Hayes Lemmerz Announces First Quarter Outlook

    NORTHVILLE, Mich., May 4 Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
today announced that first quarter 2001 diluted earnings per share
is projected to be a loss of $(.27) compared to earnings per share of $.51 in
first quarter 2000, and compared to a loss of $(.58) per share in fourth
quarter 2000.  Sales are lower than the record levels experienced in first
quarter 2000, but have rebounded significantly from the levels experienced in
the fourth quarter of 2000, when North American car producers reduced volumes
to adjust light vehicle inventories.  First quarter EBITDA is projected to be
$72 million, up 29% from fourth quarter 2000 EBITDA.

    The company also recently amended its senior secured bank credit agreement
to provide additional financial flexibility.  The full amendment has been
filed with the company's 10(k).

    "We have seen an improvement in our first quarter results in line with the
outlook we communicated during our fourth quarter earnings release," said Ron
Cucuz, Chairman and CEO.  "Light vehicle production in North America has
stabilized compared to the fourth quarter and volumes have strengthened slowly
through the first three months of our current fiscal year.  Operations in the
United States experienced higher energy prices which cost the company over
$5 million or more than $.10 per share in the first quarter compared to last
year.  Europe and our other operations outside of North America continue to
perform very well.  Overall, we expect steady quarterly improvement throughout
the year driven by $150 million of incremental new business and restructuring
programs that will contribute $20 million in savings.  We will issue our first
quarter results and hold our first quarter 2001 earnings release conference
call on June 7, 2001."