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Management Appointments at Advanced Accessory Systems

8 October 1997

Management Appointments at Advanced Accessory Systems

    STERLING HIGHTS, Mich., Oct. 8 -- The Board of Managers of
Advanced Accessory Systems (AAS) today announced the appointment of Marshall
D. Gladchun as President and Chief Executive Officer of AAS.  Mr. Gladchun
will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer of the SportRack
operations of AAS.
    The Board also announced:

    *  the election to the Board of Gerrit de Graaf, general manager of, AAS'
       Brink International company based in the Netherlands, and
    *  the appointment of Terence C. Seikel as Chief Financial Officer of AAS.
       Mr. Seikel will continue as Chief Financial Officer of SportRack.

    AAS Chairman F. Alan Smith, stated that "These changes are a reflection of
our rapid growth to become the world leader in trailer hitches and roof racks,
serving all of the automotive OEM's and important customers in the
aftermarket.  We remain committed to strong, autonomous growth and leadership
at our three operating companies and will continue to seek to acquire
leadership companies in the worldwide vehicle accessories market."
    Advanced Accessory Systems is a leading global tier-one automotive and
aftermarket supplier of engineered exterior automotive accessories.  Company
sales are at $250 million annually with 1,500 employees in ten countries.
    AAS, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, seeks continued growth in
related and aligned exterior automotive accessory products.

SOURCE  Advanced Accessory Systems