Avon Automotive Names Dircks Chief Financial Officer

CADILLAC, Mich., Oct. 1, 2007 -- William C. Dircks has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer at Avon Automotive, a leading global supplier of low-pressure hoses for air-induction, fuel and coolant systems, as well as vibration-management products.

Dircks will direct the company's overall financial strategy, including planning and analysis, financial reporting and controls, tax and treasury activities. He also will be responsible for information technology and human resources functions.

Dircks will be located at the company's office in Farmington Hills, Mich., and will report directly to Lee Richards, Avon's president and chief executive officer.

In August 2006, Avon Automotive closed its management-led buyout with Avon Rubber p.l.c., acquiring the firm's automotive division with Red Diamond Capital, a New York-based private equity firm.

"Avon Automotive and Red Diamond Capital are pleased that Bill Dircks is joining our team in this critical role," said Richards. "His extensive automotive and global experience will provide important financial leadership in driving our strategic objectives."

Prior to joining Avon, Dircks was a vice president in Corporate Finance at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. Dircks previously had served as vice president and corporate controller at Lear Corporation and has held senior financial positions in the automotive and aerospace businesses at Honeywell International in Southfield, Mich. and Phoenix, Arizona. Dircks also worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York and Tokyo.

Dircks has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Manhattan College, Bronx, New York and is a certified public accountant. He is a resident of Novi, Michigan.

Headquartered in Cadillac, Mich., Avon Automotive is a leading global supplier of low-pressure hoses for air-induction, fuel and coolant systems, as well as vibration management products. The company serves a diversified customer base within original equipment manufacturers, heavy truck, small engine and recreational vehicle markets. Avon generates annual revenues of approximately $350 million at 11 manufacturing facilities in nine countries. The company has nearly 3,500 employees.