Major Japanese Automaker Purchases $620,000 in Software From Mechanical Dynamics

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 2 A major Japanese automaker has
placed a $620,000 order for ADAMS(R) functional virtual prototyping software
from Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. .  Mechanical Dynamics expects to
recognize approximately $400,000 of the order in the first quarter of 2001.
    The customer, one of the largest ADAMS users in the Asian region, ordered
ADAMS(R)/Car and ADAMS(R) Full Simulation Package.
    "We're pleased and gratified by this customer's continuing investment in
our functional virtual prototyping solutions," said Robert R. Ryan, president
of Mechanical Dynamics.  "Even as we work to establish our Functional Digital
Car as the standard for system-level vehicle simulation, this company is
already in the forefront of putting this technology to work, reducing
development costs, managing design risks, and getting to market faster with
world-class vehicles.  In addition, this order is a sign of our increasing
presence in the Japanese automotive sector, which is due in part to our recent
acquisition of ESTECH."
    ADAMS/Car, a specialized simulation environment for vehicle development,
is a key component in Mechanical Dynamics' Functional Digital Car(TM) concept,
which allows simulation of a complete vehicle including chassis, engine,
driveline, and body.  In addition to providing answers on how the overall
system and its components move, the Functional Digital Car gives users an
understanding of how that movement affects packaging, comfort, vibration,
noise, and component durability.
    Mechanical Dynamics pioneered the field of mechanical system simulation
with its market-leading ADAMS(R) software, and remains committed to extending
the capabilities of this technology to benefit manufacturers in every industry
worldwide.  Engineering teams use ADAMS to build and test functional virtual
prototypes of their complex mechanical system designs.  Mechanical Dynamics
also offers extensive implementation services, including consulting and
training.  In this way, the company partners with its customers to help reduce
the time, costs, and risks of the product development process and meet the
"Smarter to Market(TM)" challenge.
    Except for historical information contained herein, some matters discussed
in this news release constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those projected.  These include possible delays in developing, completing, or
shipping new or enhanced products, as well as other risks or uncertainties
that are detailed from time to time in reports filed by Mechanical Dynamics,
Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Mechanical
Dynamics, Inc.'s registration statement on Form S-1 and related prospectus
dated May 14, 1996 and the "Risk Factors" described therein.
    Additional information about Mechanical Dynamics can be obtained by
writing to the company at 2300 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Phone: 734-994-3800.  Fax: 734-994-6418.  E-mail: info@adams.com .  Online:
http://www.adams.com .
    ADAMS and the Mechanical Dynamics logo are registered trademarks of
Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.  All other company, brand, or product names are or
may be trademarks of their respective holders.