Press Release

Hayes Wheels Announces Steel Wheels Deal with Ford

11/21/96

Hayes Wheels International to Supply Steel Wheels for Ford SUVs


ROMULUS, Mich., Nov. 19 -- Hayes Wheels International,
Inc. has received two contracts from Ford Motor
Company to supply chromed steel wheels for its Ford
Expedition and Mercury Mountaineer sport-utility vehicles, beginning
with the 1997 model year.  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The wheels are being produced at the company's manufacturing facility
in Sedalia, Missouri.  Shipment began earlier this fall.

"As the world's leading full-line wheel supplier to the automotive
industry, we welcome the opportunity to increase our contribution to
the SUV craze," said Ron Cucuz, chairman and chief executive officer.
"We're proud to be a part of the new Expedition as well as Mercury's
exciting new addition to this exploding North American market."

Hayes Wheels International is a world leader in the design,
engineering and manufacture of steel and aluminum wheels and brake
drums and rotors for the automotive and commercial highway markets in
North America, Europe and Asia.