Meridian Addresses Emissions Standards at Jackson Facility

NEW YORK, July 18 -- In a news release last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") cited Meridian's Jackson plant for allegedly releasing excessive amounts of styrene, a chemical compound used to manufacture exterior automotive components.

Meridian recently ended the production line responsible for the emissions.

Meridian had extensive discussions with EPA officials for more than six months regarding styrene-emission levels at the Jackson facility, and EPA officials were presented with several alternatives that Meridian was considering, to reduce or eliminate the emissions. Meridian eliminated the manufacturing process that was the source of the emissions and promptly informed EPA officials.

Richard E. Newsted, President and CEO of Meridian Automotive Systems, said, "Meridian takes seriously its environmental compliance responsibilities, and we are proud of our track record in meeting federal and state environmental standards and regulations. We have an active dialogue with the EPA and other regulatory bodies, cooperate fully with their inquiries and move quickly to resolve issues when they arise."

All of Meridian's facilities have active Environmental Management Systems, and all qualifying facilities are certified under ISO 14001:2004 standards. The ISO 14001:2004 is an international standard for all industries and offers guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques to manage the environmental exposures created as part of the operation of a business. First published in 1996, ISO 14001 today is the most important environmental standard in the world. It is used by thousands of organizations, and is supported by environmentalists, private corporations and governments around the world.

ISO is the International Organization for Standardization, which was established in 1947 to facilitate international trade by developing internationally recognized standards for a wide range of business processes. ISO standards are developed by technical committees comprising members from the ISO's 146 standards organizations.

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.