Cooper-Standard Automotive Announces Chinese Joint Venture

Novi, Mich., December 15, 2006 - Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. announces that on November 29th the company finalized its joint venture with Hubei Jingda Precision Steel Tube Industry Co., Ltd., one of the largest tube manufacturers in the People's Republic of China.

The joint venture, known as Cooper-Standard Jingda (Jingzhou) Automotive Co., Ltd., will manufacture and sell automotive components. The enterprise will be selling and providing technical support and after-sale service for fluid handling systems, including brake and fuel lines, steering systems, cooling and heating systems, and emission control devices.

The joint venture will be constructing a new manufacturing plant within the Jingzhou Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone as soon as all permits are obtained.

"The market for auto parts in China is one of the fastest-growing in the world and is expected to continue to grow, so it is critically important that we continue to expand our presence in this ever-important region," stated Jim McElya, chairman and chief executive officer of Cooper-Standard. "This joint venture with Hubei Jingda is a big step toward our goal of capturing more sales in Asia, and we are excited to be part of a partnership with such a well-established Chinese firm. This truly is a win-win opportunity for both companies."


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.