DURA Automotive Hires David Szczupak as Chief Operating Officer

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.--DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., today announced that David T. Szczupak, 51, has joined the company as chief operating officer, effective immediately. On December 8, 2006, after a hearing on December 7, 2006, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware entered an order authorizing the company to enter into an employment agreement with Szczupak.

As chief operating officer, Szczupak will be responsible for all aspects of DURA’s manufacturing, engineering, quality and procurement worldwide.

"David is a seasoned automotive industry executive who will be a great asset to our leadership team,” said Larry Denton, chairman and chief executive officer of DURA Automotive. “He brings global operations expertise and will play a pivotal role in the implementation of DURA’s operational restructuring program and growth initiatives.”

Szczupak’s automotive industry experience spans nearly 30 years. He joins DURA from the Ford Motor Company, where he most recently served as Ford’s group vice president of manufacturing. In this capacity, he directed global strategy and operations for all vehicle manufacturing, engineering and operations at 31 manufacturing plants worldwide, and directed a major restructuring of Ford’s global manufacturing footprint to reduce costs by 30 percent, among other initiatives.

“I am excited to join DURA’s management,“ said Szczupak, “and I look forward to further strengthening the company’s operations and performance, as we successfully complete the operational restructuring program and build on the company’s reputation for delivering innovative quality products at competitive prices.”

Szczupak joined Ford in 1990 as chief engineer of Jaguar Cars, following Ford’s acquisition of Jaguar, and has since held increasingly responsible senior management positions in engineering and manufacturing operations. Before that, he served in engineering positions with U.K.-based Jaguar Cars LTD and with Holset Engineering (Cummins).

Szczupak received a master’s degree in automotive engineering from Cranfield University, U.K.

Szczupak is a past member of the Volvo Cars Board of Directors and the Mazda Advisory Board, and past Chairman of the SAE Global Powertrain Congress 2005. He was named Engineer of the Year by Autocar Magazine in 1999.

On October 31, 2006, DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., and its domestic and Canadian affiliates filed voluntary petitions for protection under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company and its domestic and Canadian affiliates continue to operate their businesses as Chapter 11 debtors-in-possession.

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.