---

Walbro Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

29 April 1999

Walbro Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 29 -- Frank E. Bauchiero,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Walbro Corporation ,
reported sales of $188,706,000 for the first quarter ended March 31, 1999,
compared with $169,292,000 for the first quarter of 1998.
    Net income was $1,721,000 for the first quarter of 1999 compared with
$572,000 for the same period in 1998.  The Company posted net income per share
of $.20 for the quarter, compared with $.07 for the same period in 1998.
Average shares outstanding for the first quarter were 8,688,294 in 1999 and
8,682,602 in 1998.
    "Income from worldwide operations rose 64 percent in the quarter, with an
11 percent increase in sales," Bauchiero noted in announcing the results.
"Automotive sales were up 12 percent (excluding sales from discontinued
operations) compared to the first quarter of 1998," he said.  "Automotive
sales were up in all regions except South America, and income from automotive
operations rose 48 percent compared with the same period in 1998."
    "Small engine sales increased by 25 percent in the first quarter versus
the same period in 1998.  The increase was primarily due to increased
carburetor sales in China.  Gross margin from small engine operations grew by
five percent in the quarter," Bauchiero said.
    "Aftermarket sales were up 19 percent for the quarter, with an increase in
operating income of seven percent compared with the same period in 1998," he
added.
    "Joint ventures reported a loss for the quarter, largely the result of
start-up expenses related to the VITEC joint venture in Detroit, Michigan, and
economic conditions in South America that affected Walbro's joint venture in
Brazil," he added.
    "Walbro's first quarter 1999 results represent a continuing trend of
increased overall earnings due to improvements in operations," Bauchiero said.
"Management remains focused on improving efficiency and enhancing the bottom
line throughout Walbro's worldwide operations, and minimizing the Company's
exposure in areas with unsettled economic conditions," the Walbro chief
executive noted.
    Walbro Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of precision fuel
systems and products for automotive and small engine markets.  Walbro
Corporation has subsidiaries and joint ventures throughout the world,
including North and South America, Europe and Asia.  Walbro common stock is
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol WALB.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Actual results may
differ materially from anticipated results due to certain risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to general economic conditions in the
markets in which Walbro operates, fluctuations in the production of vehicles
for which Walbro is a supplier, labor disputes involving Walbro or its
significant customers, risks associated with conducting business in foreign
countries and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

                              WALBRO CORPORATION
                      (In thousands, except share data)

                                       Three Months Ended
                                            March 31
                                       1999          1998
    Net Sales                      $188,706      $169,292
    Net Income                        1,721           572
    Net Income Per Share                .20           .07
    Average Shares Outstanding    8,688,294     8,682,602
    EBITDA*                         $22,058       $19,462

    *  Earnings before interest and taxes, plus depreciation and amortization.