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Group 1 Automotive Recognized Among Top Companies for Women

In a remarkable achievement for the automotive sector, Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI) has been officially recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Top Companies for Women in 2026. This esteemed acknowledgment highlights the company's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly within its diverse workforce.

This recognition is not merely a title; it is based on thorough surveys conducted by Forbes in collaboration with Statista, a well-respected global market research firm. Approximately 140,000 women from 61 different nations participated in this independent survey, contributing over 800,000 data points. Factors considered in the rankings included employer branding, public sentiment on gender equality, and leadership insights.

Daryl Kenningham, President and CEO of Group 1 Automotive, eloquently stated the significance of this accolade: "This recognition belongs to the women across our 251 dealerships and to the leaders, many of them women, who build teams where they can grow." This statement underscores the importance Group 1 places on creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead.

The automotive industry has historically been male-dominated, but Group 1 Automotive is paving the way for change. Kenningham highlighted how women increasingly influence purchasing decisions in households, emphasizing, "Our customers are making purchase and service decisions as households, and women are frequently leading those decisions. A workforce that looks like our customers serves them better. That's good for our people, and it's good business."

Group 1 operates a national network of dealerships, and its focus extends beyond just sales—it actively cultivates a workplace conducive to talent development and retention across all levels, from technicians to regional leadership. Notably, women occupy 40% of the company’s Board of Directors, reflecting a commitment to representation at the highest levels of decision-making.

With 256 automotive dealerships, 319 franchises, and 33 collision centers in both the United States and the United Kingdom, Group 1 Automotive provides a vast array of services, including sales of new and used vehicles, facilitation of vehicle financing, and maintenance services. Their omnichannel approach is designed to meet the evolving needs of their diverse clientele, ensuring excellent service delivery at every touchpoint.

For those interested in exploring this groundbreaking recognition further, the full list of Forbes' Top Companies for Women can be accessed at Forbes.com.

Group 1 Automotive isn't just setting benchmarks for themselves; they're redefining what it means to be a leader in the automotive industry in terms of gender representation and empowerment. Their work not only serves as a model for how businesses can operate more equitably, but it also creates a more inclusive society at large. With such endeavors, they continue to inspire change, making strides toward closing the gender gap and uplifting women in the workforce.