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Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Brazilian Joint Venture Increases Ownership Of Pollone S.A.

16 January 1998

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Brazilian Joint Venture Increases Ownership Of Pollone S.A.

    MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 16 -- Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
, today announced that it has exercised a debt-to-equity
conversion option to increase its 50/50 joint venture ownership with Excel
Industries, Inc. in Pollone S.A., a Brazilian auto parts supplier,
to 51 percent from 25.5 percent.
    According to Karl Storrie, president and chief executive officer of Dura
Automotive Systems, Inc., "We are pleased with the progress our joint venture
with Excel is making in turning Pollone around from an operational standpoint.
Having the joint venture own a controlling interest in the company should
accelerate the progress.  Despite recent market softness in the Brazilian auto
market, we feel the market has strong long-term growth potential."
    Pollone S.A., located near Sao Paulo, Brazil, is operated by Dura/Excel do
Brazil, Ltda.  Pollone expects to receive QS9000 certification shortly and be
one of the first Brazilian suppliers to receive this international
recognition.  Pollone manufactures parts from both Excel and Dura core product
lines.  Sales for 1998 are anticipated to be approximately $35 million and to
grow to $60 million by the year 2000.
    Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., is a leading designer and manufacturer of
driver control mechanisms, cable related systems and engineered mechanical
components for the global automotive industry.  The company's products include
parking brake systems, automotive cables, latches, transmission shifter
mechanisms and systems, underbody tire carriers, brake and accelerator pedals,
and other mechanical assemblies.  The company's products are sold to major
North American original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Ford,
General Motors and Chrysler, as well as Japanese OEMs, such as Toyota.  The
company's European and South American facilities support Ford, GM, VW, BMW,
PSA (Peugeot) and various other OEMs.  Dura Automotive's operating
headquarters is in Rochester Hills, Mich., and its corporate office is in
Minneapolis, Minn.

SOURCE  Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.