MPA Announces Former Officer Has Agreed to Plead Guilty to Criminal Securities Charges; Settles Related SEC Civil Charges

TORRANCE, Calif.--Dec. 1, 20039, 2003--Motorcar Parts & Accessories, Inc. dba Motorcar Parts of America ("MPA") (OTC:MPAA) announced today that Richard Marks, its former President and Chief Operating Officer, has agreed to plead guilty to two felony criminal charges filed by the United States Attorney's Office on December 17, 2003 and settled the related civil charges that were simultaneously filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Marks was charged with engaging in fraudulent accounting practices and falsifying the Company's books and records during the years 1997 and 1998. These charges arise out of investigations into the Company's financial statements and reporting practices for these periods.

As part of the settlement of the SEC's action, without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, Mr. Marks agreed to pay fines and disgorgement, to be permanently enjoined from committing future violations of the federal securities laws and to be permanently barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company. On September 23, 2003, at the request of the Board of Directors, Mr. Marks submitted his resignation as an Advisor to the Board and to the Chief Executive Officer.

In September 2002 the SEC filed a civil suit against MPA and its former chief financial officer arising from an investigation of the same issues. Simultaneously, MPA settled the SEC's action without admitting or denying its allegations. Under the terms of the settlement, MPA is subject to a permanent injunction barring it from future violations of the antifraud and financial reporting provisions of the federal securities laws. No monetary fine or penalty was imposed upon MPA in connection with this settlement with the SEC. As previously announced, the United States Attorney's Office has informed MPA that it does not intend to pursue criminal charges against MPA.

About MPA

MPA is a leading remanufacturer of replacement alternators and starters for imported and domestic cars and light trucks in the United States and Canada. MPA also assembles and distributes ignition wire sets for imported and domestic cars and light trucks. MPA has facilities in the United States in Torrance, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as overseas in Singapore and Malaysia.

Disclosure Regarding Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the future performance of MPA that involve risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: concentration of sales to certain customers, changes in MPA's relationship with any of its customers, the potential for changes in consumer spending, consumer preferences and general economic conditions, increased competition in the automotive parts remanufacturing industry, unforeseen increases in operating costs and other factors discussed herein and in MPA's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.