Stephens Named President, North American Tire Division

FINDLAY, Ohio, April 27 -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has named D. Richard Stephens, President, North American Tire Division, effective May 1, 2004.

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Stephens' new assignment is the result of a realignment within Cooper's tire group to better focus on target markets, support the company's strategic plan and ensure the right resources are in place to grow the tire business globally.

"As we grow our tire business around the world, the North American market continues to be our largest and most important market," said Cooper's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Dattilo. "Our growth in North America must continue and provide the resources for our business expansion. Dick has a proven track record as head of our tire group and his leadership is invaluable to our continued success."

Since December 2001, Stephens served as president of Cooper Tire and the year prior to that served as the president of the international tire division. He also has served as vice president of technical and commercial tire operations. His Cooper career has spanned 26 years, with 22 of those years in the technical and product development areas.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, and his Master in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. He also completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

For an electronic photo of Dick Stephens contact Amy Switzer at alswitzer@coopertire.com .

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 site at: www.coopertireandrubber.com .

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