Company: GPI
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001031203-25-000013
Chunk: 66

Company: GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE INC
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 66
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 area. From time to time, we have not met all of the manufacturers’ requirements to make acquisitions and have received requests from manufacturers to dispose of certain of our dealerships. In the event one or more of our manufacturers sought to prohibit future acquisitions or imposed requirements to dispose of one or more of our dealerships, our acquisition and growth strategy could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if current manufacturers or future manufacturers are not required to conduct their business in accordance with state franchise laws and thereby circumvent the current dealer-network to sell directly to the customer, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Substantial competition in automotive sales, F&I and services could adversely impact our sales and our margins.

The automotive retail industry is highly competitive. Within our markets we are subject to competition from franchised automotive dealerships and other businesses as it relates to new and used vehicles, F&I, and parts and service. The internet has become a significant part of the advertising and sales process in our industry. Customers are using the internet to compare prices for new and used vehicles, automotive repair and maintenance services, finance and insurance products and other automotive products. If we are unable to effectively use the internet to attract customers to our own online channels, such as our AcceleRide® platform, and mobile applications, and, in turn, to our stores, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. The use of social media by consumers increases the speed and extent that information and opinions can be shared, and negative posts or comments on social media about the Company or any of our dealerships could damage our reputation and brand names, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We also face competition in arranging financing for our customers’ vehicle purchases from a broad range of financial institutions. Additionally, we do not have any cost advantage in purchasing new vehicles from vehicle manufacturers, and our franchise agreements do not grant us the exclusive right to sell a manufacturer’s product within a given geographic area. Subject to state laws in the U.S. that are generally designed to protect dealers, a manufacturer may grant another dealer a franchise to start a new dealership near one of our locations, or an existing dealership may move its dealership to a location that would more directly compete against us. The location of new dealerships near our existing dealerships could have a material and adverse effect on our operations and reduce the profitability of our existing dealerships. Increased competition can adversely impact our sales volumes and margins