Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Plants Honored With DaimlerChrysler Gold Awards

NOVI, Mich., Aug. 29, 2003 -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company's operating group, Cooper-Standard Automotive, announced today the company was awarded multiple DaimlerChrysler Gold Awards for quality and delivery.

The Gold Award honors the performance of nine Cooper-Standard Automotive manufacturing plants for achievements during 2002. DaimlerChrysler presents the Gold Awards to supplier manufacturing facilities in recognition of outstanding performance and the attainment of a high ranking among other suppliers.

"We're honored by these awards from DaimlerChrysler and we are proud of the performance of all our operations," remarked Jim McElya, president, Cooper-Standard Automotive.

Cooper-Standard Automotive has had a long-term relationship with DaimlerChrysler in North America and also produces components for Mercedes from plants in Germany and the Czech Republic.

The following Cooper-Standard Automotive facilities in North America received the DaimlerChrysler Gold Awards:

  North American Sealing Systems Division
   -  Spartanburg, SC
   -  Griffin, GA
   -  Bowling Green, OH
   -  Gaylord, MI
   -  Georgetown, Ontario
   -  Stratford, Ontario

  North American Fluid Systems Division
   -  Surgoinsville, TN
   -  Fairview, MI

  NVH Control Systems Division
   -  Auburn, IN

  Company Description

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture and marketing of products for the global automotive industry. Products include automotive, motorcycle and truck tires, inner tubes, tread rubber and equipment, as well as sealing, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling systems. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees and 52 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries. For more information, visit the Company's web sites at: www.coopertireandrubber.com or www.cooperstandard.com .