EXHIBIT 99.1

                                                                   Press Release

                      [UNITEDAUTO GROUP, INC. LETTERHEAD]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



              UNITEDAUTO ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR


                         JOHN BARR TO JOIN COMPANY BOARD



DETROIT, MI, December 12, 2002 - UnitedAuto Group, Inc. (NYSE: UAG), a FORTUNE
500 automotive specialty retailer, announced today that John Barr has been
elected to its Board of Directors. With this additional appointment, the Company
now has twelve directors.

John Barr is currently President/CEO of Automotive Performance Industries (API),
as well as Chairman of API's major operating group, Performance Logistics Group
(PLG). API was created in 1999 to provide turnkey solutions for niche vehicles
and vehicle personalization programs to global auto manufacturers.

Mr. Barr previously held the position of President/COO of the Quaker State
Corporation from June 1995 through 1998 and was elected to Quaker's Board of
Directors in October 1995. Prior to joining Quaker State, Mr. Barr spent 25
years with the Valvoline Company, a subsidiary of Ashland, Inc., where he was
President/CEO from 1987 to 1995.

UnitedAuto, which has pursued a strategy based on internal growth from its
existing dealerships, as well as from strategic acquisitions, operates 129
franchises in the United States and 71 franchises internationally, primarily in
the United Kingdom. UnitedAuto dealerships sell new and used vehicles, and
market a complete line of after-market automotive products and services.

Statements in this press release may include forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with additional
information about UnitedAuto's business, markets, conditions and other
uncertainties which are contained in UnitedAuto's filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and which are incorporated into this press release by
reference.

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