---

Hayes Lemmerz Buys Brazilian Wheel Producer

20 May 1998

Hayes Lemmerz Acquires Brazil's Largest Full Line Wheel Producer

    ROMULUS, Mich., May 19 -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
, the world's leading supplier of wheels and brake components to
the transportation industry, announced today that it has closed on the
purchase of an additional 51.1% of the equity of Borlem S.A. Empreendimentos
Industriais.
    The deal, first announced on April 30, increases Hayes' ownership of
Borlem to 98.7%, with the remaining shares being held by the public.  Terms of
the agreement were not disclosed.
    "We are proud to be a member of such a great world class team," said
Paulo Pusset, who will continue as Chairman and President of Borlem.  "The
company's unparalleled commitment to quality, innovation and integrity stands
it apart and will serve the company well as it competes in this rapidly
growing South American market."
    "While not only enabling us to better serve our customer needs throughout
the world, the Borlem facilities will also play a key role in expanding our
lead position in the fast emerging South American market," said Ron Cucuz,
President and CEO of Hayes Lemmerz.  "Clearly, Borlem is a terrific addition
to the Hayes Lemmerz family.  Joining Borlem's market leadership in South
America with our world class technology, strong global position and
significant synergies will maximize the value of this transaction for
customers and our shareholders."
    Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc., with annual sales of over $1.5 billion,
is a world leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of steel and
aluminum wheels and brake drums and rotors for the automotive and commercial
highway markets in North America, Europe and Asia.  Hayes has more than
7,000 employees and 23 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries worldwide.