Cooper Standard Event Promotes Accessible Golf for Disabled

Novi Michigan, May 09, 2005 - Cooper Standard Automotive is enhancing its $50,000 donation to the National Alliance for Accessible Golf (NAAG) by sponsoring a company golf outing to raise additional funds for NAAG’s Project GAIN (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) program. Project GAIN brings the joy and social aspects of golf to disabled people by teaching the game and encouraging play.

The event is being held on Monday, May 23, 2005, at the St. John's Golf and Conference Center in Plymouth, Mich. It is being coordinated by a team of Cooper Standard Automotive employees and is open to Cooper Standard employees, customers, suppliers and guests. The outing will begin with a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. followed by a dinner at the conference center.

"Cooper Standard has a long tradition of giving back to the community," said Jim McElya, chief executive officer. "Project GAIN is a remarkable program combining the benefits of a learning experience with an opportunity to enhance social skills. Through our support of NAAG and Project GAIN, we've seen first-hand what it can do for disabled individuals. We're delighted to be stepping up our commitment by hosting this event."

NAAG's Project GAIN is a national research and development project funded by the United States Golf Association Foundation, the PGA of America Foundation, and the PGA TOUR. It is one of the first national programs that use the game of golf to promote social inclusion through a comprehensive program of instruction and social activities.

Earlier this year, Cooper Standard pledged $50,000 to NAAG, Project GAIN's parent organization. This is the second consecutive year that the corporation has provided that level of financial support to the organization.

"Because of the value and benefit we see with NAAG and Project GAIN, we are providing support to ensure that the program continues to benefit those people who have disabilities and an interest in playing golf," added McElya. "We encourage others to get involved and are committed to doing what we can to support the efforts to add Project GAIN sites around the country."

(Note to editors: Jim McElya, CEO of Cooper Standard Automotive, representatives of Project GAIN, and disabled players will be available for photo opportunities and interviews before, during and after the event. To arrange this, please contact Dick Pacini, AutoPR, 248/656-2388, dpacini@auto-pr.com.)


About Cooper-Standard Automotive
Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global automotive supplier specializing in the manufacture and marketing of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include body sealing systems, fluid handling systems, and NVH control systems. Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. employs approximately 19,000 people globally with more than 70 facilities throughout the world. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: www.cooperstandard.com.

Cooper-Standard is a privately-held portfolio company of The Cypress Group and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners Funds.

The Cypress Group is a private equity investment firm managing more than $3.5 billion of capital. Cypress has an extensive track record of making growth-oriented investments in targeted industry sectors and building equity value alongside proven management teams.

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms. Goldman Sachs is also a global leader in private corporate equity and mezzanine investing. Established in 1991, the GS Capital Partners Funds are part of the firm's Principal Investment Area in the Merchant Banking Division. Since 1986, Goldman Sachs' Principal Investment Area has formed 13 investment vehicles aggregating $56 billion of capital to date.