Company: GPI
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001031203-25-000013
Chunk: 53

Company: GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1
Chunk 53
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 as the dealership is in compliance with the terms of the agreement. We diligently work with our manufacturers to address any performance issues. 

Our dealership service departments perform vehicle repairs and service for customers under manufacturer warranties. We are reimbursed for those repairs and service by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer rebates to new vehicle customers, which we are required, under specific program rules, to adequately document, support and collect. In addition, some manufacturers provide us with incentives to order and/or sell certain models and/or volumes of inventory over designated periods of time. Under the terms of our dealership franchise agreements, the respective manufacturers are able to perform warranty, incentive and rebate audits and charge us back for unsupported or non-qualifying warranty repairs, rebates or incentives.

In addition to the individual dealership franchise agreements discussed above, we have entered into framework agreements in the U.S. with most major vehicle manufacturers and distributors. These agreements impose a number of restrictions on our operations, including our ability to make acquisitions and obtain financing, and on our management. These agreements also contain change of control provisions related to the ownership of our common stock. For a discussion of these restrictions and the risks related to our relationships with vehicle manufacturers, please refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Governmental Regulations 

Automotive and Other Laws and Regulations

We operate in a highly regulated industry. A number of laws and regulations applicable to automotive companies affect our business and conduct, including, but not limited to our sales, operations, financing, insurance, advertising and employment practices. These laws and regulations include state franchise laws and regulations, consumer protection laws and other extensive laws and regulations applicable to new and used motor vehicle dealers. Additionally, in every jurisdiction in which we operate, we must obtain various permits and licenses in order to conduct our business. 

In general, the U.S. jurisdictions in which we operate have automotive dealership franchise laws, which generally provide that it is unlawful for a manufacturer or distributor to terminate or not renew a franchise unless “good cause” exists. As a result, it generally is difficult, outside of bankruptcy, for a manufacturer or distributor to terminate, or not renew, a franchise under these laws, which were designed to protect dealers. 

The U.K. generally does not have automotive dealership franchise laws and, as a result, our U.K. dealerships operate without these types of specific protections. However, similar protections may be available as a matter of general U.K. contractual law. In addition, our U.K. dealerships are subject to U.K. antitrust rules