Hayes Lemmerz Files Motion to Preserve Exclusivity on Previously Filed Plan of Reorganization; On Track for May 7, 2003 Confirmation Hearing

NORTHVILLE, Mich., April 14 -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. announced today that it has filed a motion with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to extend the period during which the Company has the exclusive right to file a Plan of Reorganization in its Chapter 11 cases. The motion seeks to preserve the Company's exclusive right to sponsor a Plan of Reorganization to June 16, 2003, and to preserve the Company's exclusive right to solicit acceptances of a Plan of Reorganization until August 15, 2003. These periods had been scheduled to expire on April 15, 2003 and June 16, 2003, respectively.

Kenneth Hiltz, the Company's Chief Restructuring Officer and Principal of AlixPartners, LLC said that, "Requesting an extension of the exclusivity period is routine during Chapter 11 cases." The extension is in the best interests of the Company, its creditors and other parties in interest.

On April 9, 2003, the Company filed a modified Plan of Reorganization with the Court and announced that its key creditors had reached agreement on the modified Plan. The Confirmation Hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2003, at 10:30 a.m., EDT.

Hayes Lemmerz has secured commitments for its Exit Financing and is poised to emerge from Chapter 11 shortly after the May 7, 2003 Confirmation Hearing.

Hayes Lemmerz, its U.S. subsidiaries and one subsidiary organized 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 11,100 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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