Penske Automotive Issues Hiring Freeze

March 31, 2020
The company has implemented measures to help mitigate the financial and operational impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

March 31, 2020—Penske Automotive announced an operational update regarding the COVID-19 virus as it continues to impact the company's operations.  Automotive dealership operations virtually throughout the U.S. have experienced a decline in unit volume, and service and parts revenues.

The company noted in a press release that it has implemented a company-wide hiring freeze, expense reductions, staffing adjustments, the postponement of an estimated $150 million in capital expenditures, and negotiated rent deferrals for up to 90 days at various locations.

Executive and management compensation has been significantly reduced, including a 100 percent reduction in salary for the CEO and president for the duration of the crisis and the board of directors has waived cash compensation for the next six months.