Cooper's Dattilo Named Tire Industry Executive of the Year

FINDLAY, Ohio, Dec. 13, 2004 -- COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY CEO Thomas A. Dattilo is the Industry Executive of the Year reported today by Rubber & Plastics News, a leading industry publication.

Dattilo has served as the Chairman, President and CEO of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company since April 2000, in addition to serving as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturer's Association (RMA) and vice chairman of the Manufacturer's Alliance (MAPI). According to Rubber & Plastics News, during his tenure Dattilo has led the company's growth of nearly 25 percent, has accelerated the Cooper brand into the mainstream of flag brands in North America and aligned the company with high-performance products.

Identifying Dattilo as the first "outsider" to lead the company, Rubber & Plastics News noted that he has provided the company "international experience and a better understanding of outside forces that influence companies in today's economy."

This bigger-picture perspective has catapulted the Findlay, Ohio-based company to being recognized in the global tire arena. During the past five years, the company has successfully integrated three acquisitions, launched a line of ultra-high performance products, entered into several racing circuits, elevated the Cooper brand image through cutting-edge advertising, and is near closing on the divestiture of its automotive segment, to position itself better in the fast-growing Chinese market in addition to other growth strategies.

"Cooper's people and customers are what drive the company's success. My role is to lead an already outstanding organization to even greater success -- greater than what they may realize they can achieve," described Dattilo. "I am thrilled and honored to be named to this prestigious honor and gladly share this recognition with the entire Cooper organization."

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: http://www.coopertireandrubber.com/ .