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Hayes Lemmerz to Supply Crossmembers To Mitsubishi

17 November 2000

Hayes Lemmerz International to Supply Crossmembers To Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing

    NORTHVILLE, Mich., Nov. 17 Hayes Lemmerz International,
Inc. , a leading global supplier to the automotive and commercial
highway industries, announced today that it has received a contract from
Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing, Normal, Illinois, to supply one-piece aluminum
crossmembers for Mitsubishi Galant, Eclipse, and Eclipse Spyder models, made
in North America and equipped with V-6 engines, beginning with the 2001
models.  The terms of the contract were not disclosed.
    Hayes Lemmerz will make these parts at its Bristol, Indiana facility.
    Designed to replace steel units, the aluminum component will be made as a
one-piece aluminum casting and provides for significant weight savings.
    According to Mish Jaksic, president of Hayes Lemmerz' Suspension
Components business unit, "The structural nature of the application and our
first such application with Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing makes the one-piece
aluminum crossmember a very important program.  This market is expected to
grow significantly because of the need for high-integrity, high-quality
castings.  These products are lighter and stronger than a conventional steel
unit and are designed to provide a noticeable reduction in noise, vibration
and harshness.  In addition, they help deliver sharper steering and handling
while the lighter mass helps agility and fuel economy."