Ewing Management Group Led Team Completes Acquisition of Stock of Key Automotive Group Companies

DALLAS--Sept. 2, 2004--B. Edward Ewing, Chairman and CEO of Ewing Management Group (EMG), announced today that an EMG-led team has completed the acquisition of the stock of the parent companies of the Key Automotive Group companies which they did not previously own. The Key Automotive Group companies include Key Plastics L.L.C and Key Safety Systems, Inc.

Mr. Ewing and his team were originally coinvestors in the stock of these companies when they were with EMG's predecessor firm, Carlyle Management Group. Mr. Ewing and his management team formed EMG in July 2004.

In announcing the completion of the acquisition, Mr. Ewing said: "I and the senior management teams of Key Plastics and Key Safety Systems are very excited about this transaction. Each of us personally invested in this deal, and completing this acquisition confirms our commitment to the automotive industry."

Mr. Ewing added: "Key Plastics and Key Safety Systems are excellent platforms for long-term growth in their respective market segments. We will continue to focus intently on strengthening the leadership positions of these companies. In particular, we will pursue profitable growth by leveraging the core competencies of Key Plastics and Key Safety Systems, and we will continue to selectively acquire additional, synergistic companies as the right opportunities arise. We will do so while maintaining financial discipline and responsibility, so that we may remain a reliable supplier to our global customers."

Mr. Ewing is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of both Key Plastics and Key Safety Systems, and he will continue in those roles.

About Key Automotive Group

The Key Automotive Group of companies is an affiliation of premier suppliers of components and systems to the global automotive industry. The Key Automotive Group companies collectively generate more than $1.7 billion in sales, with plans in place to grow to more than $2 billion, and employ approximately 14,000 employees in state-of-the-art technical and manufacturing facilities in 15 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

Key Plastics is a leading supplier of plastic products to the automotive and light truck Tier 1 and OEM markets. Key Plastics engineers and produces value-added components and sub-assemblies for exterior applications, interior trim and functional under-hood products. Key Plastics' global operations comprise 21 manufacturing facilities, 3 technical centers and two mold-making facilities providing concurrent program management and production services throughout North America, Europe and Asia. With over $500 million in global sales annually, Key Plastics employs over 4,500 people. Mr. Ewing became Chairman and CEO of Key Plastics in April, 2001, when the company was acquired by Carlyle Management Group, where Mr. Ewing was CEO until the formation of EMG.

Key Safety Systems Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of safety-critical components and systems, including airbags, seat belts and steering wheels. Key Safety Systems' products are used in more than 300 vehicle models produced by over 45 automobile manufacturers worldwide. Key Safety Systems' global reach comprises 32 manufacturing, technical and sales facilities in 12 countries. The company generates approximately $1.2 billion in sales and employs more than 10,000 people in North America, Europe and Asia. Key Safety Systems was acquired by Carlyle Management Group in April 2003.

About Ewing Management Group

Based in Dallas, Texas, the Ewing Management Group is focused on acquiring and managing underperforming companies in manufacturing or asset-intensive industries. Ewing Management Group is the successor to the Carlyle Management Group, which was previously affiliated with The Carlyle Group. www.emglp.com