Stoneridge Opens Shanghai Office to Strengthen Supplier Relationships

WARREN, Ohio, Sept. 13 -- Stoneridge, Inc. announced today that it has opened an international purchasing office in Shanghai, China. The office will enhance the Company's capability to manage its existing base of suppliers in China, as well as secure new low- cost supply sources of components for use in its manufacturing operations.

"This investment is an important step in our effort to expand our global operations," said Gerald V. Pisani, president and chief executive officer. "It will improve our access to low-cost suppliers and establish a base for future business development in China and Asia. Our key growth strategies include strengthening our supplier relationships, expanding our global customer base and introducing our technology to new markets. China and Asia represent tremendous opportunities in these areas."

"We are excited about the long-term business potential of our growing markets as we extend our global capabilities to our customers in Asia," said Thomas A. Beaver, vice president, global sales and systems engineering. "Our decision to establish a purchasing and business development center in China demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers' needs wherever they do business, and working with our partners to fulfill those needs more efficiently."

About Stoneridge, Inc.

Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Warren, Ohio, is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems principally for the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-road vehicle markets. Sales in 2003 were approximately $607 million. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at http://www.stoneridge.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are not historical fact are forward- looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this release. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors, the loss of a major customer, a decline in automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck or agricultural vehicle production, the failure to achieve successful integration of any acquired company or business, labor disputes involving the Company or its significant customers, risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, or a decline in general economic conditions. In addition, this release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management's best analysis only as of the date of this release. Stoneridge does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance related to forward-looking statements contained in this release can be found in Stoneridge's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.