Metaldyne Announces Key Engine and Transmission Components on 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Dec. 20, 2006 -- Metaldyne Corporation has contributed several components to the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists, including the Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Edge.

Forty nine international automotive journalists from various North American publications have named the Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry and Honda Fit as finalists for Car of the Year. Metaldyne supplies crankshaft rubber dampers on the Saturn Aura. Metaldyne's rubber damper technology offers the Saturn Aura a cost and weight reduction, as well as less part complexity, while improving noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics for a quieter ride. Other Metaldyne components on the Aura include transmission valve bodies, lower valve bodies, and end covers. Another Car of the Year finalist, the Toyota Camry, features Metaldyne's inlet housings, oil seal retainers and water outlets.

Metaldyne products also are featured on two Truck of the Year finalists, the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Edge. Metaldyne improves NVH and fuel economy on the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Edge with powder forged connecting rods that are lighter and stronger than conventional forged steel connecting rods. Other Metaldyne components featured on the Silverado include transmission valve bodies, crankshaft pulley/dampers, rubber dampers, drive sprockets, inner drums and clutch levers. The Ford Edge also features Metaldyne's end covers and lower valve bodies. The Mazda CX-7 is the third nominee in the truck category.

"We are proud to supply some of the best vehicles for 2007," said Tim Leuliette, Metaldyne chairman and CEO. "Innovation is what sets great vehicles apart from good vehicles. On behalf of Metaldyne, I extend our congratulations to Ford, General Motors, Mazda and Toyota for the innovative spirit they each embraced in developing these cars and trucks."

The award recognizes the most outstanding vehicles for the 2007 model year based on various factors, the most notable being that candidates have to be an all-new model or significantly changed from previous years. The winners will be announced during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

About Metaldyne

Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for transportation related powertrain and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel-end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne had annual revenues of approximately $1.9 billion in 2005. The company employs more than 6,500 employees at 38 facilities in 14 countries.