Hayes Lemmerz Files Motion to Extend Solicitation Period Through April 4

NORTHVILLE, Mich., March 28 -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. announced today that, at the request of certain creditors, it has moved to extend the deadline for submitting votes on its Plan of Reorganization from March 28, 2003, to April 4, 2003. The extension covers two classes of its creditors (holders of the pre-petition credit facility secured claims and holders of synthetic facility secured claims) and provides these creditors additional time to complete their evaluation of the Plan of Reorganization.

The Company intends to continue to work with its key creditor constituents and is optimistic that these discussions will result in a consensus regarding the Plan. A hearing to confirm the Plan is scheduled before the Bankruptcy Court on April 9, 2003.

Hayes Lemmerz and its subsidiaries located in the United States and one subsidiary in Mexico filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on December 5, 2001.

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is one of the world's leading global suppliers of automotive and commercial highway wheels, brakes, powertrain, suspension, structural and other lightweight components. The Company has 44 plants, 3 joint venture facilities and 11,400 employees worldwide.

This press release includes forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent the Company's expectations and beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release are forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward looking statements include the factors set forth in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. Consequently, all of the forward looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these and other factors, risks and uncertainties.

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