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Universal Automotive Acquires Assets of Total Brake Industries, Inc.

12 November 1999

Universal Automotive Industries, Inc. Acquires Assets of Total Brake Industries, Inc.

    CHICAGO, Nov. 12 -- Universal Automotive Industries, Inc.
, is pleased to announce the acquisition of certain assets of
Total Brake Industries, Inc. located in Walkerton, Virginia.  Total Brake
Industries, Inc. is a friction formulator and manufacturer of strip friction
lining used in the manufacture of brake shoes.  Total also formulates and
manufactures disc brake pucks.  Assets acquired include substantially all the
manufacturing assets and inventory related to the Walkerton facility.  The
total purchase price was approximately $1.5 million.  Universal will maintain
operations in Virginia and believes that production will expand as Universal
increases its market share in the friction products segment.
    "This acquisition accomplishes two important company objectives at very
favorable economics," commented Arvin Scott, President and CEO. "First, it
gives Universal increased capacity for producing disc brake pucks and
remanufacturing brake shoes.  Currently, Universal is operating at full
capacity in both types of product at its Canadian facility that cannot be
economically expanded due to space constraints.  Secondly, it gives Universal
the ability to produce its own friction strip lining at a substantial savings
over the cost of purchasing this material from third party suppliers."
    The Company is a manufacturer and distributor of brake rotors, drums, disc
brake pads, relined brake shoes, wheel cylinders and brake hoses for the
automotive aftermarket.  The Company markets approximately 50% of its product
under its UBP trademark (Universal Brake Parts) and as the Ultimate brand,
with the balance under its customers' private labels.  For further
information, contact the Company c/o Jerome J. Hiss, CFO 708-293-4050.
    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to
be covered by safe harbors created hereby.  Such forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties (including those risk factors
referenced in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission), and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance
or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future
results, performance, or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT:  Jerome J. Hiss, CFO of Universal Automotive Industries,
708-293-4050, ext. 227.