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De La Riva Named Meritor Automotive's Vice President Of Business Development and Communications

16 February 1998

De La Riva Named Meritor Automotive's Vice President Of Business Development and Communications

    TROY, Mich., Feb. 16 -_ Meritor Automotive Inc. ,
today announced the appointment of Juan De La Riva to the position of vice
president, Business Development and Communications, reporting directly to
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Larry D. Yost.
    In this position, De La Riva will lead and direct Meritor's business
development and corporate communication functions.  De La Riva assumes
responsibility for Rodney Walter, senior vice president, who is on an extended
medical leave of absence from the company.  Concurrently, De La Riva continues
to serve as managing director for the company's Wheels business based in
Limeira, Brazil, until a successor is named.  He has held that position since
1994.
    De La Riva will relocate to Meritor's world headquarters in Troy,
Michigan.
    "Juan De La Riva's many years of business experience in the automotive
industry will significantly contribute to the advancement of our global growth
strategies.  His operations expertise and broad knowledge of the automotive
markets will provide seasoned insight to our business planning organization
and enhance the global perspective of our communication efforts," Yost said.
De La Riva holds a master's in business from the University of Detroit and a
bachelor's degree in business administration from New York University.
    Meritor, with 1997 sales of more than $3.3 billion, is a global supplier
of a broad range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light
vehicles.  Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle Systems, a
leading supplier of drivetrain systems and components for medium- and heavy-
duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles,
including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light Vehicles
Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control and seat adjusting
systems, electric motors and electronic controls, suspension systems and
wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles.

SOURCE  Meritor Automotive