Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. Wheel Groups Announce Expansion of Their Product Lines to Include Aluminum Wheels for the Comm

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Sept. 21  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAYZ) announced today that its International and North American Wheel Groups intend to expand their product lines to include low-pressure cast aluminum wheels for commercial truck and trailer customers. Current plans are to have several truck wheel designs and dimensions on the market in 2006.  Products for the European markets will be produced at the Company's Dello, Italy facility where it currently houses its European R&D center for aluminum wheels.  In North America, aluminum truck wheels will be produced at the Company's Gainesville, Georgia facility where a specific OE truck program is also scheduled to launch in 2006.

"Aluminum wheels are becoming widely accepted in European truck markets by offering weight savings versus steel wheels, improving fuel economy and increasing payload.  Aluminum enables styling flexibility and functionality previously unavailable with steel wheels," said Fred Bentley, President of the International Wheel Group.  "In addition, this will allow our North American Wheel Group to further expand their product offering."

Pieter Klinkers, Vice President of Sales said, "Hayes Lemmerz is the world's largest supplier of steel wheels for trucks, serving over 200 truck and trailer customers worldwide.  We have 11 aluminum wheel plants in five continents.  The market for aluminum wheels for trucks is growing and is currently dominated by a single competitor.  We believe that our customers are seeking a reliable, existing supplier that can offer them an alternative source for aluminum wheels.  The fact that we are already a part of their supply base with steel wheels is an advantage for both parties."

In Europe, Hayes Lemmerz is the only wheel manufacturer that produces both steel wheels and aluminum wheels and serves both passenger vehicle and commercial truck segments.

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is a leading global supplier of automotive and commercial highway wheels, brakes, powertrain, suspension, structural and other lightweight components.  The Company has 40 facilities and has approximately 11,000 employees worldwide. 

DATASOURCE: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.



CONTACT:  Marika Diamond of Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.,

[phone]



Web site:  http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/ 

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