Cooper Tire to Help Meet Increased Consumer Demand

    FINDLAY, Ohio, May 24 COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
today announced that it is stepping up production of certain SUV
and light truck tire lines in order help meet increased consumer demand for
these products.
    
    Commenting on the move, Cooper chairman, president and chief executive
officer Thomas A. Dattilo said, "The circumstances and events that are driving
the replacement of so many tires are truly regrettable.  Just as we did last
fall, we are doing all we can to ensure that the needs of our customers and
the driving public are met.  We are stepping up production and along with our
dealer and distribution network, we stand ready to help minimize any
inconvenience that consumers might experience in getting replacement tires."
    Demand for Cooper and Mastercraft brand tires has been increasing in
recent weeks, even prior to Ford's recent announcements.  Sales for both
brands were up over 10 percent in April compared to a year earlier as
consumers appear to be shifting their purchasing patterns to brands they can
associate with quality and confidence.

    Company Description
    Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio and
specializes in the manufacture and marketing of automotive products.  Products
for Cooper Tire include automotive, motorcycle and truck tires, inner tubes,
tread rubber and equipment.  Cooper-Standard Automotive is an original
equipment supplier of sealing, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling
systems for the automotive industry in North America, Europe, Australia and
South America. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees and 57 manufacturing
facilities in 13 countries.  For more information, visit the Company's web
site at: http://www.coopertire.com .