Meridian Automotive Systems Names Richard E. Newsted Interim Chief Executive Officer

DEARBORN, Mich.--Aug. 3, 20050, 2005--Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that it has named Richard E. Newsted President and Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2005. Mr. Newsted, 47, joined Meridian in 2001 and has served as the Company's President since April 2005. Prior to April, Mr. Newsted served as Meridian's Chief Financial Officer.

Newsted replaces Thomas Divird who has been Meridian's interim CEO since March 2005. Mr. Divird will continue to serve on Meridian's Board of Directors, of which he has been a member since 2004. He will stay on in his interim CEO capacity until the end of September in order to assist with an orderly transition and to help complete Meridian's long-range business plan.

The Company reaffirmed it plans to distribute a long-range business plan to its creditors by September 30, 2005. This business plan will form a basis for Meridian's plan of reorganization, which will be filed with the court at a later date.

Mr. Divird said, "After seeing Meridian through the initial phase of its restructuring, I feel it is time for me to return to my role on the Board and transition the ongoing leadership to Rich. Rich has a broad mix of experience and skill in operations, commercial, finance and strategy, and along with his long history at Meridian, he is the right choice to lead the Company."

Mr. Newsted said, "Tom has provided great service to Meridian at a critical juncture in our history. We thank him for his leadership and guidance, and look forward to our ongoing work with him in his continuing capacity as a Director."

About Meridian Automotive Systems

Meridian Automotive Systems is a leading supplier of technologically advanced front and rear end modules, lighting, exterior composites, console modules, instrument panels and other interior systems to automobile and truck manufacturers. Meridian operates 22 plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico, supplying Original Equipment Manufacturers and major Tier One parts suppliers.

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Meridian Automotive Systems management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future consolidated results, financial situation, development or performance of the company, and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability to update such forward-looking statements or to adapt to future events or development.