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GKN Announces Key Management Additions

3 June 1999

GKN Announces Key Management Additions: Deane, Pugliese, and Chupa Provide Strategic Direction to GKN Automotive Driveline Division

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 3 -- GKN Automotive, Inc. (GKN AI)
recently announced three management additions naming Al Deane, vice president
of engineering; Paul Pugliese, vice president of manufacturing; and Michael
Chupa, vice president of sales and marketing.  The announcement was made by
Tom Stone, chief executive officer of GKN Automotive, Inc.
    "The strength and support from these individuals strongly compliments our
existing management teams," said Stone.  "We look forward to utilizing their
vast experience and skills for our development of innovative products to our
customers."

    Al Deane, vice president of engineering
    For the past nine years, Deane worked for Bosch Braking Systems, most
recently as vice president of applications engineering.  Deane was responsible
for the development of automotive components and brake systems.  Prior to
working at Bosch, Deane worked at Kelsey-Hayes in a variety of engineering
positions.  Deane earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical
engineering from the University of Michigan, Dearborn.

    Paul Pugliese, vice president of manufacturing
    Pugliese is responsible for GKN AI manufacturing/assembly plants, quality
and materials.  He previously served as the general manager of the FMC
Corporation Harvester Division, located in Norfolk, England, where he was
responsible for the included sales and service throughout Europe, Africa and
the Middle East.  Pugliese also worked in a variety of operations and
engineering positions with General Electric.  His experience includes the
areas of manufacturing strategic planning, technology direction and
application, and materials management.  Pugliese earned a bachelor of science
degree in metallurgic engineering from Lafayette College and master's degree
in business from Duke University.

    Mike Chupa, vice president of sales and marketing
    Chupa joined GKN AI from New Venture Gear (NVG) where he was most recently
employed as vice president of strategic planning and development.  NVG is a
joint venture between DaimlerChrysler and General Motors that manufactures
transmissions and components for passenger cars and light trucks.  Prior to
his position at NVG, Chupa was the vice president of sales for both
AlliedSignal Braking Systems and ITT Automotive, and worked in quality
management and engineering positions.  Chupa earned a bachelor of science
degree from Wayne State University and master's degree from the University of
Chicago.

    GKN ADD is a global full-service supplier and a major division of GKN plc.
The company is the leading independent, global supplier of complete driveline
systems, holding more than 36 percent of the world's constant velocity joint
halfshaft market.  Its subsidiaries and associated companies manufacture
driveline products in more than 40 locations through 20 companies worldwide.
    GKN plc is an international business committed to excellence in automotive
and agritechnical production, aerospace and industrial services.  GKN's
operations, which posted sales of more than $6 billion in 1998, employ more
than 35,000 people in its subsidiaries and an additional 12,300 in associated
companies.
    GKN's Internet address is http://www.gknplc.com.