Titan Accelerates Grizz LSW Series Development

5 September 1997

    QUINCY, Ill., Sept. 5 -- Titan International, Inc.
, announced that it will accelerate spending in the third and
fourth quarters of 1997 to bring its new Grizz LSW wheel and tire series to
market.  The demand for Titan's Grizz LSW assemblies has exceeded expectations
for both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket
applications, and the company has decided to accelerate the development of the
patent-pending wheels and tires.  The performance test data on the new wheels
and tires reveals significant advantages over standard assemblies.
    In order to develop the full Grizz LSW series, it will be necessary to
transfer current wheel and tire production resources to the LSW series.  With
this modification, a short-term impact is expected, resulting in Titan's third
and fourth quarter 1997 earnings will be lower than analyst estimates.  It is
anticipated that when the full product line is available to the market, the
LSW line will generate additional sales and earnings for the company's
investors.
    "We did not want to interrupt our current production because we are behind
in certain wheel and tire sizes today," stated Maurice Taylor Jr., president
and CEO.  "But, in everyone's best interest, we have chosen the fast path in
developing the Grizz LSW assemblies so we can conduct the necessary testing
for each size, deliver this advanced product to our customers, and secure
increased margins for our shareholders."
    Titan International, Inc. is a global manufacturer of mounted tire and
wheel systems for off-highway equipment used in agriculture, construction,
mining, military, recreation and grounds care.  Titan has manufacturing and
distribution facilities throughout the United States and Europe.

SOURCE  Titan International, Inc.