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HOUSTON — Group 1 Automotive announced its intention to "vigorously defend" itself against a lawsuit filed by Toyota Motor Sales in the Federal Court of South Carolina.

Apparently, Toyota is alleging that it did not consent to Group 1's desire to acquire Toyota/Scion and Lexus dealerships in Charleston, S.C.

The lawsuit asks for a court order to prevent the acquisition of these stores.

Peter DeLongchamps, Group 1's vice president of manufacturer relations, claimed, "For more than a decade, our company has been committed to Toyota. We have or will invest more than $140 million in land, building and facility improvements and are the third-largest Toyota retailer in the nation.

"This year, through May, our Toyota business has improved 21 percent year-over-year, nearly doubling Toyota's national results. Despite our efforts to remedy this issue with Toyota directly, they have chosen to pursue legal action against one of their most vocal allies and top-performing dealership owners," he went on to contend.

The Group 1 executive said he hopes the lawsuit can be resolved amicably but that the company contends it is prepared to pursue its rights to purchase the dealerships.

In fact, the company said it does not anticipate the dispute impacting its ongoing relationship with Toyota or its dealerships. He noted that 60 percent have been awarded either Elite of Lexus or the Presidents Club award, a high form of recognition.

A Toyota spokesperson said the automaker does not comment on ongoing litigation.