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Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. Files Registration Statement for Public $50 Million Convertible Trust Preferred Securities

3 March 1998

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. Files Registration Statement for Public $50 Million Convertible Trust Preferred Securities

    MINNEAPOLIS, March 3 -- Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
, today announced the filing of a Registration Statement with
the Securities and Exchange Commission related to the proposed public offering
by Dura Automotive Systems Capital Trust, a Delaware statutory business trust,
of $50 million of Convertible Trust Preferred Securities.  Dura Automotive
Systems Capital Trust was formed by Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., for the
sole purpose of issuing the Preferred Securities, which are convertible, under
certain circumstances, into Class A Common Stock of Dura Automotive Systems,
Inc.
    The proceeds of the offering will be invested by Dura Automotive Systems
Capital Trust in convertible subordinated debentures of Dura Automotive
Systems, Inc.  The net proceeds from the sale of the convertible subordinated
debentures will be used by Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., for repayment of a
portion of its bank credit facility.
    The managing underwriters for the offering will be Robert W. Baird & Co.
Incorporated and Piper Jaffray Inc.  A copy of the preliminary prospectus can
be obtained from the offices of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, 777 East
Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI  53202-5391.
    A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.
These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to
the time the registration statement becomes effective.  This communication
shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy
nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such state.  Offers of the
securities will be made only by means of a prospectus.
    Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., is a leading designer and manufacturer of
driver control systems, engineered mechanical components and cable-related
systems for the global automotive industry.  The company's products include
parking brake systems, automotive cables, transmission shifter systems,
latches, underbody tire carriers, jacks, brake, clutch 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, Mercedes,
VW, BMW, PSA (Peugeot and Citroen) 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.