This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in "Forward Looking Statements." We have acquired and initiated a number of businesses since inception. Our financial statements include the results of operations of those businesses from the date acquired or when they commenced operations. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been updated to reflect the revision of our financial statements for entities which have been treated as discontinued operations through September 30, 2009.
Overview
We are the second largest automotive retailer headquartered in the U.S. as measured by total revenues. As of September 30, 2009, we owned and operated 160 franchises in the U.S. and 150 franchises outside of the U.S., primarily in the United Kingdom. We offer a full range of vehicle brands with 95% of our total retail vehicle revenue in 2009 generated from brands of non-U.S. based manufacturers, including 64% from premium brands such as Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Porsche. Each of our dealerships offers a wide selection of new and used vehicles for sale. In addition to selling new and used vehicles, we generate higher-margin revenue at each of our dealerships through maintenance and repair services and the sale and placement of higher-margin products, such as third party finance and insurance products, third-party extended service contracts and replacement and aftermarket automotive products. We are also, through smart USA Distributor, LLC ("smart USA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo vehicle in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The smart fortwo is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Cars and is a Daimler brand. This technologically advanced vehicle achieves more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle as certified by the State of California Air Resources Board. smart USA has certified a network of more than 75 smart dealerships, nine of which are owned and operated by us. The smart fortwo offers five different versions, the pure, passion coupe, passion cabriolet, BRABUS coupe and BRABUS cabriolet, with base prices ranging from $11,990 to $20,990. We currently expect to distribute approximately 15,700 smart fortwo vehicles in 2009. We are also diversified geographically, with 64% of our total revenues in 2009 generated by operations in the U.S. and 36% generated from our operations outside the U.S. (predominately in the U.K.). In June 2008, we acquired a 9.0% limited partnership interest in Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. ("PTL"), a leading global transportation services provider, from subsidiaries of General Electric Capital Corporation (collectively, "GE Capital"). PTL operates and maintains more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Product lines include full-service leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rental and logistics services, including, transportation and distribution center management and supply chain management. The general partner of PTL is Penske Truck Leasing Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Corporation, which, together with other wholly-owned subsidiaries of Penske Corporation, owns 41.1% of PTL. The remaining 49.9% of PTL is owned by GE Capital.
Outlook
There has been reduced consumer confidence and spending in the markets in which we operate, which we believe has resulted in reduced customer traffic in our dealerships, particularly since September 2008. We expect our business to remain significantly impacted by current economic conditions throughout 2009. In addition, the captive finance subsidiaries that provide us financing for our inventory procurement have experienced increases to their cost of capital over the last twelve months. Interest rates under our inventory borrowing arrangements are variable and based on changes in the prime rate, defined LIBOR or the Euro Interbank Offer Rate (the "base rate"), plus a spread that varies by lender. While the base rate under these arrangements are historically low, certain of our lenders have raised the spread charged to us, or have established minimum lending rates over the last twelve months. These increases varied between 50 and 250 basis points. Due to these relative increases, we have not realized the full benefit of the lower base rates expected in 2009 compared to 2008. The increases levied by lenders to date would result in $5.8 million of incremental floorplan interest expense based on average outstanding balances during 2008.
In response to the challenging operating environment, we undertook significant cost saving initiatives in 2008, including the elimination of approximately 1,400 positions, representing approximately 10.0% of our worldwide workforce, and the amendment of pay plans. Other cost curtailment initiatives included a reduction in advertising activities, suspension of matching contributions to certain of our defined contribution plans, although we intend to reinstate matching contributions to such plans relating to employees' 2010 contributions, and the suspension of our quarterly cash dividends to stockholders. We continue to monitor the business climate, and are taking such further actions as needed to respond to current business conditions.

Operating Overview
New and used vehicle revenues include sales to retail customers and to leasing companies providing consumer automobile leasing. We generate finance and insurance revenues from sales of third-party extended service contracts, sales of third-party insurance policies, fees for facilitating the sale of third-party finance and lease contracts and the sale of certain other products. Service and parts revenues include fees paid for repair, maintenance and collision services, and the sale of replacement parts and the sale of aftermarket accessories. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, the challenging operating environment has resulted in a year over year decline on a same store basis of new and used vehicle unit sales, coupled with a corresponding decrease in finance and insurance revenues. Our same store service and parts business also experienced a decline during these periods, although less so than vehicle sales. We expect a continuation of this difficult operating environment throughout 2009.
Our gross profit tends to vary with the mix of revenues we derive from the sale of new vehicles, used vehicles, finance and insurance products, service and parts transactions, and the distribution of the smart fortwo. Our gross profit varies across product lines, with vehicle sales usually resulting in lower gross profit margins and our other revenues resulting in higher gross profit margins. Factors such as inventory and vehicle availability, customer demand, consumer confidence, unemployment, general economic conditions, seasonality, weather, credit availability, fuel prices and manufacturers' advertising and incentives may impact the mix of our revenues, and therefore influence our gross profit margin. Although our total gross margin improved for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, certain components of our business have experienced margin declines as shown in the following table. We expect similar margin trends for the remainder of 2009.

                                          Three Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                                             September 30,              September 30,
                                          2009           2008         2009           2008
   New vehicles                               8.4 %         8.2 %         7.9 %        8.3 %
   Used vehicles                              8.8 %         7.3 %         9.0 %        7.7 %
   Service and parts                         55.2 %        55.6 %        54.8 %       55.9 %
   Finance and insurance ($ per unit)   $     905       $   950     $     891       $  983


   Total gross margin                        16.3 %        15.4 %        16.8 %       15.2 %

Our selling expenses consist of advertising and compensation for sales personnel, including commissions and related bonuses. General and administrative expenses include compensation for administration, finance, legal and general management personnel, rent, insurance, utilities, due diligence in connection with acquisition activity, and other outside services. A significant portion of our selling expenses are variable, and we believe a significant portion of our general and administrative expenses are subject to our control, allowing us to adjust them over time to reflect economic trends. Our selling, general, and administrative expenses for compensation and advertising have decreased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, due in part to lower vehicle sales volumes, coupled with the cost saving initiatives outlined above. Our rent expense is expected to grow as a result of cost of living indexes outlined in our lease agreements; however, a portion of the rent increase has been offset by concessions granted by certain landlords in recognition of current market conditions. As outlined in "Outlook" above, we will continue to monitor the business climate, and take such further actions as needed to respond to business conditions.
Floor plan interest expense relates to financing incurred in connection with the acquisition of new and used vehicle inventories that is secured by those vehicles. Other interest expense consists of interest on all of our interest-bearing debt, other than interest relating to floor plan financing. The cost of our variable rate indebtedness is typically based on benchmark lending rates, which are based in large part upon national inter-bank lending rates set by local governments. During the latter part of 2008, such benchmark rates were significantly reduced due to government actions designed to spur liquidity and bank lending activities. As a result, our cost of capital on variable rate indebtedness has declined during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009; however, the significance of this decrease is limited somewhat by the increases in rate spreads being charged by our vehicle finance partners outlined in "Outlook" above.
Equity in earnings of affiliates represents our share of the earnings relating to investments in various joint ventures and other non-consolidated investments, including PTL. It is our expectation that the difficult operating conditions outlined above will similarly impact these businesses throughout 2009. The future success of our business will likely be dependent on, among other things, general economic and industry conditions, our ability to consummate and integrate acquisitions, our ability to increase sales of higher margin products, especially service and parts services, our ability to realize returns on our significant capital investment in new and upgraded dealerships, the success of our distribution of the smart fortwo, and the return realized from our investments in various joint ventures and other non-consolidated investments. See Part II Item 1A "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements."

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the application of accounting policies that often involve making estimates and employing judgments. Such judgments influence the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses recognized in our financial statements. Management, on an ongoing basis, reviews these estimates and assumptions. Management may determine that modifications in assumptions and estimates are required, which may result in a material change in our results of operations or financial position.
The following are the accounting policies applied in the preparation of our financial statements that management believes are most dependent upon the use of estimates and assumptions.
Revenue Recognition
Vehicle, Parts and Service Sales
We record revenue when vehicles are delivered and title has passed to the customer, when vehicle service or repair work is performed and when parts are delivered to our customers. Sales promotions that we offer to customers are accounted for as a reduction of revenues at the time of sale. Rebates and other incentives offered directly to us by manufacturers are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales. Reimbursements of qualified advertising expenses are treated as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses. The amounts received under certain manufacturer rebate and incentive programs are based on the attainment of program objectives, and such earnings are recognized either upon the sale of the vehicle for which the award was received, or upon attainment of the particular program goals if not associated with individual vehicles. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we earned $238.0 million and $259.9 million, respectively, of rebates, incentives and reimbursements from manufacturers, of which $234.3 million and $254.1 million was recorded as a reduction of cost of sales. Finance and Insurance Sales
Subsequent to the sale of a vehicle to a customer, we sell our installment sale contracts to various financial institutions on a non-recourse basis (with specified exceptions) to mitigate the risk of default. We receive a commission from the lender equal to either the difference between the interest rate charged to the customer and the interest rate set by the financing institution or a flat fee. We also receive commissions for facilitating the sale of various third-party insurance products to customers, including credit and life insurance policies and extended service contracts. These commissions are recorded as revenue at the time the customer enters into the contract. Intangible Assets
Our principal intangible assets relate to our franchise agreements with vehicle manufacturers, which represent the estimated value of franchises acquired in business combinations, and goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired in business combinations. We believe the franchise value of our dealerships have an indefinite useful life based on the following facts:
• Automotive retailing is a mature industry and is based on franchise agreements with the vehicle manufacturers;

• There are no known changes or events that would alter the automotive retailing franchise environment;

• Certain franchise agreement terms are indefinite;

• Franchise agreements that have limited terms have historically been renewed by us without substantial cost; and

• Our history shows that manufacturers have not terminated our franchise agreements.

Impairment Testing
Franchise value impairment is assessed as of October 1 every year and upon the occurrence of an indicator of impairment through a comparison of its carrying amount and estimated fair value. An indicator of impairment exists if the carrying value of a franchise exceeds its estimated fair value, and an impairment loss may be recognized up to that excess. We also evaluate our franchise agreements in connection with the annual impairment testing to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support our assessment that the franchise value has an indefinite life.

Goodwill impairment is assessed at the reporting unit level as of October 1 every year and upon the occurrence of an indicator of impairment. We have determined that the dealerships in each of our operating segments within the Retail reportable segment, which are organized by geography, are components that are aggregated into five reporting units as they (A) have similar economic characteristics (all are automotive dealerships having similar margins), (B) offer similar products and services (all sell new and used vehicles, service, parts and third-party finance and insurance products), (C) have similar target markets and customers (generally individuals) and (D) have similar distribution and marketing practices (all distribute products and services through dealership facilities that market to customers in similar fashions). Accordingly, our operating segments are also considered our reporting units for the purpose of goodwill impairment testing relating to our Retail segment. There is no goodwill recorded relating to our Distribution or PAG Investments reportable segments. An indicator of goodwill impairment exists if the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, is determined to exceed its estimated fair value. If an indication of goodwill impairment exists, an analysis reflecting the allocation of the fair value of the reporting unit to all assets and liabilities, including previously unrecognized intangible assets, is performed. The impairment is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with its carrying amount, and an impairment loss may be recognized up to that excess.
The fair values of franchise rights and goodwill are determined using a discounted cash flow approach, which includes assumptions that include revenue and profitability growth, franchise profit margins, residual values and our cost of capital.
Investments
Investments include investments in businesses accounted for under the equity method. A majority of our investments are in joint ventures that are more fully described in "Joint Venture Relationships" below. Such joint venture relationships are accounted for under the equity method, pursuant to which we record our proportionate share of the joint venture's income each period. The net book value of our investments was $297.2 million and $297.8 million as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Investments for which there is not a liquid, actively traded market are reviewed periodically by management for indicators of impairment. If an indicator of impairment is identified, management estimates the fair value of the investment using a discounted cash flow approach, which includes assumptions relating to revenue and profitability growth, profit margins, residual values and our cost of capital. Declines in investment values that are deemed to be other than temporary may result in an impairment charge reducing the investments' carrying value to fair value.
Self-Insurance
We retain risk relating to certain of our general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, auto physical damage insurance, property insurance, employment practices liability insurance, directors' and officers' insurance and employee medical benefits in the U.S. As a result, we are likely to be responsible for a significant portion of the claims and losses incurred under these programs. The amount of risk we retain varies by program, and, for certain exposures, we have pre-determined maximum loss limits for certain individual claims and/or insurance periods. Losses, if any, above such pre-determined loss limits are paid by third-party insurance carriers. Our estimate of future losses is prepared by management using our historical loss experience and industry-based development factors. Aggregate reserves relating to retained risk were $25.6 million and $19.2 million as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Changes in the reserve estimate during 2009 relate primarily to the inclusion of additional participants in our self-insured employee medical benefit plans and reserves for current year activity in our general liability and workers compensation programs.
Income Taxes
Tax regulations may require items to be included in our tax return at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible on our tax return, and some are temporary differences, such as the timing of depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that will be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax return in future years which we have already recorded in our financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent deductions taken on our tax return that have not yet been recognized as expense in our financial statements. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets if the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to allow for the use of the deduction or credit. A valuation allowance of $2.9 million has been recorded relating to net operating losses and credit carryforwards in the U.S. based on our determination that it is more likely than not that they will not be utilized.
Classification of Franchises in Continuing and Discontinued Operations We classify the results of our operations in our consolidated financial statements based on general accounting principles for discontinued operations, which requires judgment in determining whether a franchise will be reported within continuing or discontinued operations. Such judgments include whether a franchise will be divested, the period required to complete the divestiture, and the likelihood of changes to the divestiture plans. If we determine that a franchise should be reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations, or from discontinued operations to continuing operations, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods are revised to reflect such reclassification.

New Accounting Pronouncement
A new accounting pronouncement amending the consolidation guidance relating to variable interest entities ("VIE") will be effective for us on January 1, 2010. The new guidance replaces the current quantitative model for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity with a qualitative approach that considers which entity has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entity's performance and whether the entity has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. The new guidance also requires: an additional reconsideration event for determining whether an entity is a VIE when holders of an at risk equity investment lose voting or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities economic performance; ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE; separate presentation of the assets and liabilities of the VIE on the balance sheet; and additional disclosures about an entity's involvement with a VIE. The adoption of the accounting pronouncement will not impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. Results of Operations
The following tables present comparative financial data relating to our operating performance in the aggregate and on a "same store" basis. Dealership results are only included in same store comparisons when we have consolidated the acquired entity during the entirety of both periods being compared. As an example, if a dealership was acquired on January 15, 2007, the results of the acquired entity would be included in annual same store comparisons beginning with the year ended December 31, 2009 and in quarterly same store comparisons beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 (dollars in millions, except per unit amounts) Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2009 include charges of $5.2 million ($3.4 million after-tax), or $0.04 per share, relating to costs associated with the termination of the acquisition of the Saturn brand, our election to close three franchises in the U.S. and charges relating to our interest rate hedges of variable rate floor plan notes payable as a result of decreases in our vehicle inventories, and resulting decreases in outstanding floor plan notes payable, below hedged levels.
Retail unit sales of new vehicles during the three months ended September 30, 2009 include 5,944 units sold under the "cash for clunkers" program in the U.S. Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2008 include charges of $4.3 million ($2.7 million after-tax), or $0.03 per share, relating to severance costs, costs associated with the termination of an acquisition agreement and insurance deductibles relating to damage sustained in the Houston market during Hurricane Ike.

New Vehicle Data

                                                                           2009 vs. 2008
                                         2009           2008          Change         % Change
New retail unit sales                     41,486         45,177         (3,691 )          (8.2 %)
Same store new retail unit sales          40,404         44,806         (4,402 )          (9.8 %)
New retail sales revenue               $ 1,339.0      $ 1,548.5      $  (209.5 )         (13.5 %)
Same store new retail sales revenue    $ 1,304.9      $ 1,539.0      $  (234.1 )         (15.2 %)
New retail sales revenue per unit      $  32,276      $  34,276      $  (2,000 )          (5.8 %)
Same store new retail sales revenue
per unit                               $  32,295      $  34,348      $  (2,053 )          (6.0 %)
Gross profit - new                     $   112.9      $   126.6      $   (13.7 )         (10.8 %)
Same store gross profit - new          $   109.4      $   125.9      $   (16.5 )         (13.1 %)
Average gross profit per new
vehicle retailed                       $   2,721      $   2,802      $     (81 )          (2.9 %)
Same store average gross profit per
new vehicle retailed                   $   2,708      $   2,810      $    (102 )          (3.6 %)
Gross margin % - new                         8.4 %          8.2 %          0.2 %           2.4 %
Same store gross margin % - new              8.4 %          8.2 %          0.2 %           2.4 %

Units
Retail unit sales of new vehicles decreased 3,691 units, or 8.2%, from 2008 to 2009. The decrease is due a 4,402 unit, or 9.8%, decrease in same store retail unit sales during the period, offset by a 711 unit increase from net dealership acquisitions. The same store decrease was due primarily to unit sales decreases in our volume foreign and premium brand stores in the U.S. and premium brand stores in the U.K., partially offset by a same-store increase in volume foreign unit sales in the U.K. During the third quarter, unit sales in the U.S. market declined 10.2% and registrations in the U.K. market increased 8%. The decline in our unit sales is associated with overall weak demand for new vehicles and the associated decline in consumer traffic in our showrooms, particularly in the U.S. market.

Revenues
New vehicle retail sales revenue decreased $209.5 million, or 13.5%, from 2008 to 2009. The decrease is due to a $234.1 million, or 15.2%, decrease in same store revenues, offset by a $24.6 million increase from net dealership acquisitions. The same store revenue decrease is due primarily to the 9.8% decrease in retail unit sales, which reduced revenue by $151.2 million, coupled with a $2,053, or 6.0%, decrease in average selling price per unit which decreased revenue by $82.9 million.
Gross Profit
Retail gross profit from new vehicle sales decreased $13.7 million, or 10.8%, from 2008 to 2009. The decrease is due to a $16.5 million, or 13.1%, decrease in . . .