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Titan International, Inc. Reports Year-over-Year Earnings Per Share Increase of $.73 for Third Quarter

QUINCY, Ill.--Oct. 2, 20048, 2004--Titan International, Inc. reported net sales of $116.5 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2004, up 47 percent from $79.2 million pro forma (adjusted to reflect the sale of Titan Europe) for third quarter 2003. Net sales for third quarter 2003 including Titan Europe sales were $111.2 million. Net sales for the first nine months of 2004 were $404.7 million compared to $371.2 million in 2003.

Income from operations for the quarter was $9.9 million, up significantly from a loss of $(5.1) million for third quarter 2003. Year-to-date income from operations for 2004 was $34.3 million compared to a loss of $(12.4) million for the same time period last year. Titan recorded net income of $1.5 million for the quarter and $12.4 million year-to-date for 2004, compared to a net loss of $(13.4) million and $(27.4) million in 2003, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $.09 for the quarter and $.65 year-to-date 2004, versus loss per share of $(.64) for the quarter and $(1.31) year-to-date in the previous year.

On July 23, 2004, Titan completed a new $100 million revolving credit facility, replacing the company's prior revolving loan agreement and term loan. On July 26, 2004, Titan sold $115 million of 5.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2009. These notes are convertible into shares of TWI stock at any time on or before maturity at a conversion price of $13.50 per common share. The proceeds from the convertible notes and revolving loan agreement were used to redeem the $136.8 million outstanding principal of Titan's 8.75% senior subordinated notes. Titan recorded expenses of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2004 in connection with the termination of the prior revolving loan agreement and term loan, and the redemption of all of the 8.75% senior subordinated notes. These expenses related to unamortized deferred financing, redemption premium and prepayment penalties.

"Clearly we are pleased with the great strides Titan has made since third quarter last year, especially considering Titan Europe Plc's sales are no longer consolidated with those of Titan International. Titan's commitment to product innovation, manufacturing efficiencies and focused sales has led to a healthy profit for the third quarter, which is typically impacted by seasonal equipment manufacturer shutdowns," stated Maurice Taylor Jr., Titan president and CEO. "Many of our customers are still forecasting sales growth through 2005, and Titan is ready to meet the wheel and tire needs of the agricultural, construction and consumer industries. The refinancing of the company's debt allowed us to secure extended terms through 2009, ensuring the continued financial strength of Titan."

For additional financial information and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, see the company's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 28, 2004.

This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks as detailed in Titan International, Inc.'s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Titan International, Inc., a holding company, owns subsidiaries that supply wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway equipment used in agricultural, earthmoving/construction, and consumer (i.e. all terrain vehicles and trailers) applications.

Titan International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

Amounts in thousands except earnings per share data.

                               Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                  September 30,       September 30,
                                 2004      2003      2004      2003
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net sales                      $116,487  $111,218  $404,651  $371,203
Cost of sales                    98,686   105,921   338,241   349,440
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Gross profit                   17,801     5,297    66,410    21,763

Selling, general &
 administrative expenses          7,613     9,751    27,585    32,108
Research & development expenses     323       638     1,530     2,022
Goodwill impairment on Titan
 Europe                               0         0     2,988         0
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Income (loss) from operations   9,865    (5,092)   34,307   (12,367)

Interest expense                 (3,833)   (5,088)  (13,598)  (15,101)
Debt termination expense         (3,654)        0    (3,654)        0
Equity investment (loss) income    (367)        0       421         0
Loss on investment                    0    (2,707)        0    (2,707)
Other income                        105       245       239     2,728
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
  Income (loss) before income
   taxes                          2,116   (12,642)   17,715   (27,447)

Provision for income taxes          635       740     5,315         0
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------

  Net income (loss)              $1,481  $(13,382)  $12,400  $(27,447)
                               ========= ========= ========= =========

Income (loss) per common share:
  Basic                            $.09     $(.64)     $.68    $(1.31)
  Diluted                           .09      (.64)      .65     (1.31)

Average common shares
 outstanding:
  Basic                          16,324    21,060    18,293    20,922
  Diluted                        16,426    21,060    20,429    20,922



Segment Information
Revenues from external customers (Unaudited)
Amounts in thousands

                               Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                  September 30,       September 30,
                                 2004      2003      2004      2003
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Agricultural                   $70,451   $62,921  $253,583  $216,870
 Earthmoving/Construction        37,495    40,776   124,546   126,958
 Consumer                         8,541     7,521    26,522    27,375
                               --------- --------- --------- ---------
   Total                       $116,487  $111,218  $404,651  $371,203



Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Amounts in thousands
                                                 Sept. 30,   Dec. 31,
                                                   2004        2003
                                                ----------- ----------
Assets
Current assets:
 Cash & cash equivalents                            $3,291     $6,556
 Accounts receivable                                68,417     83,975
 Inventories                                        74,484    112,496
 Assets held for sale                               37,003     37,775
 Deferred income taxes                              20,343     20,343
 Other current assets                               17,592     25,801
                                                ----------- ----------
  Total current assets                             221,130    286,946

Property, plant & equipment, net                    77,075    138,482
Restricted cash on deposit                          26,430     51,039
Investment in affiliate                             27,418          0
Other noncurrent assets                             20,928     27,794
Goodwill, net                                       11,702     18,823
                                                ----------- ----------
  Total assets                                    $384,683   $523,084
                                                =========== ==========

Liabilities & stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
 Short-term debt (including current portion 
  of long-term debt)                                  $233    $21,161
 Accounts payable                                   33,458     51,931
 Other current liabilities                          23,214     29,883
                                                ----------- ----------
  Total current liabilities                         56,905    102,975

Deferred income taxes                               22,796     22,796
Other long-term liabilities                         28,726     36,960
Long-term debt                                     174,329    248,397
Stockholders' equity                               101,927    111,956
                                                ----------- ----------
  Total liabilities & stockholders' equity        $384,683   $523,084
                                                =========== ==========