Stoneridge Names Steven Syzdek Director of International Business Development

WARREN, Ohio, Jan. 19, 2005 -- Stoneridge, Inc. today announced the promotion of Steven Syzdek to director of international business development. With far-ranging experience developing automotive components businesses in Europe and Asia, he brings a high level of talent and knowledge to his new position.

"We are extremely pleased to have Steve in a leadership role as we expand our international operations," said Thomas A. Beaver, vice president of global sales and systems engineering. "His proven track record of success in building new businesses in the Asia Pacific region will complement our organization going forward."

Syzdek will have responsibility for all aspects of Asian business development for Stoneridge including involvement in the newly established Minda-Stoneridge joint venture in India and the Company's new office in Shanghai, China. He will be based in Shanghai.

Syzdek joined Stoneridge in August 2001 as vice president of strategic marketing and aftermarket sales for the actuator products division located in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to joining Stoneridge, he was employed by TRW Automotive where he served as director of customer development for ASEAN, China and Korea and was based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Previously, he served as general manager of LucasVarity Malaysia where he was responsible for the development of operations in Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. Prior expatriate assignments included Warsaw, Poland; Mainz, Germany; and Hong Kong, PRC. Syzdek began his automotive career in 1984 and has previously worked for both Chrysler Corporation and Ford Motor Company. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to strengthen Stoneridge's international sales team," Syzdek said. "Stoneridge continues to expand its businesses globally to capture growth potential and meet the needs of its customers."

About Stoneridge, Inc.

Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Warren, Ohio, is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components for the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway 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 the 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 on Stoneridge's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.