McLaren Performance Technologies Names Steven Rossi President and Chief Executive Officer STEVEN ROSSI OF MCLAREN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES Automotive industry veteran Steven Rossi has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Livonia, Mich.-based McLaren Performance Technologies (Nasdaq: MCLN). Rossi joins the publicly traded company after a career spanning 24 years at several major global automakers, including DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mercedes-Benz of North America, General Motors, Saab Cars USA, Inc. and Ford Motor Co. (PRNewsFoto)[PM] LIVONIA, MI USA 12/07/2000

7 December 2000

Rossi to chart accelerated course of exploration, innovation and application

    LIVONIA, Mich., Dec. 7 Livonia, Mich.-based McLaren
Performance Technologies announced today that it has appointed
automotive industry veteran Steven Rossi as the company's president and chief
executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001207/DETH014 )
    An engineer by training and recognized automotive aficionado, Rossi joins
McLaren Performance Technologies after a career spanning 24 years at several
major global automakers, including DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mercedes-Benz of
North America, General Motors, Saab Cars USA, Inc. and Ford Motor Co.
    Beginning his career as an engine engineer, he later served in a wide
range of positions, including engineering; product planning and development;
marketing; industry, government and public relations; and most recently,
global communications.
    "We are excited to have an executive of Steve's caliber lead our team,"
said Lawrence Cohen, chairman of the board for McLaren Performance
Technologies.  "Steve brings not only a wealth of automotive experience, but
also a unique, broad-based perspective that will enable us to build upon our
rich heritage and take this company to the next level.  When you combine
Steve's career and industry reputation with the legendary, 40-year background
of Wiley McCoy -- who will now serve as our executive vice president and chief
operating officer -- you have a dynamic team that is unparalleled in this
industry."
    As president and CEO, Rossi -- who will be based at the company's Livonia,
Mich. headquarters -- has full responsibility for the company's operations,
establishing and executing the company's strategic direction and creating
shareholder value.
    One of Rossi's initial goals is to sharpen the company's mission, energize
the brand and move the company forward by charting three courses: a course of
Exploration -- exploring advanced technologies and new opportunities while
simultaneously maximizing existing relationships; a course of Innovation --
providing value-added, innovative solutions to customers; and a course of
Application -- to be the best-in-class at translating these innovations and
technologies into new and enhanced revenue streams.
    Most recently, Rossi served as vice president of global communications for
DaimlerChrysler Corp. in Auburn Hills, Mich.  Following the creation of this
global entity, he helped develop integrated communications strategies and
processes for the automaker's automotive brands worldwide.  He also had
responsibility for the complete spectrum of Auburn Hills' communications
activities, from product and technology to sales and marketing, and safety,
litigation, internal, regional, diversity and motorsports activities.
    From November 1995 to April 1999, he served as general manager of
corporate communications for Mercedes-Benz of North America in Montvale, N.J.
His first assignment was to coordinate the launch of the M-Class All-Activity
Vehicle, including media positioning, strategy and execution, for the U.S.
sales and marketing company.
    Before that, he served as director of product communications for two years
with GM's Chevrolet Division in Warren, Mich., where he was responsible for
all facets of product public relations and communications for Chevy car, truck
and Geo portfolios.
    From 1978 to 1993, he held various positions of increasing responsibility
with Saab Cars USA in Orange, Conn. and Norcross, Ga., including engineering
liaison; manager of product development and compliance; manager of technical
planning for Saab's Product Planning Group; and director of industry,
government and public relations.
    Rossi started his career in 1976 at Ford in Dearborn, Mich. as a
development engineer in the global automaker's engine design and development
group.
    An avid motorcycle enthusiast, automotive historian, global traveler and a
published author, he earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical
engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (New York).
    Rossi also is a member of numerous professional organizations, including
the International Motor Press Association, Automotive Press Association,
Washington Automotive Press Association, Motor Press Guild and the Arthur Page
Society.  He has also been a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers for
more than 25 years.
    Livonia, Mich.-based McLaren Performance Technologies, a publicly traded
company, provides full-service design, development, fabrication, testing,
validation and certification of automotive powertrains and related components,
development and licensing of patented traction systems, as well as complete
vehicle development and prototyping capabilities.  First established as the
engine development company for Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, McLaren Performance
Technologies has been a recognized leader in the Detroit engineering community
for more than 30 years.
    McLaren Performance Technologies, which serves the automotive, racing,
aftermarket and marine industries, has four business units: McLaren Engines,
McLaren Traction, McLaren Vehicle Development and McLaren Manufacturing.

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are
intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created thereby.  These statements
include the plans and objectives of management for future operations,
including plans and objectives.  The forward-looking statements herein are
based on current expectations that involve judgments with respect to, among
other things, future economic, competitive, and market conditions and future
business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict
accurately and many of which are beyond control of the Company.  Although the
Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, any one of the assumptions could be inaccurate and,
therefore, can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in
this release will prove to be accurate.