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	107,521		109,599
Parts and service receivables [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	52,013		39,343
Finance and insurance receivables, net [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	31,180		25,293
Other [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable
Total accounts and notes receivable	$ 12,666		$ 17,514

Detail of Certain Balance She50

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of inventories
New Vehicles Inventory, Gross	$ 1,237,012		$ 1,194,632
Used Vehicles Inventory, Gross	359,725		350,760
Rental Vehicles Inventory, Gross	136,809		144,213
Parts, Accessories and Other Inventory, Gross	80,632		82,755
Inventory, Gross	1,814,178		1,772,360
Lower of cost or market reserves	10,002		9,067
Inventories, net	$ 1,804,176	$ 1,759,633	$ 1,763,293

Detail of Certain Balance She51

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 1,679,092	$ 1,627,347
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	321,222	308,388
Property and equipment, net	1,357,870	1,318,959
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	485,938	482,600
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 721,033	700,257
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P25Y
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P50Y
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	varies
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 177,869	172,071
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 120,626	117,781
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P7Y
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P20Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 105,632	100,881
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P10Y
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 12,157	11,933
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P5Y
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 55,837	$ 41,824

Detail of Certain Balance She52

Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Property and Equipment) (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures incurred for purchase and construction of assets	$ 33,000
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	6,066	$ 7,287	$ 8,800
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of fixed assets	12,200
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Acquisition of fixed assets	$ 8,900

Credit Facilities (Details Text

Credit Facilities (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Floorplan Offset	$ (74,359)	$ (86,547)
FMCC Offset	(24,000)	$ (22,500)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 1,800,000
Expiry date of Revolving Credit Facility	Jun. 17, 2021
Number of financial institutions | loan	24
Number of Manufacturer-affiliated finance companies | loan	6
Maximum Limit Of Restricted Payment Basket	the sum of $208.5 million plus (or minus if negative) (a) one-half of the aggregate consolidated net income for the period beginning on April 1, 2014 and ending on the date of determination and (b) the amount of net cash proceeds received from the sale of capital stock after June 2, 2014 and ending on the date of determination less (c) cash dividends and share repurchases after June 2, 2014
Restricted payment	$ 186,600
Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	22,800
FMCC Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 300,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 146,300
Available amount under borrowing capacity	$ 153,700
Debt interest rate	6.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,087,000
Available amount under borrowing capacity	353,000
Floorplan Offset	$ (74,400)
Weighted average interest rate	0.00%	2.70%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, New Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility, Floorplan Line, Used Vehicles [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$ 360,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 28,035	$ 26,988
Available amount under borrowing capacity	307,500
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 25,000
Debt interest rate	2.30%
Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 116,000
UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 149,600
Minimum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	10.92%
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	0 days
Minimum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Brazil Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	16.77%
Grace Period for Outstanding Borrowings	90 days
Maximum [Member] | Rental Vehicle Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	6.25%
Maximum [Member] | UK Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt interest rate	3.95%
United States of America, Dollars | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Euros or Pound Sterling [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations related to real estate, maturing in varying amounts through December 2037 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.7% and 10.4%, respectively	$ 67,445	$ 51,665
Net carrying amount of liability component	1,434,965	1,357,712
Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Excluding Short Term Financing Current	58,195	39,528
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770	1,318,184
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	542,474	542,063
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	550,000	550,000
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	296,295	296,151
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	8.70%	10.40%
Lease Expiration Date	Mar. 31, 2035
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real Estate Related and Other Long-Term Debt	$ 500,716	$ 440,845
Revolving Credit Facility, Acquisition Line [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 28,035	$ 26,988

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual

Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Debt, Current		$ 24,700
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 67,445	51,665
U.K. Working Capital Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	22,000
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	2,200
Additional Borrowings	22,300
5.00% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 550,000	550,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 555,700	567,900
5.25% Senior Note [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 300,000	300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.25%
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 300,000	310,900
Real Estate Related and Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	5,100
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Note agreement with a third party financial institution	$ 442,900
Number of loans as per loan agreements	60
Total borrowings	$ 379,700
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	41,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	34,800
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	85,000	86,800
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Fair Value	91,000	$ 92,900
U.K. Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,600
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Maturity date of notes	Sep. 1, 2034
Number of loans as per loan agreements	0
Total borrowings	$ 87,600
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	8,400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	12,100
Brazil Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	100
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	3,100
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0
Brazilian third party financial institution [Member]
Long-term Debt (Textual)
Total borrowings	6,700
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Assets:
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	$ 15,987	$ 9,501
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value		9,501
Total	17,469	10,358
Liabilities:
Total	4,689	10,579
Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,469	844	$ 844
Demand Obligation [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13	$ 13

Intangible Franchise Rights a57

Intangible Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 8,755,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		285,632,000
Currency Translation		1,239,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		295,626,000
Asset Impairment Charges		0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		913,034,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		44,129,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		18,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		2,929,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	960,110,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss			$ 97,800,000	$ 97,800,000
BRAZIL
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		0
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		168,000
Currency Translation		1,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		169,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	12,733,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		28,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	12,761,000
UNITED KINGDOM
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		7,454,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		29,483,000
Currency Translation		1,238,000
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		38,175,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	65,034,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		29,930,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		2,901,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	97,865,000
UNITED STATES
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		1,301,000
Intangible Franchise Rights [Roll Forward]
Intangible Franchise Rights, Beginning Balance		255,981,000
Currency Translation		0
Intangible Franchise Rights, Ending Balance		257,282,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	[1]	835,267,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		14,199,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		18,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	[1]	$ 849,484,000
[1]	(1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

Accumulated Other Comprehensi58

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
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	$ (122,552)	$ (137,613)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	7,871	4,137
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	7,871	4,137
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(114,681)	(133,476)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(674)	(9,331)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	10,384	624
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(2,492)	(234)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	478	1,361
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	9,405	2,658
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	8,731	(6,673)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	(123,226)	(146,944)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	18,255	4,761
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax	(2,492)	(234)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	(478)	(1,361)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,276	6,795
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance	(123,226)	(146,944)	$ (105,950)	$ (140,149)
Floorplan Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	1,737	2,948
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	1,737	2,948
Interest Expense [Member]
Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, before Tax	254	681
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	$ 254	$ 681

Segment Information Segment I59

Segment Information Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	2,860,026	$ 2,518,829
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	46,167	51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	10,353	17,257
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	35,814	33,939
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	$ 5,058,478		$ 4,871,065
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION As of March 31, 2018 , the Company had three reportable segments: (1) the U.S., (2) the U.K., and (3) Brazil. Each of the reportable segments is comprised of retail automotive franchises, which sell new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. The vast majority of the Company's corporate activities are associated with the operations of the U.S. operating segment and therefore the corporate financial results are included within the U.S. reportable segment. Reportable segment revenue, income (loss) before income taxes, (provision) benefit for income taxes and net income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 : Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 2,088,486 $ 660,542 $ 110,998 $ 2,860,026 Income (loss) before income taxes 40,510 5,737 (80 ) 46,167 Provision for income taxes (9,357 ) (862 ) (134 ) (10,353 ) Net income (loss) 31,153 4,875 (214 ) 35,814 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total revenues $ 1,967,719 $ 450,327 $ 100,783 $ 2,518,829 Income before income taxes 45,606 5,381 209 51,196 Provision for income taxes (16,347 ) (870 ) (40 ) (17,257 ) Net income (1) 29,259 4,511 169 33,939 (1) Includes the following, after tax: gain on legal settlement with an OEM of $1.1 million in the U.S. Reportable segment total assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , were as follows: As of March 31, 2018 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,099,066 $ 824,333 $ 135,079 $ 5,058,478 As of December 31, 2017 U.S. U.K. Brazil Total (In thousands) Total assets $ 4,087,039 $ 654,154 $ 129,872 $ 4,871,065
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Chargeback reserves for finance and insurance revenues	$ 0
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	2,088,486	1,967,719
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	40,510	45,606
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	9,357	16,347
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	31,153	29,259
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	4,099,066		4,087,039
Brazil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		0
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	660,542	450,327
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	5,737	5,381
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	862	870
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	4,875	4,511
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	824,333		654,154
BRAZIL
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
REVENUES:	110,998	100,783
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(80)	209
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	134	40
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(214)	169
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Elements for Bank Presentation [Abstract]
Assets	135,079		$ 129,872
Net of taxes [Member] | UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payments for Legal Settlements		$ 1,100
Loss from Catastrophes	0
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Financ60

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018		Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,090			$ 28,787		$ 24,246
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	297,885			306,433
Accounts and notes receivable, net	200,159		$ 208,917	188,611
Intercompany accounts receivable	0			0
Inventories, net	1,804,176		1,759,633	1,763,293
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	77,888			42,062
Total current assets	2,413,198			2,329,186
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,357,870			1,318,959
GOODWILL	960,110	[1]		913,034
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	295,626			285,632
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	31,674			24,254
Total assets	5,058,478			4,871,065
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,199,741			1,240,695
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)			(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	420,315			397,183
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)			(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	58,195			77,609
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177			1,996
Accounts payable	(491,841)		$ (414,737)	(412,981)
Intercompany accounts payable	0			0
Accrued Liabilities, Current	194,248			177,070
Total current liabilities	2,267,158			2,198,487
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	1,376,770			1,318,184
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	232,959			221,529
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,178,079			1,124,282
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,178,079			1,124,282
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,058,478			4,871,065
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	28,035			26,988
Inventories, net	0			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0			1,934
Total current assets	28,035			28,922
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0			0
GOODWILL	0			0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0			0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	3,017,378			2,999,407
OTHER ASSETS	0			0
Total assets	3,045,413			3,028,329
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0			24,741
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	0			0
Intercompany accounts payable	904,425			890,995
Accrued Liabilities, Current	696			0
Total current liabilities	905,121			915,736
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	866,803			865,202
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0			0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	855			(117)
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	1,272,634			1,247,508
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,272,634			1,247,508
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,045,413			3,028,329
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	8,874			10,096
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	209,364			266,788
Accounts and notes receivable, net	140,243			144,872
Intercompany accounts receivable	40,271			12,948
Inventories, net	1,438,626			1,434,852
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,151			8,378
Total current assets	1,865,529			1,877,934
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,127,632			1,121,108
GOODWILL	849,485			835,268
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	257,281			255,980
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	19,943			13,682
Total assets	4,119,870			4,103,972
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	1,161,401			1,219,844
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	(74,359)			(86,547)
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	286,320			272,563
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	(24,000)			(22,500)
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	46,207			31,229
Derivative Liability, Current	1,177			1,996
Accounts payable	(217,150)			(229,470)
Intercompany accounts payable	0			0
Accrued Liabilities, Current	159,784			150,241
Total current liabilities	1,773,680			1,796,296
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	373,977			360,526
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	3,512			8,583
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	218,811			210,216
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	2,654,315			2,619,346
Intercompany note receivable	(904,425)			890,995
Total stockholders’ equity	1,749,890			1,728,351
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,119,870			4,103,972
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	24,216			18,691
Contracts-in-transit and vehicle receivables, net	88,521			39,645
Accounts and notes receivable, net	59,916			43,739
Intercompany accounts receivable	0			0
Inventories, net	365,550			328,441
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,737			31,750
Total current assets	587,940			462,266
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	230,238			197,851
GOODWILL	110,625			77,766
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	38,345			29,652
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	0			0
OTHER ASSETS	11,731			10,572
Total assets	978,879			778,107
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	38,340			20,851
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	133,995			124,620
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	11,988			21,639
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	(274,691)			(183,511)
Intercompany accounts payable	68,306			39,936
Accrued Liabilities, Current	33,768			26,829
Total current liabilities	561,088			417,386
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities	135,990			92,456
LIABILITIES FROM INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES	0			0
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	13,293			11,430
Group 1 stockholders’ equity	268,508			256,835
Intercompany note receivable	0			0
Total stockholders’ equity	268,508			256,835
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	978,879			778,107
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	(68,306)			(39,936)
Inventories, net	0			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0			0
Total current assets	(68,306)			(39,936)
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	0			0
GOODWILL	0			0
INTANGIBLE FRANCHISE RIGHTS	0			0
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES	(3,017,378)			(2,999,407)
OTHER ASSETS	0			0
Total assets	(3,085,684)			(3,039,343)
Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - credit facility	0			0
Floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Offset account related to floorplan notes payable - manufacturer affiliates	0			0
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term financing	0			0
Derivative Liability, Current	0			0
Accounts payable	0			0
Intercompany accounts payable	(972,731)			(930,931)
Accrued Liabilities, Current	0			0
Total current liabilities	(972,731)			(930,931)
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	(3,017,378)			(2,999,407)
Intercompany note receivable	904,425			(890,995)
Total stockholders’ equity	(2,112,953)			(2,108,412)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ (3,085,684)			$ (3,039,343)
[1]	(1) Net of accumulated impairment of $97.8 million

Condensed Consolidated Financ61

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	$ 2,860,026	$ 2,518,829
COST OF SALES:	2,440,263	2,135,307
GROSS PROFIT	419,763	383,522
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	324,347	289,779
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	16,342	13,606
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	79,074	80,137
Floorplan interest expense	(14,087)	(11,942)
Interest Expense, Other	(18,820)	(16,999)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	46,167	51,196
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	10,353	17,257
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	35,814	33,939
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	17,276	6,795
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	53,090	40,734
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	1,768	1,966
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	(1,768)	(1,966)
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(1,768)	(1,966)
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	(424)	737
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	37,158	35,167
NET INCOME	35,814	33,938
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	35,814	33,938
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	2,088,487	1,967,718
COST OF SALES:	1,752,802	1,647,123
GROSS PROFIT	335,685	320,595
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	249,165	232,611
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	12,881	11,567
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	73,639	76,417
Floorplan interest expense	(12,337)	(10,878)
Interest Expense, Other	(17,017)	16,274
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	44,285	49,265
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	9,780	(17,084)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	34,505	32,181
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9,405	2,658
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	43,910	34,839
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	771,539	551,111
COST OF SALES:	687,461	488,184
GROSS PROFIT	84,078	62,927
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	73,414	55,202
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	3,461	2,039
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	7,203	5,686
Floorplan interest expense	(1,750)	(1,064)
Interest Expense, Other	(1,803)	725
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	3,650	3,897
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	997	(910)
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	0	0
NET INCOME	2,653	2,987
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	7,871	4,137
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	10,524	7,124
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUES:	0	0
COST OF SALES:	0	0
GROSS PROFIT	0	0
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	0	0
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	0	0
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	0
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	0	0
Floorplan interest expense	0	0
Interest Expense, Other	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	0	0
BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES	0	0
EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES	(37,158)	(35,167)
NET INCOME	(37,158)	(35,167)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	0	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT	$ (37,158)	$ (35,167)

Condensed Consolidated Financ62

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 34,559	$ 34,680		$ 29,631	$ 24,246
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	148,782	69,217
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(71,499)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,940	2,207
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(47,948)	(46,451)
Other	140	2,459
Net cash used in investing activities	(116,367)	(41,880)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,656,192)	(1,594,371)	$ (1,656,192)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,702,447)	(1,598,291)	(1,702,447)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,945)	(15,000)	(66,945)
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)	(66,444)
Borrowings on other debt	65,614	0	$ 65,614
Principal payments on other debt	(40,078)	(232)
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	46,835	0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(37,819)	(6,831)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)	0
Dividends paid	5,495	5,150
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(27,534)	(17,163)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	4,928	10,434
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,090
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	0			0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	35,814	33,939
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	0	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	0	0
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	0	0
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,945)	(15,000)
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	(66,444)	(15,000)
Borrowings on other debt	0
Principal payments on other debt	(24,742)	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	0
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	0	0
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	(1,638)	(1,030)
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	(9,199)
Dividends paid	5,495	(5,150)
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	22,730
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		(70,250)
Investment in subsidiaries	(17,971)	(42,491)
Net cash used in financing activities	(35,814)	(33,939)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,874	5,676		10,096	8,039
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	114,862	23,409
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(31,414)	0
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	918	181
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(34,101)	43,091
Other	140	(2,459)
Net cash used in investing activities	(64,457)	(40,451)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,612,866)	(1,580,590)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(1,675,917)	(1,586,075)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	43,326
Principal payments on other debt	(1,987)	232
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	34,817
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(31,000)	(5,589)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	(50,554)
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		68,483
Investment in subsidiaries	16,822	42,498
Net cash used in financing activities	(51,627)	14,679
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	(1,222)	(2,363)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	8,874
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	25,685	29,004		$ 19,535	$ 16,207
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(1,894)	11,869
Cash paid in acquisitions, net of cash received	(40,085)	(95)
Proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment	2,022	2,026
Purchases of property and equipment, including real estate	(13,847)	3,360
Other	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(51,910)	(1,429)
Borrowings on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(43,326)	(13,781)
Repayments on credit facility - floorplan line and other	(26,530)	(12,216)
Borrowings on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Repayments on credit facility - acquisition line	0	0
Borrowings on other debt	22,288
Principal payments on other debt	(13,349)	0
Borrowings Of Long Term Debt Related To Real Estate Loans, Net of Debt Issue Costs	12,018
Principal payments on debt related to real estate	(6,819)	(1,242)
Net Issuance of Common and Treasury Shares to Employee Stock Compensation Plans	0	0
Repurchases of common stock, amounts based on settlement date	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	27,824
Borrowings (repayments) with subsidiaries		1,767
Investment in subsidiaries	1,149	(7)
Net cash used in financing activities	59,907	2,097
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	47	260
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash period increase (decrease)	6,150	$ 12,797
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 24,216

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	$ 2,398,189	$ 2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196	74,665
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	104,029	104,157
Maintenance and Repair Sales	264,319	245,033
Parts And Service Sales	349,515	319,698
New Vehicle Retail Sales	1,513,590	1,337,213
Financial Services Revenue	112,322	96,834
Revenues	2,860,026	2,518,829
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	780,570	660,927
UNITED STATES
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	1,707,785	1,610,741
Vehicle parts sales	74,355	66,754
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	54,002	70,545
Maintenance and Repair Sales	210,159	204,405
Parts And Service Sales	284,514	271,159
New Vehicle Retail Sales	1,089,953	1,018,249
Financial Services Revenue	96,187	85,819
Revenues	2,088,486	1,967,719
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	563,830	521,947
UNITED KINGDOM
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	593,138	404,518
Vehicle parts sales	9,515	6,280
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	46,185	30,509
Maintenance and Repair Sales	43,626	30,501
Parts And Service Sales	53,141	36,781
New Vehicle Retail Sales	354,404	258,640
Financial Services Revenue	14,263	9,028
Revenues	660,542	450,327
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	192,549	115,369
BRAZIL
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New and Used Vehicle Sales	97,266	87,038
Vehicle parts sales	1,326	1,631
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	3,842	3,103
Maintenance and Repair Sales	10,534	10,127
Parts And Service Sales	11,860	11,758
New Vehicle Retail Sales	69,233	60,324
Financial Services Revenue	1,872	1,987
Revenues	110,998	100,783
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	$ 24,191	$ 23,611

Revenue Recognition, Multiple-d

Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
New Vehicle Retail Sales	$ 1,513,590	$ 1,337,213
Used Vehicle Retail Sales	780,570	660,927
Used Vehicle Wholesale Sales	104,029	104,157
New and Used Vehicle Sales	2,398,189	2,102,297
Vehicle parts sales	85,196	74,665
Maintenance and Repair Sales	264,319	245,033
Parts And Service Sales	349,515	319,698
Financial Services Revenue	112,322	96,834
Revenues	$ 2,860,026	$ 2,518,829

Uncategorized Items - gpi-20180

Label	Element	Value
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	$ 0
Treasury Stock [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	0
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	11,397,000
Common Stock [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification	$ 0