Cooper Tire Names Pat Brown Vice President, Global Branding & Communications

FINDLAY, Ohio, April 27 -- COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY has named Patricia J. Brown, Vice President, Global Branding and Communications, effective May 1, 2004.

Brown's new assignment is the result of a realignment within Cooper's tire group to better focus on target markets, support the company's strategic plan and ensure the right resources are in place to grow the tire business globally.

"This newly-created position will help provide continuity in our positioning of the Cooper brands around the world," said Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Dattilo. "It is important that our brands and company are portrayed in a consistent manner to all shareholders, investors, dealers, consumers and employees. Pat will do an excellent job in developing and maintaining that consistency."

Brown's responsibilities will include communications, investor relations, brand management and development, and graphic arts, as well as oversight for advertising in North America, Asia and Europe.

With a Cooper career spanning almost 36 years, Brown most recently served as vice president, advertising and communications for Cooper Tire, since 2000. She began her career as a sales analyst in the marketing research department and held various advertising positions until being named director of communications in 1997.

Brown holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, and an MBA from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

For an electronic photo of Pat Brown contact Amy Switzer at alswitzer@coopertire.com.

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 .