Laurie Breininger Named Director of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

FINDLAY, Ohio, Dec. 15, 2003 -- COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY announced today that its Board of Directors has named Laurie B. Breininger as a director of the Company, effective immediately. Breininger is the president of the Bath & Kitchen Products - Americas Group of American Standard Companies, a global manufacturer with market leading positions in three businesses: air conditioning systems and services; bath and kitchen products; and vehicle control systems, including electronic braking and air suspension systems. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, American Standard is included in the S&P 500.

Breininger has served as a group president of American Standard since joining the company in 2000. Her portfolio of professional experience also includes previous executive appointments with Honeywell Corporation where she served as vice president of sales and marketing for the commercial vehicle systems division, and with Whirlpool Corporation where she served as the general manager of North American brands. Breininger is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

Of the appointment, Cooper's chairman, president and chief executive officer Thomas A. Dattilo said, "Laurie has a proven track record as a business leader. The depth and breadth of her experience in manufacturing and marketing within a variety of industries will enable her to provide valuable guidance and direction to our Company during an exciting time of growth and opportunity. She will be a great addition to our board."

The Company also announced that John F. Fiedler has stepped down from his post on the board. Fiedler had been a director of the Company since April 2002. Upon the announcement of his resignation, Fiedler commented, "It has been a privilege to serve on the Cooper board. This is truly a quality organization with solid leadership. I am proud of my affiliation with Cooper and the time I invested here."

Company Description

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture and marketing of products for the global automotive industry. Products include automotive, motorcycle and truck tires, inner tubes, tread rubber and equipment, as well as sealing, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling systems. Cooper has more than 20,000 employees and 52 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries. For more information, visit the Company's web site at: www.coopertireandrubber.com .