Bentley Named President of Hayes Lemmerz European Wheel Group, Dallera to Retire

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Oct. 2, 2003 -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. announced that Fred Bentley succeeds Giancarlo Dallera, who has retired, as President of Hayes Lemmerz' European Wheel Group, effective October 1, 2003. Mr. Bentley will report directly to Curtis Clawson, Hayes Lemmerz' Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Bentley, 38, joined Hayes Lemmerz in 2001 as President of the Commercial Highway and Aftermarket Group, with manufacturing operations in Akron, Ohio, Berea, Kentucky, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Mexico City, Mexico. Mr. Bentley will have overall responsibility for the European Fabricated Wheel and the European Cast Aluminum Wheel businesses, and for wheel operations in Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and India.

Prior to joining Hayes Lemmerz, Mr. Bentley was located in Manchester, England and was Managing Director for Honeywell's Consumer Products Group- European and South Africa Automotive Aftermarket Operations. Before that, Mr. Bentley successfully led operations for AlliedSignal as General Manager-Heavy Duty and Plant Manager in both Greenville, Ohio and Clearfield, Utah and achieved significant performance improvements at those facilities. Earlier in his career, Mr. Bentley held several different positions in operations at Frito Lay. Throughout Mr. Bentley's career, he has a demonstrated track record of achieving positive results and developing strong teams.

Mr. Bentley earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, in Ohio, has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and is also trained as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Mr. Bentley also successfully completed Harvard University's Advanced Management Program.

Mr. Dallera, 57, has been an important part of Hayes Lemmerz' success and growth since he joined the Company as President of the European Cast Wheel operations in 1985. In 1996, Mr. Dallera assumed management responsibilities of the Company's Autokola joint venture in the Czech Republic, in addition to continued management responsibilities of the Italian and Spanish operations. In 1997, after the acquisition of Lemmerz Holding, Mr. Dallera continued to serve as President of Hayes Lemmerz' European Cast Wheel Business Unit. In February 2000, Mr. Dallera was appointed President of the European Wheel Group. He had overall responsibility for the European Fabricated and Aluminum Wheel businesses, and for wheel operations in Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, and India.

In making the announcement, Mr. Clawson said, "Throughout Giancarlo's 18- year tenure, he has made significant contributions to the Company and has done an incredible job of growing the European wheel business. He has been an integral part of Hayes Lemmerz' success and we will miss him, both as a person and as a businessman." Mr. Clawson added, "Fred's career in the automotive industry and strong educational background will ensure continuity and provide a smooth transition to our many customers and vendors. We believe that Fred and his team will build on Giancarlo's success to propel the growth of the Hayes Lemmerz European Wheel Group."

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is a leading global supplier of automotive and commercial highway wheels, brakes, powertrain, suspension, structural and other lightweight components. The Company has 43 plants, 3 joint venture facilities and 11,000 employees worldwide.

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