Group 1 Automotive, Inc. continues its nationwide initiative to unify its U.S. retail network, celebrating the first anniversary of Group 1 GMC Southwest and announcing that Group 1 Toyota Hub City has operated under its new name since April 8, 2026. This rebranding is part of a broader effort to provide customers in Houston, Lubbock, and other markets with a clearer connection to the scale and resources of the international automotive retailer while preserving local relationships and brand expertise. The transition seeks to create a more consistent customer experience across the network without changes in ownership, staffing, or day-to-day operations.

Group 1 Automotive has owned and operated the Houston dealership, formerly Sterling McCall Buick GMC, for more than two decades. The location took the Group 1 name on July 1, 2025. "Our first year as Group 1 GMC Southwest has shown our customers the best of both worlds: the same local team they know and trust, now with a clearer connection to the strength and resources of Group 1," said Stephen Swad, General Manager of Group 1 GMC Southwest. Group 1 GMC Southwest continues to serve customers from its existing location at 10422 Southwest Freeway in Houston, Texas.

Similar updates have occurred in other markets. Group 1 Toyota Hub City, formerly Gene Messer Toyota, connects local customers in Lubbock to Group 1's national platform. "Since taking our new name, our customers have found the same local team they know and trust, now with a clearer connection to the strength and resources of Group 1," said Brady Keys, General Manager of Group 1 Toyota Hub City. Group 1 Chevrolet Hub City, formerly Gene Messer Chevrolet, has operated under its new name since April 9, 2026.

Network Scale and Operations

Group 1 Automotive owns and operates a vast network designed to leverage operational discipline and technology while maintaining local community connections.

Recent Rebranding Activity

The company has aligned several dealerships under the Group 1 name in 2025 and 2026:

• Group 1 Collision Round Rock (formerly GP1 Collision Center of Round Rock): January 19, 2026
• Group 1 Nissan Cedar Park (formerly Cedar Park Nissan): March 24, 2026
• Group 1 Ford of South Austin (formerly Maxwell Ford): September 25, 2025
• Group 1 Collision El Paso: January 19, 2026
• Group 1 Subaru El Paso: June 23, 2025
• Group 1 Ford of El Paso: August 14, 2025
• Group 1 Chevrolet Northwest (formerly Freedom Chevrolet): February 18, 2026
• Group 1 Volkswagen Alamo Heights (formerly Volkswagen of Alamo Heights): April 23, 2026
• Toyota Certified at Capital Plaza (became Group 1 Toyota Certified Capital Plaza): June 26, 2026
• Honda of Owings Mills (became Group 1 Honda Owings Mills): May 7, 2026

The initiative aims to make locations easier to recognize, find, and trust across markets while ensuring continuity in the sales and service experience.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. promoted Bob Andersen to Vice President, Corporate Development & Pre-Owned Operations on June 11, 2026, to lead its U.S. corporate development initiatives. In this expanded role, Andersen will oversee acquisitions and dispositions while retaining responsibility for the Company's pre-owned business. The move underscores Group 1's strategy to drive disciplined growth through inorganic expansion in existing and new regional markets.

Andersen joined Group 1 in 2023 and previously served as its National Director of Pre-Owned Operations. He brings experience from multiple C-level roles in the franchise and independent sectors, with a track record in revenue and rooftop growth. Daryl Kenningham, Group 1's President and Chief Executive Officer, cited Andersen's leadership and strategic insight as key factors in his appointment.

Strategic Focus on Acquisitions

Group 1's long-term growth strategy relies heavily on acquisitions to scale operations. The company focuses on leveraging the Group 1 brand in existing regional markets and evaluating new markets with meaningful opportunities. Since 2004, Group 1 has grown total revenue from $5.4 billion to $22.6 billion, with acquisitions serving as a significant accelerator in key years.

Andersen will be supported by the Corporate Development, Transactions, and Real Estate team. This group provides expertise in deal strategy, pipeline development, financial diligence, valuation, transaction execution, and real estate coordination. The team-based approach aims to ensure disciplined evaluation of opportunities and effective transaction navigation.

Operational Background

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. operates as an international automotive retailer with dealerships and collision centers in the United States and United Kingdom. Its offerings include new and used vehicle sales, financing, service, parts, and collision repair. The company emphasizes operational excellence and long-term value creation through its retail network.