TriMas' Cequent Group Awarded New Business: 2004 Toyota Sienna First Production Vehicle to Feature Next-Generation Dual Port System(TM) for Cargo Management

DETROIT, March 31 -- The all-new 2004 Toyota Sienna -- which is now arriving in dealerships after making its world premiere here at the North American International Auto Show -- is the first OEM application of the next generation Dual Port System(TM) (DPS(TM)), a Reese-branded product from TriMas' Cequent group. The vehicle cargo management system was specifically designed to meet the active lifestyles and cargo-carrying needs of today's consumers.

Another future Toyota vehicle and a few GMC non-production show vehicles also feature the DPS unit, which Cequent introduced at the SEMA Show in late 2002.

For the Toyota Sienna application, Cequent Towing Products -- which markets the Reese brand -- serves as the DPS hitch supplier to Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. This hitch is a unique design that will include a traditional hitch and two additional patented ports that will support the new cutting-edge DPS system. The two additional ports provide an extremely stable platform that will be complemented by the new DPS modular accessories. These unique accessories have been designed and patented based on a modular concept.

The initial modular system will include a heavy-duty tray, a weatherproof 17-cubic-foot Bumper Pack(TM) and a three-bike carrier. The DPS hitch can be pre-installed or installed by the dealer. The DPS modular accessories will be sold and installed through Toyota dealers in North America.

The GMC "Pro Series" includes three GMC and Home Depot-themed show vehicles that illustrate GMC's professional grade capabilities -- the GMC Sierra Landscaper Pro, the GMC Envoy XL Project Pro and the GMC Yukon XL Outdoor Living Pro. The "Pro Series" vehicles showcase various accessories that can be attached to the DPS hitch system, including the space-saver cargo carrier and a power lift and platform that can be raised and lowered to move large equipment into the cargo area.

According to John Smart, president of Cequent Towing Products, the second- generation DPS system offers superior strength, stability, versatility and flexibility in a rear-mounted cargo management system. It is simple to install and use, offers easy access, accommodates a variety of cargo and adds truck-like capacity to sport utility vehicles, minivans and passenger cars.

Being offered through OEM channels, as well as the retail market in the second quarter of 2003, DPS is engineered and manufactured to meet rigid OEM automotive standards. To meet customer demands for strength and security, the DPS cargo harness features unique wide-stance, flat dual-attachment ports, which provide enhanced cargo stability.

The standard retail DPS unit features a sturdy steel cargo harness, one- piece steel supports and a rugged removable plastic cargo tray offering an 8.4-square-foot (50.5" x 24") load area and a 250-pound load rating. A range of adapters and cargo harnesses -- including models with a towing hitch -- enable the DPS system to add cargo capacity and versatility.

Available accessories for DPS include: a tail lamp kit; an audible back-up sensor kit; optional locking aluminum support brackets that enable the cargo tray to be stowed in a fold-up position on the vehicle when not being used; and a wall-mounting bracket for storing the system when not in use.

Cequent also offers the DPS Bumper Pack cargo carrier, which is a weather- resistant, lockable, high-density plastic unit offering a load rating of 180 pounds and providing protection from the elements for up to 17 cubic feet of cargo. This secure footlocker-type unit can be removed and carried by consumers to take needed items indoors, to the beach, campsite or other locations. To provide quick and easy access to the vehicle's rear hatch or trunk while the Bumper Pack carrier is mounted, an optional swing away feature is available.

Plymouth, Mich.-based Cequent, a TriMas company, is an operating group that is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of accessories for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, passenger cars and trailers of all types. Products include towing and hitch systems, trailer components and accessories, and electrical, brake, cargo- carrying and rack systems. The group consists of three business units: Cequent Towing Products, Cequent Trailer Products and Cequent Australia. Cequent draws upon a 75-year-old heritage of superior towing and trailer brands -- Draw-Tite(R), Reese(R), Fulton(R), Wesbar(R), Bull Dog(R), Crown(R), Eclipse(R), SnowCo(R), Hidden Hitch(R), SurePull(R), Tekonsha(R) and Highland The Pro's Brand(R). Cequent employs approximately 2,300 associates.

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., TriMas is a diversified growth company of high-end, specialty niche businesses manufacturing a variety of products for the commercial, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. TriMas consists of 10 companies, employs nearly 5,000 employees at 80 different facilities in 10 countries and expects 2003 revenues of approximately $900 million. TriMas is organized into four strategic business groups: Cequent, Rieke Packaging Systems, Fastening Systems and Industrial Specialties. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com .