EXHIBIT 99.1



DATE:  November 18, 2005

FROM:
DURA Automotive Systems, Inc.
2791 Research Drive
Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309
Keith R. Marchiando (248) 299-7500


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


         DURA AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF CHAIRMAN SCOTT D. RUED
                       DUE TO OTHER BUSINESS COMMITMENTS;
                       CEO LARRY DENTON ELECTED SUCCESSOR

      ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., November 18, 2005 -- DURA Automotive Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: DRRA), today announced that Scott D. Rued resigned as chairman of the
board and as a director of DURA. As part of a long-term transition plan, Rued's
resignation was to occur in May 2006, but due to other pressing business
commitments, Rued chose to end his service early. Rued was appointed to the DURA
board and elected chairman in April 2002.

      Subsequently, DURA's president, CEO and director, Larry Denton, was
elected by the board to serve as DURA's chairman. Denton joined the company as
president, CEO and director in January 2003.

      "I want to thank Scott for his 15 years of service to DURA Automotive,"
said Larry Denton. "He was a company founder and instrumental in DURA's
renaissance in 2003. Scott has provided DURA with strong leadership during his
tenure on the board, and we understand that Scott's resignation will allow him
to devote more time to his other business affairs." Rued is managing partner of
Thayer Capital Partners, a private equity firm.

      "Although my resignation comes a few months earlier than I originally
intended, I am leaving the board of directors in very capable hands," said Rued.
"DURA has an exceptional leader in Larry Denton, and I am confident in his
ability to steer the company toward future success in 2006 and beyond."

      In addition, independent director James Futterknecht was elected presiding
chairman of the independent board members and chairman of the Executive
Committee. Futterknecht has served as a DURA director since May 1999. Nick G.
Preda, a director since March of this year, was appointed chair of the Audit
Committee. DURA plans to fill the open position on the board as soon as a
qualified candidate is identified.



ABOUT DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
DURA Automotive Systems, Inc., is a leading independent designer and
manufacturer of driver control systems, seating control systems, glass systems,
engineered assemblies, structural door modules and exterior trim systems for the
global automotive industry. The company is also a leading supplier of similar
products to the recreation vehicle (RV) and specialty vehicle industries. DURA
sells its automotive products to every North American, Japanese and European
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and many leading Tier 1 automotive
suppliers. DURA is headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich. Information about
DURA and its products is available on the Internet at www.duraauto.com.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks
and uncertainties. These statements often include words such as "believe",
"expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", or similar expressions.
These statements are based on certain assumptions that the company has made in
light of its experience in the industry as well as its perspective of historical
trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it
believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results may differ
materially from the anticipated results because of certain risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to (i) expected synergies, economies of
scale and cost savings from the company's acquisitions not being fully realized
or realized within the expected times frames; (ii) unanticipated difficulties
servicing the indebtedness of the company; (iii) costs or operational
difficulties related to integrating the operations of the acquired entities with
those of the company being greater than expected; (iv) labor disputes involving
the company or its significant customers; (v) risks associated with conducting
business in foreign countries, and (vi) general economic or business conditions
affecting the automotive industry, either nationally or regionally, being less
favorable than expected.


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