Textron Automotive Names Hirsch President of Kautex Textron

14 September 1999
Textron Automotive Names Hirsch President of Kautex Textron
    TROY, Mich., Sept. 14 -- Textron Automotive Company Inc.
today announced the appointment of J.V. "Jake" Hirsch as President and CEO of
Kautex Textron, Bonn, Germany reporting to Sam Licavoli, Chairman, President
and CEO of Textron Automotive Company.  He replaces Hans-Dieter Lesch, who has
retired.  Kautex Textron, a division of Textron Automotive Company, is the
world's leading full-service supplier of advanced fuel systems, plastic fuel
tanks and the manufacturer of blow-molded functional components and other
industrial products with 23 locations in 15 countries.
    Before joining Kautex Textron, Mr. Hirsch, 47, was serving as Chief
Operating Officer and Member of the Board of Magna Europe AG.  From 1976 to
1998, he held various management positions with increasing responsibilities
throughout the world at TRW Inc.  His latest position there was Vice President
and Managing Director, Occupant Restraint Systems Group Europe.
    "Jake's extensive manufacturing background and management expertise will
be a great asset to Kautex as they continue their rapid growth in delivering
new advanced fuel systems to its customers worldwide," said Sam Licavoli,
Chairman, President and CEO of Textron Automotive Company.  "His vast
knowledge of the global automotive industry will greatly enhance our senior
management team."
    With over $2.7 billion in annual revenues and manufacturing locations in
16 countries, Textron Automotive Company is a leading global supplier of
instrument panels, cockpit modules, exterior and interior trim, plastic fuel
tanks and automotive systems and components.  Globally recognized for
breakthrough proprietary technologies and quality, Textron Automotive Company
has received more than 50 awards for excellence from OEMs in North America,
Europe and Asia.
    Textron Inc. is a $10 billion, global, multi-industry company
with market-leading businesses in Aircraft, Automotive, Industrial and
Finance.  Textron has a workforce of over 64,000 employees and major
manufacturing facilities in 23 countries.  Textron is among Fortune magazine's
"America's Most Admired Companies."  Additional information is available at
http://www.textron.com