<HTML>
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<TITLE>sv8</TITLE>
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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on August&nbsp;1, 2007
</DIV>


<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</DIV>


<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 18pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 24pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Delaware</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>76-0506313</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(State or other jurisdiction of
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(I.R.S. Employer</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Identification No.)</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>950 Echo Lane, Suite&nbsp;100<BR>
Houston, Texas 77024</B><BR>
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN<BR>
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 2007 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Full title of the plans)</DIV>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>Earl J. Hesterberg<BR>
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
950 Echo Lane, Suite&nbsp;100<BR>
Houston, Texas 77024</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>(713)&nbsp;647-5700</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><I>Copies to:</I>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="70%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Douglas E. McWilliams
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Darryl M. Burman</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Vinson &#038; Elkins L.L.P.
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Group 1 Automotive, Inc.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">2500 First City Tower, 1001 Fannin
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">950 Echo Lane, Suite&nbsp;100</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Houston, Texas 77002-6760
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Houston, Texas 77024</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(713) 758-2222
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(713) 647-5700</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="54%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD><!-- VRule -->
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="15" style="border-bottom: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title of each class</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Amount</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Proposed maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Amount</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>of securities</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>to be</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>offering price per</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>aggregate offering</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>of</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>to be registered</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>registered(1)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>share(2)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>price(2)</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>registration fee</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per
share(3)</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">1,000,000&nbsp;shares</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$34.87</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$34,870,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>

<TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$1,071</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:15px; text-indent:-15px">Deferred Compensation
Obligations(4)(5)</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$25,000,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$N/A</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$25,000,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">$768</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 2px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="15" style="border-top: 3px double #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 8pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Under General Instruction E of Form S-8, this registration statement registers an additional
1,000,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 1996 Stock
Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan (the &#147;Incentive Plan&#148;). A registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;333-42165)
was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;Commission&#148;) on
December&nbsp;12, 1997 covering 2,200,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the Incentive
Plan, a registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;333-80399) was previously filed with the
Commission on June&nbsp;10, 1999 covering 1,250,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the
Incentive Plan, a registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;333-75784) was previously filed
with the Commission on December&nbsp;21, 2001 covering 1,500,000 shares of common stock to be
issued under the Incentive Plan and a registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;115961) was
previously filed with the Commission on May&nbsp;27, 2004 covering 1,000,000 shares of common stock
to be issued under the Incentive Plan.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 8pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)
under the Securities Act of 1933, based upon the average of the high and low prices reported
on the New York Stock Exchange on July 30, 2007 ($&#091;34.87&#093; per share).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 8pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Each share of common stock includes Rights under our Rights Agreement, which Rights are
attached to and trade with our common stock.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 8pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(4)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Deferred Compensation Obligations represent unsecured obligations of Group 1 Automotive,
Inc. to pay deferred compensation in the future in accordance with the provisions of the Group
1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the &#147;Deferred Compensation Plan&#148;). The Deferred
Compensation Obligations being registered represent the maximum amount of compensation
deferrals which, it is anticipated, may be made by participants in the Deferred Compensation
Plan during the approximate 36&nbsp;month period following the initial offering date under this
registration statement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 8pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(5)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Deferred Compensation Obligations being registered relate to an additional $25,000,000 of
Deferred Compensation Obligations. $25,000,000 of Deferred Compensation Obligation were
previously registered pursuant to a registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;333-115962) filed
with the Commission on May&nbsp;27, 2004 and $10,000,000 of Deferred Compensation Obligations were
previously registered pursuant to a registration statement (Registration No.&nbsp;333-83260) filed
with the Commission on February&nbsp;22, 2002.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; margin-top: 10pt; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="width: 100%; border-bottom: 2pt solid black; font-size: 1pt">&nbsp;</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>PART II</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This registration statement registers an additional 1,000,000 of shares of common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (&#147;Group 1&#148;), to be offered under the Group 1
Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan and an additional $25,000,000 of deferred
compensation obligations of Group 1 to be offered and sold under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan. The contents of the previous registration statement on Form S-8 filed
by Group 1 with the Commission on December&nbsp;12, 1997 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-42165), June&nbsp;10, 1999
(Registration No.&nbsp;333-80399), December&nbsp;21, 2001 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-75784) and May&nbsp;27, 2004
(Registration No.&nbsp;333-115961), with respect to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan, as well as the previous registration statement on Form S-8 filed by Group 1 on
February&nbsp;22, 2002 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-83260) and May&nbsp;27, 2004 (Registration No.&nbsp;333-115962), with
respect to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, (collectively, the &#147;Prior
Registration Statements&#148;) are incorporated by reference into this registration statement pursuant
to General Instruction E to Form S-8 regarding registration of additional securities.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. </B><U><B>Exhibits</B></U><B>.</B>
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">5.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Opinion of Vinson &#038; Elkins L.L.P.</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Amended and Restated Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;A of the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Proxy Statement
(File No.&nbsp;001-13461) filed on May&nbsp;17, 2007).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January&nbsp;1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;10.23 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.&nbsp;001-13461) for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2006).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">23.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">23.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Vinson &#038; Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="2%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">24.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on
July 31, 2007.
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top" align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="left">GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.<BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000" align="left">/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">Earl J. Hesterberg&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" align="left">President and Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS</B>, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes
and appoints Earl J. Hesterberg and John C. Rickel as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
anything appropriate or necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he or
she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agent or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
below on July 31, 2007.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="14%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Signature</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><B>Title</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Earl J. Hesterberg</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ John C. Rickel
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
John C. Rickel</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/   John L. Adams
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
John L. Adams</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Chairman of the Board of Directors</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Louis E. Lataif
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Louis E. Lataif</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Stephen D. Quinn
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Stephen D. Quinn</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Beryl Raff
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Beryl Raff</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ J. Terry Strange
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
J. Terry Strange</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom" style="padding-top: 1em">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">/s/ Max P. Watson, Jr.
<DIV style="font-size: 1pt; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
Max P. Watson, Jr.</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">
Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">5.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Opinion of Vinson &#038; Elkins L.L.P.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Amended and Restated Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;A of the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Proxy Statement
(File No.&nbsp;001-13461) filed on May&nbsp;17, 2007).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January&nbsp;1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;10.23 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.&#146;s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No.&nbsp;001-13461) for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2006).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">23.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">23.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Consent of Vinson &#038; Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">24.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>


</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "h48536sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8 - REGISTRATION STATEMENT", "secsgml_size_bytes": 29469}]
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sv8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on August 1, 2007
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
76-0506313
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
950 Echo Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77024
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 2007 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full title of the plans)
Earl J. Hesterberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
950 Echo Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77024
(Name and address of agent for service)
(713) 647-5700
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Douglas E. McWilliams
Darryl M. Burman
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
2500 First City Tower, 1001 Fannin
950 Echo Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77002-6760
Houston, Texas 77024
(713) 758-2222
(713) 647-5700
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class
Amount
Proposed maximum
Proposed maximum
Amount
of securities
to be
offering price per
aggregate offering
of
to be registered
registered(1)
share(2)
price(2)
registration fee
Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per
share(3)
1,000,000 shares
$34.87
$34,870,000
$1,071
Deferred Compensation
Obligations(4)(5)
$25,000,000
$N/A
$25,000,000
$768
(1)
Under General Instruction E of Form S-8, this registration statement registers an additional
1,000,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 1996 Stock
Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated as the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). A registration statement (Registration No. 333-42165)
was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on
December 12, 1997 covering 2,200,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the Incentive
Plan, a registration statement (Registration No. 333-80399) was previously filed with the
Commission on June 10, 1999 covering 1,250,000 shares of common stock to be issued under the
Incentive Plan, a registration statement (Registration No. 333-75784) was previously filed
with the Commission on December 21, 2001 covering 1,500,000 shares of common stock to be
issued under the Incentive Plan and a registration statement (Registration No. 115961) was
previously filed with the Commission on May 27, 2004 covering 1,000,000 shares of common stock
to be issued under the Incentive Plan.
(2)
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)
under the Securities Act of 1933, based upon the average of the high and low prices reported
on the New York Stock Exchange on July 30, 2007 ($[34.87] per share).
(3)
Each share of common stock includes Rights under our Rights Agreement, which Rights are
attached to and trade with our common stock.
(4)
The Deferred Compensation Obligations represent unsecured obligations of Group 1 Automotive,
Inc. to pay deferred compensation in the future in accordance with the provisions of the Group
1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"). The Deferred
Compensation Obligations being registered represent the maximum amount of compensation
deferrals which, it is anticipated, may be made by participants in the Deferred Compensation
Plan during the approximate 36 month period following the initial offering date under this
registration statement.
(5)
The Deferred Compensation Obligations being registered relate to an additional $25,000,000 of
Deferred Compensation Obligations. $25,000,000 of Deferred Compensation Obligation were
previously registered pursuant to a registration statement (Registration No. 333-115962) filed
with the Commission on May 27, 2004 and $10,000,000 of Deferred Compensation Obligations were
previously registered pursuant to a registration statement (Registration No. 333-83260) filed
with the Commission on February 22, 2002.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This registration statement registers an additional 1,000,000 of shares of common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. ("Group 1"), to be offered under the Group 1
Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan and an additional $25,000,000 of deferred
compensation obligations of Group 1 to be offered and sold under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan. The contents of the previous registration statement on Form S-8 filed
by Group 1 with the Commission on December 12, 1997 (Registration No. 333-42165), June 10, 1999
(Registration No. 333-80399), December 21, 2001 (Registration No. 333-75784) and May 27, 2004
(Registration No. 333-115961), with respect to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term
Incentive Plan, as well as the previous registration statement on Form S-8 filed by Group 1 on
February 22, 2002 (Registration No. 333-83260) and May 27, 2004 (Registration No. 333-115962), with
respect to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, (collectively, the "Prior
Registration Statements") are incorporated by reference into this registration statement pursuant
to General Instruction E to Form S-8 regarding registration of additional securities.
Item 8.
Exhibits
.
5.1
Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
10.1
Amended and Restated Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Proxy Statement
(File No. 001-13461) filed on May 17, 2007).
10.2
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January 1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended
December 31, 2006).
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on
July 31, 2007.
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
By:
/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg
Earl J. Hesterberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS
, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes
and appoints Earl J. Hesterberg and John C. Rickel as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this
registration statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
anything appropriate or necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he or
she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agent or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
below on July 31, 2007.
Signature
Title
/s/ Earl J. Hesterberg
Earl J. Hesterberg
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ John C. Rickel
John C. Rickel
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/   John L. Adams
John L. Adams
Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/ Louis E. Lataif
Louis E. Lataif
Director
/s/ Stephen D. Quinn
Stephen D. Quinn
Director
/s/ Beryl Raff
Beryl Raff
Director
/s/ J. Terry Strange
J. Terry Strange
Director
/s/ Max P. Watson, Jr.
Max P. Watson, Jr.
Director
EXHIBIT INDEX
5.1
Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
10.1
Amended and Restated Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Proxy Statement
(File No. 001-13461) filed on May 17, 2007).
10.2
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January 1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Group 1
Automotive, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-13461) for the year ended
December 31, 2006).
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).