DURA Automotive Wins Corporate Latch System And Secondary Latch System Contracts

           Systems developed for 2003 and 2005 model year vehicles

    ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sep. 21 DURA Automotive Systems,
Inc. has been awarded the next generation "corporate hood latch
system" contract for a major North American automaker.  The award is the
result of an innovative system designed to fit across multiple vehicle
platforms.  This is the second major hood latch system contract DURA has
received from an OEM in the past 10 months.
    The system allows several latch features to be interchanged in a flexible-
manufacturing environment to enable customization and high-volume production
efficiencies.  The concept reduces development, piece and investment cost to
the vehicle manufacturer and DURA.  The new latch system will be introduced on
2005 model year vehicles in North America and potentially grow to Europe and
Australia.  The award is valued at $10.5 million at peak production volume.
    "The innovation and dedication displayed by the DURA Control Systems
Division on this project has been exceptional," said Karl Storrie, president
and CEO, DURA Automotive Systems.  "As a result, we were able to develop a
solution to meet challenges related to manufacturing, product costing and,
ultimately, customization."
    DURA also has been awarded the first "Presenter" secondary latch system to
be featured on a domestic vehicle for the 2003 model year.  In a majority of
vehicles, drivers have difficulty finding the lever that allows lifting the
front hood, typically located between the hood and the front bumper.  These
levers are often not clearly visible and located and actuated in different
fashions on every vehicle.
    Owners of vehicles installed with DURA's new "Presenter" hood latch system
can easily access the lever.  The new system extends a readily seen release
handle from the front hood grill after the hood release lever has been
triggered from inside the vehicle.
    Manufactured in Mancelona, Mich., DURA's hood latch systems equip nearly
half of all North American vehicles.  In addition, DURA also provides light-
duty cable systems, manufactured in Hannibal, Mo., that provide support for
hood latch releases.
    DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. , is the world's largest
independent designer and manufacturer of driver control systems and a leading
global supplier of door modules, seat mechanisms and structures, glass
systems, and engineered assemblies for the global automotive industry.  DURA's
operating headquarters are in Rochester Hills, Mich., and its corporate office
is in Minneapolis.  Information about DURA and its products is available on
the Internet at http://www.duraauto.com .

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