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Meritor to Acquire Tempered Spring Co.

8 February 2000

Meritor Suspension Systems Co. to Acquire Tempered Spring Co.: Strengthens European Market Presence and Builds Light Vehicle Systems' Undercarriage Strategy

    TROY, Mich., Feb. 8 -- Meritor Automotive, Inc.
today announced that Meritor Suspension Systems Co. (MSSC), its joint venture
with Mitsubishi Steel Manufacturing Co., has acquired privately-held Tempered
Spring Co., a leading supplier of automotive suspension components based in
Sheffield, England.  The acquisition adds new products and processes to
Meritor's portfolio as it expands its presence in the European suspensions
market.  Meritor's acquisition clearly demonstrates its strategic commitment
to the automotive undercarriage business.
    Terry O'Rourke, Meritor senior vice president and president of Meritor LVS
explained:  "Today's acquisition underscores our commitment to our LVS vision
by providing more focused technology offerings to our customers.  We will
continue to add to our component products and systems technology, as we pursue
LVS' two-pronged strategic direction: become a Tier 1 global supplier both in
undercarriage components and systems -- such as wheels, suspension systems,
corner modules, and in aperture systems, that include door, access control and
roof systems."
    Meritor Chairman and Chief Executive, Larry D. Yost said:  "Pursuing
acquisitions that complement our two strategic initiatives is a vital part of
Meritor's balanced global growth strategy that includes organic growth through
increased content per vehicle and expansion through acquisitions, joint
ventures, marketing alliances; and technological advances.  This growth
strategy enhances shareowner value; positions us to outperform our competitors
in meeting customer needs; and ensures balance and diversity in our product
offering, customer base and geographic presence."
    O'Rourke added:  "Europe continues to be a key market for long-term growth
of Meritor's LVS business.  This acquisition shows our commitment to building
the industry's most comprehensive offering of suspension systems and
components."
    According to Dr. Takeo Fukushima, managing director of Mitsubishi Steel:
"It is very exciting for Mitsubishi, together with Meritor, to develop
suspension products for premier automotive markets that include Europe, North
America and Japan."
    Tempered Spring develops and supplies light-vehicle OEMs with hot- and
cold-forming stabilizer bars and valve springs, as well as springs and metal
components for non-automotive applications.  The company employs approximately
350 people at its facility in Sheffield, England.
    The Meritor Suspensions Systems joint venture between Meritor and
Mitsubishi Steel Manufacturing Company of Japan.  It produces suspension
systems and components, including coil springs, torsion bars and stabilizer
bars.  MSSC supplies several North American OEMs and exports to customers in
Germany, Austria, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and the Middle East.  The
company has North American manufacturing facilities that are QS 9000 certified
in Milton, and Chatham, Ontario, Canada, as well as Hopkinsville, Ky., in the
United States.  Tempered Spring will be the joint venture's first European
operation.
    Meritor, with 1999 sales of $4.5 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of systems and components for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.  Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle
Systems, a leading supplier of complete drivetrain systems and components for
medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and
specialty vehicles, including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue;
and Light Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control, and
suspension systems, and wheel products for passenger cars, light trucks and
sport utility vehicles.

    For more information, visit the Meritor website at
http://www.meritorauto.com

    This news release contains statements relating to future results that are
"forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.  Actual results may differ materially from those projected
as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to
those detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings.