DURA Automotive Announces Johnson Retires from Board

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--July 28, 2004--DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. , today announced the retirement of S.A. (Tony) Johnson, 64, from the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Johnson is stepping down from DURA's board in order to focus on other business interests.

"I want to thank Tony for his long-term vision and commitment to DURA, from the company's inception through its growth into a global leader in the competitive auto supply industry," said Larry Denton, president and chief executive officer of DURA Automotive. "We are grateful to Tony for his countless contributions and wish him well as he continues to pursue other interests."

Johnson founded DURA in 1990. He has served on DURA's board since that time, including as board chair between November 1990 until April 2002. Johnson was instrumental in taking the company public in 1996.

"For the past 14 years, I have enjoyed participating in DURA's development as a global, Tier 1 automotive supplier," said Johnson. "I believe we have positioned the company for long-term sustainability and a great future, and I look forward to watching the company continue to grow."

Johnson remains actively involved in Hidden Creek Industries (HCI), a private industrial management firm that he founded in 1989. In addition, he currently serves as chairman of the board of Tower Automotive, Inc., a position he has held since April 1993.

Johnson previously served as chairman of Automotive Industries Holding, Inc., from April 1990 until its sale to Lear Corporation in August 1995. He also served as board chair of J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., from April 1999 to March 2003.

About DURA Automotive Systems, Inc.

DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., is the world's largest independent designer and manufacturer of driver control systems and a leading global supplier of seating control systems, engineered assemblies, structural door modules and integrated glass systems for the global automotive industry. The company is also a leading supplier of similar products to the North American recreation and specialty vehicle markets. DURA sells its automotive products to every North American, Japanese and European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and many leading Tier 1 automotive suppliers. DURA is headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich. Information about DURA and its products is available on the Internet at www.duraauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the company has made in light of its experience in the industry as well as its perspective of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to (i) expected synergies, economies of scale and cost savings from the company's acquisitions not being fully realized or realized within the expected times frames; (ii) unanticipated difficulties servicing the indebtedness of the company; (iii) costs or operational difficulties related to integrating the operations of the acquired entities with those of the company being greater than expected; (iv) labor disputes involving the company or its significant customers; (v) risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, and (vi) general economic or business conditions affecting the automotive industry, either nationally or regionally, being less favorable than expected.