Meridian Automotive Systems Receives Court Approval of Disclosure Statement

ALLEN PARK, Mich., July 21 -- Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that the Bankruptcy Court has approved its Disclosure Statement and proposed solicitation procedures, thereby allowing the company to move towards exiting Chapter 11. Meridian will begin distributing balloting materials to all creditors in order to solicit their votes in support of its Plan of Reorganization ("Plan"). The company anticipates a confirmation hearing on September 13, 2006 and that the Plan will become effective on or about September 29, 2006.

Richard E. Newsted, Meridian's President and CEO, said, "We are pleased to have received the Bankruptcy Court's approval of our Disclosure Statement today, which allows us to move closer to our ultimate emergence from Chapter 11. We are extremely pleased to have the support of our major creditor constituencies."

About Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.

Meridian Automotive Systems is a leading supplier of technologically advanced front and rear end modules, exterior thermoplastics and composites, lighting and interior systems to automobile and truck manufacturers. Meridian operates 20 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.