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DURA Automotive Reports Second Quarter 2006 Results

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--July 27, 2006--DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. , today reported revenues of $573.3 million for the second quarter ended July 2, 2006 compared to $623.8 million in the prior year's quarter. Net loss for the quarter was $131.3 million, or $6.96 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.0 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the prior year's quarter. Adjusted loss from continuing operations for the quarter, which excludes facility consolidation charges and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance totaled $38.3 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, compared to income of $1.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the prior year's quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $21.4 million compared to $50.2 million in the prior year's quarter. A reconciliation of adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is set forth below.

"While we haven't begun to experience material financial improvements to date, our operational restructuring plan is off to an excellent start," said Larry Denton, chairman and chief executive officer of DURA Automotive. "Our management team is committed to meeting our restructuring goals and our entire organization is aligned to deliver this program."

The decrease in second quarter revenue from the prior year was driven primarily by lower North American and European automotive production, unfavorable vehicle platform mix and the loss of the GMT 800 seat adjuster business. Partially offsetting these decreases was the benefit received from foreign currency exchange. The decrease in second quarter income from continuing operations from the prior year reflects the impact of lower automotive production, the loss of the GMT 800 seat adjuster business and higher raw material prices.

Denton continued, "We need to match our overhead structure to the market share of our major customers. While our 50 cubed restructuring plan is focused on structuring our operations for the future, we must take action immediately to address the current industry conditions. To support this effort, we will reduce our labor force by 510 employees by year end."

The $2.9 million facility consolidation charge for the quarter relates primarily to actions associated with the previously announced 50 cubed operational restructuring plan. Approximately $2.3 million of the charge relates to employee severance costs and $0.6 million was for facility closure and asset impairment charges.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes", DURA's second quarter 2006 provision for income taxes includes the recording of a $90.8 million valuation allowance U.S. deferred tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2005. DURA determined the need for a valuation allowance based upon its updated quarterly analysis of its U.S. operations taxable income together with the extended impact of elevated raw material prices on the automotive and recreation vehicle industries.

Six-month Results

For the six month period ended July 2, 2006, revenue totaled $1.2 billion compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2005. Net loss for the six month period was $138.3 million, or $7.35 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the prior year. DURA's adjusted loss from continuing operations for the six months ended July 2, 2006, which excludes facility consolidation and other charges, net and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance totaled $44.7 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, compared to adjusted loss from continuing operations of $2.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

Potential Material Goodwill Impairment Charge

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," DURA periodically evaluates the carrying value of its goodwill for indicators of impairment. SFAS No. 142 requires the company to evaluate the carrying value of its goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis if there are indicators of potential impairment. As in prior quarters, DURA performed this assessment during the second quarter of 2006. Based on the second quarter analysis, it has been determined that due to continued unfavorable operating results, primarily as a result of continued higher raw material costs, lower production volumes on key platforms and insufficient customer pricing, DURA's Control Systems reporting unit's goodwill may be materially impaired. At July 2, 2006, the total amount of recorded goodwill in DURA's Control Systems reporting unit is approximately $626.3 million. At this time, DURA is unable to make a good-faith estimate of the potential amount or range of amounts of the impairment charge. Such impairment charge will not result in future cash expenditures. DURA will file a report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 2.06 within four business days after it makes an estimate of such amount or range of amounts.

Conference Call

A conference call to review the second-quarter results is scheduled for July 27, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Interested participants may listen to the live conference call or replay over the Internet by logging onto the investor relations section of the company's Web site, www.duraauto.com. A telephone recording of this call also will be available until 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 3, 2006 by dialing (303) 590-3000, passcode 11066077.

About DURA Automotive Systems, Inc.

DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of driver control systems, seating control systems, glass systems, engineered assemblies, structural door modules and exterior trim systems for the global automotive industry. The company is also a leading supplier of similar products to the recreation vehicle (RV) and specialty vehicle industries. DURA sells its automotive products to every North American, Japanese and European original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and many leading Tier 1 automotive suppliers. DURA is headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich. Information about DURA and its products is available on the Internet at www.duraauto.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") included throughout this news release, the Company has provided information regarding "adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations" and "adjusted EBITDA" (non-GAAP financial measures). Adjusted income from continuing operations represents income from continuing operations adjusted for facility consolidation and other charges, net, the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, the favorable settlement of certain environmental matters and gain on retirement of debt, net. Adjusted EBITDA represents income from continuing operations adjusted for facility consolidation and other charges, the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, a gain on retirement of debt, the favorable resolution of certain environmental matters, interest, amortization, depreciation and taxes. Management believes that adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA are useful to both management and investors in their analysis of the Company's ability to analyze operational performance. Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other income statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. Also, adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA, as determined and presented by the Company, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", or similar expressions. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the company has made in light of its experience in the industry as well as its perspective of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to (i) expected synergies, economies of scale and cost savings from the company's acquisitions not being fully realized or realized within the expected times frames; (ii) unanticipated difficulties servicing the indebtedness of the company; (iii) costs or operational difficulties related to integrating the operations of the acquired entities with those of the company being greater than expected; (iv) labor disputes involving the company or its significant customers; (v) risks associated with conducting business in foreign countries, and (vi) general economic or business conditions affecting the automotive industry, either nationally or regionally, being less favorable than expected.



            DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
     (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)


                          Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended
                         --------------------- -----------------------
                           July 2,    July 3,    July 2,     July 3,
                             2006      2005       2006        2005
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
Revenues                   $573,326  $623,834  $1,157,704  $1,243,813
Cost of sales               535,056   545,478   1,065,472   1,104,876
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit                 38,270    78,356      92,232     138,937

Selling, general and
 administrative expenses     37,850    41,025      74,779      83,198
Facility consolidation,
 asset impairments and
 other charges                2,878     2,624       5,450       4,290
Amortization expense            105       104         210         216
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
Operating income             (2,563)   34,603      11,793      51,233

Interest expense, net        28,831    24,907      55,005      49,877
Loss on early
 extinguishment of debt           -     3,349           -       3,349
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------

Income (loss) from
 continuing operations
 before provision for 
 income taxes and 
 minority interest          (31,394)    6,347     (43,212)     (1,993)

Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes                99,614     3,391      95,781        (226)
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------

Income (loss) from
 continuing operations
 before
 minority interest        (131,008)    2,956    (138,993)     (1,767)

Minority interests in
 income                        (155)        -        (210)          -
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------

Income (loss) from
 continuing operations     (131,163)    2,956    (139,203)      2,956

Gain (loss) from
 discontinued operations,
 net                           (105)        3        (105)       (106)
Cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle                        -         -       1,020           -
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------

Net income (loss)         $(131,268)   $2,959   $(138,288)    $(1,873)
                          ========== ========= =========== ===========

Basic earnings (loss) per
 share:
Income (loss) from
 continuing operations       $(6.95)    $0.16      $(7.39)     $(0.09)
Discontinued operations       (0.01)        -       (0.01)      (0.01)
Cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle                        -         -        0.05           -
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)            $(6.96)    $0.16      $(7.35)     $(0.10)
                          ========== ========= =========== ===========
Basic shares outstanding     18,861    18,704      18,834      18,683

Diluted earnings (loss)
 per share:
Income (loss) from
 continuing operations       $(6.95)    $0.16      $(7.39)     $(0.09)
Discontinued operations       (0.01)        -       (0.01)      (0.01)
Cumulative effect of
 change in accounting
 principle                        -         -        0.05           -
                          ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)            $(6.96)    $0.16      $(7.35)     $(0.10)
                          ========== ========= =========== ===========
Diluted shares
 outstanding                 18,861    18,818      18,834      18,683

Capital expenditures        $20,825   $13,326     $43,942     $27,604
Depreciation                $20,971   $21,057     $41,269     $41,492



            DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              ADJUSTED INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
     (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts - unaudited)


                                Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
                               ------------------- -------------------
                                 July 2,   July 3,   July 2,   July 3,
                                  2006      2005      2006      2005
                               ---------- -------- ---------- --------
Adjusted income (loss) from
 continuing operations
------------------------------
Income (loss) from continuing
 operations before
 minority interest             $(131,008)  $2,956  $(138,993) $(1,767)
Facility consolidation and
 other charges, net                1,927    1,767      3,565    2,777
Valuation allowance for U.S.
 deferred taxes                   90,773        -     90,773        -
Loss on early extinguishment
 of debt, net                          -    2,143          -    2,143
Favorable settlement of
 environmental matter, net             -   (5,243)         -   (5,243)
                               ---------- -------- ---------- --------
  Adjusted income (loss) from
   continuing operations        $(38,308)  $1,623   $(44,655) $(2,090)
                               ========== ======== ========== ========

Basic earnings (loss) per
 share:
   Adjusted income (loss) from
    continuing operations         $(2.03)   $0.09     $(2.37)  $(0.11)
Basic shares outstanding          18,861   18,704     18,834   18,683

Diluted earnings (loss) per
 share:
   Adjusted income (loss) from
    continuing operations         $(2.03)   $0.09     $(2.37)  $(0.11)
Diluted shares outstanding        18,861   18,818     18,834   18,683

Adjusted EBITDA
------------------------------
Operating income                 $(2,563) $34,603    $11,793  $51,233
Amortization                         105      104        210      216
Depreciation                      20,971   21,057     41,269   41,492
Favorable settlement of
 environmental matter                  -   (8,192)         -   (8,192)
Facility consolidation, asset
 impairment and other charges      2,878    2,624      5,450    4,290
                               ---------- -------- ---------- --------
     Adjusted EBITDA             $21,391  $50,196    $58,722  $89,039
                               ========== ======== ========== ========



            DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        (Amounts in thousands)


                                               July 2,   December 31,
                   Assets                       2006         2005
-------------------------------------------- ----------- -------------

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                    $123,042      $101,889
  Accounts receivable, net                      332,563       291,119
  Inventories, net                              142,625       132,148
  Other current assets                          113,917       107,650
                                             ----------- -------------
    Total current assets                        712,147       632,806
                                             ----------- -------------

Property, plant and equipment, net              473,233       458,258
Goodwill, net                                   887,870       854,296
Deferred income taxes and other assets, net      72,233       129,849
                                             ----------- -------------
                                             $2,145,483    $2,075,209
                                             =========== =============
  Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment
--------------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                             $250,960      $265,560
  Accrued liabilities                           197,908       180,622
  Current maturities of long-term debt            3,042         3,473
                                             ----------- -------------
    Total current liabilities                   451,910       449,655
                                             ----------- -------------

Long-term debt, net of current maturities       278,809       171,577
Senior unsecured notes                          400,000       400,000
Senior subordinated notes                       532,519       523,906
Convertible trust preferred securities
 subject to mandatory redemption                 55,250        55,250
Senior notes - derivative instrument
 adjustment                                     (22,968)      (10,781)
Minority interests                                5,122         4,864
Other noncurrent liabilities                    190,454       141,031

Stockholders' investment:
  Common stock - Class A                            189           188
  Additional paid-in capital                    352,271       351,994
  Treasury stock                                 (1,781)       (1,948)
  Accumulated deficit                          (229,816)      (91,528)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income        133,524        81,001
                                             ----------- -------------
    Total stockholders' investment              254,387       339,707
                                             ----------- -------------
                                             $2,145,483    $2,075,209
                                             =========== =============