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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    Form 10-K

                  Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended:                         Commission file number:
     DECEMBER 31, 1998                                     1-12733

                  ---------------------------------------------

                             TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

        DELAWARE                                       41-1746238
   (State of Incorporation)                (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

        4508 IDS CENTER
     MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA                                    55402
      (Address of Principal                                 (Zip Code)
      Executive Offices)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (612) 342-2310

                  ---------------------------------------------

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                     Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

                  ---------------------------------------------

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No _

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. 

     As of March 24, 1999, 46,645,964 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant
were outstanding and the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the
Registrant (based upon the last reported sale price of the Common Stock at that
date by the New York Stock Exchange), excluding shares owned beneficially by
affiliates, was approximately $812,007,000.

Information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference information (to the extent 
specific sections are referred to herein) from the Registrant's Proxy 
Statement for its annual meeting to be held May 25, 1999 (the "1999 Proxy 
Statement").

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                             TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

                           ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>

<S>                <C>
PART I

         Item 1.    Business
         Item 2.    Properties
         Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
         Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

PART II

         Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
         Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
         Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
                    Financial Condition
         Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
         Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
         Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
                    Financial Disclosure

PART III

         Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
         Item 11.   Executive Compensation
         Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
         Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

PART IV

         Item 14.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

</TABLE>

                                   -2-

<PAGE>

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

     (a)  GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS

     BACKGROUND OF COMPANY

     Tower Automotive, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as
the "Company" or "Tower Automotive") is a leading designer and producer of
structural components and assemblies used by the major automotive original
equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), including Ford, Chrysler, General Motors,
Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Auto Alliance, Fiat, BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes. The
Company's current products include large structural stampings and assemblies,
such as body pillars, full frame assemblies, chassis, suspension and floor pan
components and engineered assemblies, such as hood and deck lid hinges and brake
components. The Company believes it is the largest independent supplier of
structural components and assemblies to the automotive market (based on net
revenues).

     Since its inception in April 1993, the Company's revenues have grown
rapidly through a focused strategy of internal growth and a highly disciplined
acquisition program. During the last five years, the Company has successfully
completed seven acquisitions and established joint ventures in Mexico and
Brazil. As a result of such acquisitions and internal growth, the Company's
revenues have increased from approximately $86 million in 1993 to approximately
$1.8 billion in 1998, representing a compound annual growth rate of
approximately 83%. The Company's North American content per vehicle has
increased from $6.23 in 1993 to $112.62 in 1998.

     The Company operates in the large and highly fragmented structural segment
of the automotive supply industry, which has continued to undergo significant
consolidation. In order to lower costs and improve quality, OEMs are reducing
their supplier base by awarding sole-source contracts to full-service suppliers
who are able to supply larger portions of a vehicle on a global basis. OEMs'
criteria for supplier selection include not only cost, quality and
responsiveness, but also full-service design, engineering and program management
capabilities. OEMs are increasingly seeking suppliers capable of providing
complete systems or modules rather than suppliers who only provide separate
component parts. In addition, OEMs are increasingly requiring their suppliers to
have the capability to design and manufacture their products in multiple
geographic markets. As a full-service supplier with strong OEM relationships,
the Company expects to continue to benefit from these trends within the
structural segment of the automotive supply industry.

     The Company was formed to acquire R.J. Tower Corporation (the "Predecessor"
or "R.J. Tower"), the acquisition of which was completed in April 1993 for an
aggregate cost of approximately $26 million. Since April 1993, the Company has
successfully completed seven strategic acquisitions and established two joint
ventures.

                                       -3-
<PAGE>

     IMAR AND OSLAMT. In July 1998, the Company acquired IMAR s.r.l. ("IMAR")
and OSLAMT S.p.A. ("OSLAMT"). IMAR designs and manufactures structural parts and
assemblies from two facilities in Italy, primarily for Fiat. OSLAMT designs and
manufactures tools and assemblies for the automotive market from its facility in
Turin, Italy. The purchase price consisted of approximately $32.5 million cash
plus the assumption of approximately $17 million of indebtedness with an
additional amount of up to $15 million payable if IMAR achieves certain
operating targets.

     CATERINA. In March 1998, the Company acquired a 40 percent equity interest
in Metalurgica Caterina S.A. ("Caterina"), a supplier of structural stampings
and assemblies to the Brazilian automotive market. This investment (i) provided
the Company with a substantial manufacturing presence in one of the fastest
growing automotive markets in the world and (ii) added Volkswagen and Mercedes
as new customers. The Company has the option through the first quarter of 2000
to purchase the remaining 60 percent equity interest in Caterina. The Company
paid approximately $48 million for its initial equity interest.

     METALSA. In October 1997, the Company acquired a 40 percent equity interest
in Metalsa S. de R.L. ("Metalsa"). In addition, the Company has entered into a
technology sharing arrangement which will allow it to utilize the latest
available product and process technology. Metalsa is the largest supplier of
vehicle frames and structures in Mexico. The Company paid approximately $120
million for its equity interest with an additional amount of up to $45 million
payable based upon Metalsa's future net earnings.

     SIMES. In May 1997, the Company acquired Societa Industria Meccanica e
Stampaggio S.p.A. ("SIMES"), an Italian automotive parts manufacturer, for
approximately $50.7 million in cash, plus up to an additional $3.0 million if
SIMES achieves certain operating targets following the acquisition. The
acquisition of SIMES (i) significantly expanded the Company's global
capabilities by providing the Company with a manufacturing presence in Europe,
(ii) added Fiat as a new customer and (iii) enhanced the Company's design and
engineering capabilities. SIMES generated revenues of approximately $70.0
million during its last fiscal year, with Fiat representing substantially all of
such revenues.

     APC. In April 1997, the Company acquired Automotive Products Company
("APC") from A.O. Smith Corporation for approximately $700 million in cash. APC
is a leading designer and producer of structural and suspension components for
the automotive, light truck and heavy truck markets. The Company believes that
the acquisition of APC provided it with several strategic benefits, including:
(i) expanded product offerings and modular product opportunities; (ii) increased
customer penetration within each of the three major North American OEMs and
within certain foreign OEMs with manufacturing operations in North America
("Transplants"); (iii) increased penetration in the light truck segment and
other key models; (iv) complementary new technology; (v) opportunities to reduce
costs and improve operational efficiency; and (vi) an expanded presence in
China, Japan and South America, which complemented the Company's current
European initiatives to provide expanded global production capabilities for both
North American and international OEMs. APC had revenues of $863.0 million in
1996.

     MSTI. In May 1996, the Company acquired MascoTech Stamping Technologies,
Inc. ("MSTI") from MascoTech, Inc. ("MascoTech") for approximately $79 million,
plus additional earn-out payments if certain operating targets are achieved by
the MSTI facilities in the first three years following the acquisition. The MSTI
acquisition: (i) expanded the Company's product capabilities into chassis and
suspension components; (ii) provided chassis and suspension technology as well
as value-added processing technologies including assembling, 

                                   -4-

<PAGE>

painting and welding; and (iii) increased the Company's content per vehicle 
on key light truck and sport utility vehicles such as the Ford F-Series, 
Explorer and Windstar and the Chrysler Ram and Dakota as well as on high 
volume passenger cars such as the Ford Taurus/Sable. MSTI had revenues of 
$152.9 million in 1995.

     TRYLON. In January 1996, the Company acquired Trylon Corporation ("Trylon")
from MascoTech for approximately $25 million in cash. The acquisition of Trylon:
(i) broadened the Company's product offerings to include small, precision metal
stampings and assemblies, which were previously outsourced to third parties;
(ii) established a relationship between the Company and General Motors; and
(iii) increased content on Ford models, primarily the Villager. Trylon generated
$47.9 million in revenues in 1995.

     KALAMAZOO. In June 1994, the Company acquired Kalamazoo Stamping and Die
Company ("Kalamazoo"), a supplier of structural stampings and assemblies, for
approximately $12 million in cash. The acquisition of Kalamazoo added additional
structural components to the Company's product offerings and increased model
penetration with Ford.

     EDGEWOOD. In May 1994, the Company acquired Edgewood Tool and Manufacturing
Company and its affiliate, Ann Arbor Assembly Corporation (collectively,
"Edgewood") for approximately $30 million in aggregate consideration. Edgewood
is a leading supplier of hood and deck lid hinges as well as structural
stampings and assemblies. The acquisition of Edgewood: (i) added engineered
mechanical stampings, primarily hood and deck lid hinges, and additional
structural components to the Company's product offerings; (ii) increased model
penetration with the Company's existing customers; and (iii) provided the
Company with a significant new customer, Mazda.

     HINGE BUSINESS. In August 1998, the Company sold its hinge business to Dura
Automotive Systems, Inc. for net proceeds of approximately $36.9 million which
approximated the book value of the net assets sold. The net proceeds were used
to repay outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility.

     The Company completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") of its Common
Stock in August 1994, the sale of an additional 4,465,800 shares in June 1996
and an additional 17,000,000 shares in April 1997. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 4508 IDS Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402,
and its telephone number is (612) 342-2310.

     BUSINESS STRATEGY

     The Company's business objective is to capitalize upon the consolidation,
globalization and system/modular sourcing trends in the automotive supply
industry in order to be the leading provider of structural and suspension
components to OEMs on a worldwide basis. Key elements of the Company's operating
and growth strategies are outlined below:

     OPERATING STRATEGY:

     FULL-SERVICE TECHNICAL DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
CAPABILITIES. The Company strives to maintain a competitive advantage through
investment in research and product development, advanced engineering and program
management. The Company works with OEMs throughout the product development
process from concept vehicle and prototype development through the design and
implementation of manufacturing processes to provide full-

                                   -5-

<PAGE>

service capabilities to its customers. In some cases, the Company places 
design engineers at customer facilities to coordinate its product design 
efforts with those of its OEM customers.

     EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING/CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS. In response to
OEMs' increasingly stringent demands, the Company has implemented manufacturing
practices designed to maximize product quality and timeliness of delivery and
eliminate waste and inefficiency. The Company has continued to upgrade its
manufacturing equipment and processes through substantial investment in new
equipment, maintenance of existing equipment and utilization of manufacturing
engineering personnel.

     GLOBAL PRESENCE. The Company strives to offer manufacturing and support
services to its customers on a global basis through a combination of
international wholly owned facilities and by entering into joint ventures and
partnerships with foreign suppliers. Since 1993, in furtherance of its global
expansion strategy, the Company has opened a European sales and engineering
office to service U.K. and German OEM customers and has established an
industrial partnership with The Kirchhoff Group ("Kirchhoff") in Germany. The
Company also has relocated certain technical personnel resources to locations
where OEMs are developing "world cars."

     DECENTRALIZED, PARTICIPATIVE CULTURE. The Company's decentralized approach
to managing its manufacturing facilities encourages decision making and employee
participation in areas such as manufacturing processes and customer service. The
Company's leadership team meets frequently at various Company locations in order
to maintain a unified Company culture. To increase employee productivity, the
Company utilizes incentive programs for all salaried and hourly employees and
provides incentives for employees who take advantage of its continuous
improvement programs and who provide cost savings ideas.

     GROWTH STRATEGY:

     STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. The Company continues to believe that consolidation
in the automotive supply industry will provide further attractive opportunities
to acquire high-quality companies that complement its existing business. The
Company seeks to make acquisitions that (i) provide additional product,
manufacturing and technical capabilities; (ii) broaden the Company's geographic
coverage domestically and strengthen its ability to supply products on a global
basis; (iii) increase the number of models for which the Company supplies
products and the content supplied for existing models; and (iv) add new
customers. The Company intends to seek future acquisitions or develop strategic
alliances that will strengthen the Company's ability to supply its products on a
global basis.

     MODULAR PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES. The Company has capitalized on the
system/modular sourcing trend among OEMs by offering customers higher
value-added supply capabilities through an increasing focus on the production of
assemblies consisting of multiple component parts that are welded or otherwise
fastened together by the Company. The Company has the ability to supply OEMs
with modules consisting of integrated assemblies and component parts that can be
installed as a unit in a vehicle at the OEM assembly plant.

     INCREASE VEHICLE PENETRATION. The Company has developed strong
relationships with certain OEM engineering and purchasing personnel which allow
it to identify business opportunities and to react to customer needs in the
early stages of vehicle design. The Company believes that these relationships
give it a competitive advantage over smaller and less capable 

                                   -6-

<PAGE>

suppliers in marketing its broad range of products and in developing new 
product concepts, such as expanded use of modules, that complement its 
existing product lines.

     PURSUIT OF "WORLD CAR" OPPORTUNITIES. The Company has been working closely
with certain customers on the development of "world cars," which are designed by
OEMs in one vehicle center to a single global standard but produced and sold in
different geographic markets. Suppliers for a specific "world car" are often
required to provide their products on a worldwide basis. The Company believes
that it has a competitive advantage in potentially supplying certain world cars
given its international presence, full-service capabilities and existing
position as a leading supplier on the Ford Focus and DEW98 luxury car, as well
as on other existing vehicle platforms which may eventually evolve into world
cars.

     INDUSTRY TRENDS

     The Company's performance and growth is directly related to certain trends
within the automotive market, including the consolidation of the component
supply industry, the increase in global sourcing and the growth of
system/modular sourcing.

     SUPPLIER CONSOLIDATION. The automotive supply industry has begun to undergo
significant consolidation. In order to lower costs and improve quality, OEMs are
reducing their supplier base by awarding sole-source contracts to full-service
suppliers who are able to supply larger segments of a vehicle. OEMs' criteria
for supplier selection include not only cost, quality and responsiveness, but
also full-service design, engineering and program management capabilities. For
full-service suppliers such as the Company, the new environment provides an
opportunity to grow by obtaining business previously provided by other non-full
service suppliers and by acquiring suppliers that further enhance product,
manufacturing and service capabilities. OEMs rigorously evaluate suppliers on
the basis of product quality, cost control, reliability of delivery, product
design capability, financial strength, new technology implementation, quality
and condition of facilities and overall management. Suppliers that obtain
superior ratings are considered for sourcing new business. Although these new
supplier policies have already resulted in significant consolidation of
component suppliers in certain segments, the Company believes that consolidation
within the structural and suspension component segments of the automotive
industry will continue to provide attractive opportunities to acquire
high-quality companies that complement its existing business.

     GLOBAL SOURCING. Regions such as Asia, Latin America, Mexico and Eastern
Europe are expected to experience significant growth in vehicle demand over the
next ten years. OEMs are positioning themselves to reach these emerging markets
in a cost-effective manner by seeking to design and produce "world cars" which
can be designed in one vehicle center to a single global standard but produced
and sold in different geographic markets, thereby allowing OEMs to reduce design
costs, take advantage of low-cost manufacturing locations and improve product
quality and consistency. OEMs increasingly are requiring their suppliers to have
the capability to design and manufacture their products in multiple geographic
markets.

     SYSTEM/MODULAR SOURCING. OEMs are increasingly seeking suppliers capable of
providing complete systems or modules rather than suppliers who only provide
separate component parts. A system is a group of component parts which operate
together to provide a specific engineering driven functionality whereas a module
is a group of systems and/or component parts which are assembled and shipped to
the OEM for installation in a vehicle as a unit. By outsourcing complete systems
or modules, OEMs are able to reduce their costs associated with the design and
integration of different components and improve quality by 

                                   -7-

<PAGE>

enabling their suppliers to assemble and test major portions of the vehicle 
prior to beginning production.

     PRODUCTS

     The Company produces a broad range of stamped and welded assemblies for
vehicle body structures and suspension systems, many of which are critical to
the structural integrity of a vehicle. These products include body structural
assemblies such as pillars and package trays, control arms, suspension links,
engine cradles and full frame assemblies. These stampings and assemblies are
attached directly to the frame of an automobile at the OEM assembly plant and
comprise the major structure of a vehicle. The Company's products generally can
be classified into the following categories: structural components, suspension
components and engineered assemblies.

     STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS. The Company's structural component products form the
basic upper body structure of the vehicle and include large metal stampings such
as body pillars, roof rails, side sills, parcel shelves and intrusion beams. The
Company expanded its product offerings to include structural component products
that form the basic lower body structure of the vehicle such as light truck
frames, automotive engine cradles and heavy truck frame rails. Critical to the
strength and safety of vehicles, structural products carry the load of the
vehicle and provide crash integrity.

     SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. The Company's current suspension component products
include stamped, formed and welded products such as control arms, suspension
links, track bars, spring/shock towers, control arms, suspension links and
trailing axles. Critical to the ride, handling and noise characteristics of a
vehicle, suspension components are a natural extension of the Company's larger
structural components.

     ENGINEERED ASSEMBLIES. The Company's current engineered assemblies 
include a broad array of highly engineered parts such as brake components and 
fuel filter assemblies. Such engineered assemblies are a natural extension to 
the Company's other products in that they are attached to both structural and 
suspension components.

     OTHER. In addition to the Company's structural, suspension and mechanical
component products, the Company manufactures a variety of other products,
including heat shields and other precision stampings, for its OEM customers.

     Although a portion of the Company's products are sold directly to OEMs as
finished products, most are used by the Company to produce assemblies consisting
of multiple parts that are welded or otherwise fastened together by the Company.
Systems and assemblies currently produced by the Company include front and rear
structural suspension systems comprised of control arms, suspension links and
axle assemblies consisting of stamped metal trailing axles, assembled brake
shoes, hoses and tie rods.

     CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING

     The North American automotive market is dominated by General Motors, 
Ford and Chrysler, with Transplants representing approximately 22% of this 
market in 1998. The Company currently supplies its products primarily to 
Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Auto 
Alliance, Fiat, BMW and Volkswagen.

                                   -8-

<PAGE>

     OEMs typically award contracts that cover parts to be supplied for a
particular car model. Such contracts range from one year to over the life of the
model, which is generally three to ten years and do not require the purchase by
the customer of any minimum number of parts. The Company also competes for new
business to supply parts for successor models and therefore is subject to the
risk that the OEM will not select the Company to produce parts on a successor
model. The Company supplies parts for a broad cross-section of both new and
mature models, thereby reducing its reliance on any particular model. For
example, the Company supplies parts for substantially all models produced by
Ford, Honda and Chrysler and currently supplies Chrysler with substantially all
of its full frame requirements. The following table presents an overview of the
major models for which the Company supplies products:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         Customer                                Car Models                                      Truck Models
----------------------------  --------------------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                                                  <C>
Ford                          Taurus/Sable, Contour/Mystique, Mustang,             Explorer, Ranger, F-Series, Econoline,
                              Escort, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis,               Villager, Windstar, Medium Trucks,
                              Probe, Continental                                   Expedition/Navigator
Chrysler                      Concorde/Intrepid, Neon, Viper,                      Ram Pick-up, Dakota, Grand
                              Stratus/Cirrus/Breeze                                Cherokee, Voyager, Caravan,
                                                                                   Ram Van, Wrangler, Durango
General Motors                Cavalier, Sunfire, Grand Am, Lumina, Grand           C/K Pick-up, Blazer, Chevy Van,
                              Prix                                                 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Astro,
                                                                                   Safari
Honda                         Accord, Civic, Acura Integra
Mazda                         626,MX6
Toyota                        Avalon, Camry                                        Sienna
Nissan                        Sentra                                               Quest, Pick-up
Isuzu                                                                              Rodeo, Amigo
Fiat                          Marea, Punto, Bravo
Volkswagen                    Jetta

</TABLE>

     Most of the parts the Company produces have a lead time of two to five 
years from product development to production. See "Design and Engineering 
Support." The selling prices of these products are generally negotiated 
between the Company and its customers and are typically not subject to a 
competitive bid process.

     Sales of the Company's products to OEMs are made directly by the Company's
sales and engineering forces, located at its technical centers in Farmington
Hills, Michigan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Yokohama, Japan and Torino, Italy.
Through its technical centers, the Company services its OEM customers and
manages its continuing programs of product design improvement and development.
The Company periodically places engineering staff at various customer facilities
to facilitate the development of new programs.

     DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT

     The Company strives to maintain a technological advantage through
investment in product development and advanced engineering capabilities. The
Company's manufacturing engineering capabilities enable it to design and build
high-quality and efficient manufacturing systems, processes and equipment and to
continually improve its production processes and equipment. The Company's
manufacturing engineers are located at each of its manufacturing facilities. The
Company's engineering staff currently consists of approximately 400 full-time
engineers, whose responsibilities range from research and development, advanced
product 

                                   -9-

<PAGE>

development, product design, testing and initial prototype development to the 
design and implementation of manufacturing processes.

     Because assembled parts must be designed at an early stage in the 
development of new vehicles or model revisions, the Company is increasingly 
given the opportunity to utilize its product engineering resources early in 
the planning process. Advanced development engineering resources create 
original engineering designs, computer-aided designs, feasibility studies, 
working prototypes and testing programs to meet customer specifications. The 
Company also has full-service design capability for chassis components.

     GLOBAL INITIATIVES

     The Company has formed, or is in the process of forming, strategic
alliances with other suppliers throughout the world, including those located in
Europe, Asia and Latin America. The Company has opened a European sales and
engineering office to service its U.K. and German OEM customers. As part of its
acquisition of APC, the Company acquired a 60% equity interest in a joint
venture that manufactures structural components in China. In addition to the
Company's equity interests in Metalsa and Caterina, the Company has a joint
manufacturing and marketing agreement with Kirchhoff, a German automobile parts
supplier, pursuant to which the Company and Kirchhoff have agreed to provide
manufacturing and marketing services to each other when and as required by each
company's OEM customers. A current focus of the Company's acquisition strategy
is to acquire foreign suppliers that would provide the Company with a
manufacturing presence in new geographic areas and afford the Company access to
new customer opportunities.

     MANUFACTURING

     The Company's manufacturing operations consist primarily of stamping
operations, system and modular assembly operations, roll-forming and
hydroforming operations and associated coating and other ancillary operations.

     Stamping involves passing metal through dies in a stamping press to form
the metal into three-dimensional parts. The Company produces stamped parts using
over 640 precision single-stage, progressive and transfer presses, ranging in
size from 150 to 4,000 tons, which perform multiple functions as raw material
proceeds through the press and is converted into a finished product. The Company
continually invests in its press technology to increase flexibility, improve
safety and minimize die changeover time.

     After forming is completed, stampings that are to be used in assemblies are
placed in work-in-progress staging areas from which they are fed into
cell-oriented assembly operations that produce complex, value-added assemblies
through the combination of multiple parts that are welded or fastened together.
The Company's assembly operations are performed on either dedicated, high-volume
welding/fastening machines or on flexible-cell oriented robotic lines for units
with lower volume production runs. The assembly machines attach additional
parts, fixtures or stampings to the original metal stampings. In addition to
standard production capabilities, the Company's assembly machines are also able
to perform various statistical control functions and identify improper welds and
attachments. The Company continually works with manufacturers of fixed/robotic
welding systems to develop faster, more flexible machinery. Several of the
Company's welding systems were designed by the Company.

                                   -10-

<PAGE>

     The products manufactured by the Company use various grades and thicknesses
of steel and aluminum, including hot and cold rolled, galvanized, organically
coated, stainless and aluminized steel. The Company does not produce exposed
sheet metal components, such as exterior body panels. See "Suppliers and Raw
Materials."

     OEMs have established quality rating systems involving rigorous inspections
of suppliers' facilities and operations. OEMs' factory rating programs provide a
quantitative measure of a company's success in improving the quality of its
operations. The Company has received quality awards from Ford (Q1) and Chrysler
(Pentastar) and has consistently received one of Ford's highest commercial
ratings for suppliers in the stamping segment. The automotive industry adopted a
quality rating system known as QS-9000. The Company has received QS-9000
certification in compliance with the automotive industry requirements.

     COMPETITION

     The Company operates in a highly competitive, fragmented market segment 
of the automotive supply industry, with a limited number of competitors 
generating revenues in excess of $200 million. The number of the Company's 
competitors has decreased in recent years and is expected to continue to 
decrease due to the supplier consolidation resulting from changing OEM 
policies. The Company's largest competitors include The Budd Company, a 
subsidiary of Knupp-Thyssen AG ("Budd"), Magna International, Inc. ("Magna"), 
Dana Corporation, Midway Products Corp., Modern Tool & Die Co., L&W 
Engineering, Midland Corporation and divisions of OEMs with internal stamping 
and assembly operations, all of which have substantial financial resources. 
The Company competes with Magna across most of the Company's product lines, 
and with its other significant competitors in various segments of its product 
lines. For example, the Company competes with Budd for large stampings, while 
it competes with Aetna Industries, Active Tool & Die Co., AG Simpson Ltd., 
Oxford Automotive, Inc. and L&W Engineering for medium-size structural 
stampings.

     The Company principally competes for new business both at the beginning of
the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models. New
model development generally begins two to five years before the marketing of
such models to the public. Once a producer has been designated to supply parts
for a new program, an OEM usually will continue to purchase those parts from the
designated producer for the life of the program, although not necessarily for a
redesign. Competitive factors in the market for the Company's products include
product quality and reliability, cost and timely delivery, technical expertise
and development capability, new product innovation and customer service.

     SUPPLIERS AND RAW MATERIALS

     The primary raw material used to produce the majority of the Company's
products is steel. The Company purchases hot and cold rolled, galvanized,
organically coated, stainless and aluminized steel from a variety of suppliers.
The Company employs just-in-time manufacturing and sourcing systems enabling it
to meet customer requirements for faster deliveries while minimizing its need to
carry significant inventory levels. The Company has not experienced any
significant shortages of raw materials and normally does not carry inventories
of raw materials or finished products in excess of those reasonably required to
meet production and shipping schedules. Raw material costs represented
approximately 49% of the Company's revenues in 1998.

                                   -11-
<PAGE>

     Ford, Honda and Chrysler currently purchase all of the steel used by the 
Company for their models directly from steel producers. As a result, the 
Company has minimal exposure to changes in steel prices for parts supplied to 
Ford, Honda and Chrysler, which collectively represented 69% of the Company's 
revenues in 1998.

     The Company expects that the content level of metal in cars and light
trucks will remain constant or increase slightly due to the trend toward
increased vehicle size and a greater emphasis on metal recycling. Although the
search for improved fuel economy and weight reduction has resulted in attempts
to reduce the sheet metal content of light vehicles, an efficient,
cost-effective substitute for steel used in the Company's structural products
has not been found. While various polymers have been used recently for fenders,
hoods and decks, such products do not have the inherent strength or structural
integrity on a cost-effective basis to be used for structural components. The
Company is involved in ongoing evaluations of the potential for the use of
aluminum and of specialty steel in its products.

     Other raw materials purchased by the Company include dies, fasteners,
tubing, springs, rivets and rubber products, all of which are available from
numerous sources.

     EMPLOYEES

     As of December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 9,000 employees, of
whom approximately 5,413 are covered under collective bargaining agreements.
These collective bargaining agreements expire between 1999 and 2003. The Company
believes that its future success will depend in part on its ability to continue
to recruit, retain and motivate qualified personnel at all levels of the
Company. The Company has instituted a large number of employee programs to
increase employee morale and expand the employees' participation in the
Company's business. The Company has not experienced any work stoppages and
considers its relations with its employees to be good.

     (b)  DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this
Form 10-K or incorporated by reference herein, including without limitation the
statements under "Business" are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
When used in this Form 10-K, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate,"
"expect," "intends" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements
are based on the beliefs of the Company's management as well as on assumptions
made by and information currently available to the Company at the time such
statements were made. Various economic and competitive factors could cause
actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking
statements, including factors which are outside the control of the Company, such
as risks relating to: (i) the degree to which the Company is leveraged; (ii) the
Company's reliance on major customers and selected models; (iii) the cyclicality
and seasonality of the automotive market; (iv) the failure to realize the
benefits of recent acquisitions and joint ventures; (v) obtaining new business
on new and redesigned models; (vi) the Company's ability to continue to
implement its acquisition strategy; (vii) the highly competitive nature of the
automotive supply industry; and (viii) such other factors noted in this Form
10-K with respect to the Company's businesses. All subsequent written and oral
forward-looking statements 

                                   -12-

<PAGE>

attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are 
expressly qualified in their entirety by such cautionary statements.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     FACILITIES

     The following table provides information regarding Tower Automotive's
principal facilities. The Company maintains several manufacturing facilities
located in close proximity to many of the high-volume vehicle assembly plants of
its customers. The Company's facilities are geographically located in such a way
as to enable the Company to optimize its management and logistical capabilities
on a regional basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       SQUARE        TYPE OF
            LOCATION                  FOOTAGE        INTEREST              DESCRIPTION OF USE
---------------------------------   -------------  -------------   -----------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>             <C>
Milwaukee, Wisconsin                   3,527,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Milan, Tennessee                         533,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Granite City, Illinois                   458,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Turin, Italy (3 locations)               315,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Bardstown, Kentucky                      240,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Kalamazoo, Michigan                      222,000      Mixed        Manufacturing/Warehouse/Office
   (2 locations)                         
Plymouth, Michigan                       221,000      Leased       Manufacturing
Traverse City, Michigan                  220,000      Owned        Manufacturing
  (4 locations)                          
Roanoke, Virginia                        185,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Greenville, Michigan                     160,000      Owned        Manufacturing/Office
Corydon, Indiana                         155,000      Leased       Manufacturing
Rockford, Illinois                       140,000      Leased       Manufacturing
Auburn, Indiana                          132,000      Owned        Manufacturing/Office
Kendallville, Indiana                    132,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Bluffton, Ohio                           102,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Rochester Hills, Michigan                 89,000      Leased       Office/Engineering/Design
Belcamp, Maryland                         68,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Bellevue, Ohio                            66,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Upper Sandusky, Ohio                      56,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Farmington Hills, Michigan                47,000      Leased       Engineering/Design/Sales
Fenton, Missouri                          40,000      Leased       Warehouse
Barrie, Ontario                           40,000      Leased       Manufacturing
Bowling Green, Kentucky                   39,000      Owned        Manufacturing
Grand Rapids, Michigan                    23,000      Leased       Operating Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota                     5,700      Leased       Corporate Headquarters
Yokohama, Japan                              800      Leased       Sales
Changchun, China                         140,500    Leased(1)      Manufacturing

</TABLE>

---------------------------------
(1)  Facility is leased by a joint venture in which the Company holds a 60%
     equity interest.

     Management believes that substantially all of the Company's property and
equipment is in good condition. In order to increase efficiency, the Company
expects to continue to make capital expenditures for equipment upgrades at its
facilities as necessary.

     The Company believes that its existing facilities will be adequate to meet
its production demands for the foreseeable future. The Company's facilities were
specifically designed for the 

                                   -13-

<PAGE>

manufacturing of the Company's products. The utilization and capacity of such 
facilities are dependent upon the mix of products being produced by the 
Company.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is not currently involved in any material lawsuits. The Company
believes it maintains adequate insurance, including product liability coverage.
The Company historically has not been required to pay any material liability
claims.

     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     The Company believes it conducts its operations in substantial compliance
with applicable environmental and occupational health and safety laws. The
Company does not expect to incur material capital expenditures for environmental
compliance during its current or succeeding fiscal year. However, as is the case
with manufacturers in general, if a release of hazardous substances occurs on or
from the Company's properties or at any associated offsite disposal location, if
contamination from prior activities is discovered at any of the Company's
properties or if non-compliance with environmental regulations or permits is
discovered, the Company may be held liable and the amount of such liability
could be material. In connection with the acquisition of Trylon, MascoTech
agreed to indemnify the Company for all losses (including reasonable legal
expenses) resulting from: (i) a breach of its representation set forth in the
acquisition agreement relating to environmental and safety matters (to the
extent that such breach results in a claim being made within five years after
the acquisition and subject to a $500,000 cap); and (ii) each known
environmental condition identified on a schedule to the acquisition agreement,
including the replacement of underground storage tanks at the Traverse City
facilities. In connection with the acquisition of MSTI, MascoTech agreed to
indemnify the Company for all losses (including reasonable legal expenses)
resulting from: (i) a breach of its representation set forth in the acquisition
agreement relating to environmental an safety matters (to the extent that such
breach results in a claim being made within five years after the acquisition and
subject to a $1.5 million threshold for all losses resulting from breaches of
representation and warranties contained in the acquisition agreement); (ii)
MSTI's non-compliance with applicable federal, state, local and foreign
statutes, regulations, ordinances and similar provisions have the force or
effect of law, judicial orders and common law concerning public health and
safety, worker health and safety and pollution or protection of the environment
prior to the acquisition; and (iii) any remediation that may be required at the
Kendallville facility.

In connection with the acquisition of APC, A.O. Smith agreed, subject to certain
limitations, to indemnify the Company for environmental matters relating to APC
arising from events occurring, or conditions arising, prior to the closing date
of the acquisition of APC. This indemnification obligation applies to claims to
the extent exceeding $250,000 submitted by the Company within three years of the
acquisition date. To the extent that such claims exceed $5.0 million in the
aggregate, A.O. Smith will indemnify 70% of such losses, up to A.O. Smith's
maximum $75.0 million indemnification obligation under the purchase agreement.
In addition, A.O. Smith has agreed to retain certain environmental liabilities
for, among other things, offsite disposal of hazardous substances prior to the
acquisition of APC.

                                   -14-

<PAGE>

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     There were no matters submitted to a vote of Stockholders during the fourth
quarter of 1998.

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     The Common Stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
TWR since February 19, 1997. Prior to February 19, 1997, the Common Stock traded
on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol TWER. The following table sets
forth, for the periods indicated, the low and high closing sale prices for
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq National
Market:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        
         1997                                           Low                      High
         -----                                          ---                      ----
         <S>                                           <C>                      <C>
         First Quarter                                 14 7/8                   22 17/32
         Second Quarter                                16 7/8                   21 1/2
         Third Quarter                                 19 7/16                  23 1/8
         Fourth Quarter                                18 3/32                  24 9/32

         1998
         -----
         First Quarter                                 17                       23 27/32
         Second Quarter                                20 31/32                 27 1/8
         Third Quarter                                 15 13/16                 24 13/16
         Fourth Quarter                                16 3/16                  25 1/16

</TABLE>

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The selected consolidated financial data for Tower Automotive presented 
below for and as of the end of each of the years in the five-year period 
ended December 31, 1998, is derived from Tower Automotive, Inc.'s 
Consolidated Financial Statements which have been audited by Arthur Andersen 
LLP, independent public accountants. The consolidated financial statements at 
December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 1998 and the report of independent public accountants 
thereon are included elsewhere in this report. The consolidated financial 
statements at and for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are 
not included herein. This selected consolidated financial data should be read 
in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of 
Operations and Financial Condition" and Tower Automotive's Consolidated 
Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included 
elsewhere in this report.

                                   -15-

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1994            1995           1996          1997            1998
                                            ----            ----           ----          ----            ----
<S>                                      <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues                                 $165,526        $222,801        $399,925       $1,235,829      $1,836,479
Cost of sales                             142,986         185,388         338,290        1,058,720       1,562,167
S,G & A expense                             7,435          14,308          20,004           57,869          85,169
Amortization expense                          803           1,185           2,191            9,537          13,472
Operating income                           14,302          21,920          39,440          109,703         175,671
Interest expense, net                       1,899           1,799           5,103           28,962          40,318
Provision for income taxes                  5,042           8,050          13,700           32,290          54,143
Net income                                  7,361          12,071          20,637           46,244          88,040
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per share                  $  0.47        $   0.56        $   0.81       $     1.14      $     1.91
Diluted earnings per share                $  0.43        $   0.52        $   0.77       $     1.09      $     1.68

<CAPTION>

                                          Dec. 31,        Dec. 31,
                                            1997            1998
                                            ----            ----
<S>                                      <C>              <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital                          $  140,592       $  106,936
Total assets                              1,680,088        1,936,167
Long-term debt                              743,934          542,349
Stockholders' investment                    515,279          606,796


</TABLE>

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
          FINANCIAL CONDITION

     This discussion should be read in conjunction with Tower Automotive's
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included elsewhere in this report.

COMPARISON OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1997

REVENUES. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $1.8 billion, a
48.6% increase, compared to $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The increase is due to the acquisitions of Automotive Products Company ("APC")
in April 1997, Societa Meccanica e Stampaggio S.p.A. ("SIMES") in May 1997 and
IMAR, s.r.l. ("IMAR") and OSLAMT S.p.A. ("OSLAMT") in July 1998, which totaled
approximately $352.9 million, and new business awards, which totaled
approximately $310.5 million, including business relating to the Ford Ranger,
Explorer, F-Series and Econoline, Dodge Durango, Dakota and Ram Club Cab
pick-ups, Honda Accord and the Chrysler LH line. These increases were offset by
a decline in production of certain models served by the Company of approximately
$38.7 million. In addition, the General Motors strike had the effect of reducing
revenues by approximately $24.7 million during 1998.

COST OF SALES. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues for the year ended
December 31, 1998 was 85.1% compared to 85.7% for the year ended December 31,
1997. The increase in gross margin was due to operating efficiencies and
productivity initiatives of approximately $12.6 million implemented particularly
at certain of the Company's business units acquired from A.O. Smith Corporation
in 1997 as well as increased production volumes on models served by the Company.
These increases were partially offset by a higher proportion of components
purchased 

                                   -16-

<PAGE>

from outside suppliers as a result of the APC acquisition and launch
costs associated with new business totaling approximately $1.8 million.

S, G & A EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to
$85.2 million, or 4.6% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1998
compared to $57.9 million, or 4.7% of revenues, for the year ended December 31,
1997. Approximately $4.8 million of the increase relates to a charge taken to
mark to market an interest rate agreement. The remaining increase was due
primarily to incremental costs associated with the Company's acquisitions of
APC, SIMES, IMAR and OSLAMT as well as increased engineering and program
development costs related to new business.

AMORTIZATION EXPENSE. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 1998
was $13.5 million compared to $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The increase was due to amortization related to the costs associated with (i)
the July 1997 sale of $200 million of 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (the
"Notes"), (ii) the June 1998 offering of $258.8 million of 6 3/4% Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities ("Preferred Securities") and incremental
goodwill amortization related to the acquisitions of APC, SIMES, IMAR and
OSLAMT.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 was
$40.3 million compared to $29.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Interest expense was affected by (i) increased borrowings incurred to fund the
acquisitions of APC, SIMES, IMAR and OSLAMT, (ii) increased borrowings incurred
to fund the Company's investments in its joint venture interests in Metalsa S.
de R.L. ("Metalsa") in October 1997 and Metalurgica Caterina S.A. ("Caterina")
in March 1998, (iii) more favorable terms related to the Company's borrowings
under the credit agreement entered into in April 1997, (iv) the proceeds from
the April 1997 offering of 17,000,000 shares of Common Stock at $17.50 per share
(the "Offering"), (v) the proceeds from the July 1997 sale of the Notes and (vi)
the proceeds from the June 1998 offering of Preferred Securities.

INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate was 40% for the year ended December
31, 1998 and 39.9% for the year ended December 31, 1997. The effective rates
differed from the statutory rates primarily as a result of state taxes and
non-deductible goodwill amortization.

EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF JOINT VENTURES. Equity in earnings of joint ventures for
the year ended December 31, 1998 represents the Company's share of the earnings
from its joint venture interests in Metalsa and Caterina and from Tower Golden
Ring.

MINORITY INTEREST. Minority interest for the year ended December 31, 1998
represents dividends, net of income tax benefits, on the Preferred Securities.

COMPARISON OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1996

REVENUES. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased by $835.9
million to $1.2 billion compared to $399.9 million for the year ended December
31, 1996. Approximately $803.9 million of the increase in revenues over 1996 is
attributable to the acquisitions of MascoTech Stamping Technologies, Inc.
("MSTI") in May 1996, APC and SIMES. The remaining increase is due to new
business awarded to the Company, including business relating to the Ford Escort,
Econoline and Expedition, Dodge Durango, Dakota and Ram Club Cab pick-ups and
Toyota Camry.

                                   -17-

<PAGE>

COST OF SALES. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues for the year ended
December 31, 1997 was 85.7% compared to 84.6% for the year ended December 31,
1996. The decrease in gross margin was due to a higher proportion of components
purchased from outside suppliers as a result of the MSTI and APC acquisitions
and launch costs associated with new business. These decreases were partially
offset by operating efficiencies and enhanced productivity.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $57.9 million, or 4.7% of revenues, for the
year ended December 31, 1997 compared to $20.0 million, or 5.0% of revenues, for
the year ended December 31, 1996. The increased expense was due primarily to
incremental costs associated with the Company's acquisitions of MSTI in 1996 and
APC and SIMES in 1997.

AMORTIZATION EXPENSE. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 1997
was $9.5 million compared to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
The increase was due to incremental goodwill amortization related to the
acquisitions of MSTI, APC and SIMES.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1997 was
$29.0 million and $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Interest
expense was affected by increased borrowings incurred to fund the acquisitions
of MSTI, APC and SIMES, offset by more favorable terms related to the Company's
borrowings under the new credit agreement entered into in April 1997, the
application of the proceeds from the June 1996 offering of 4,465,800 shares of
common stock at $12.25 per share, the proceeds from the April 1997 offering of
17,000,000 shares of Common Stock at $17.50 per share and the proceeds from the
July 1997 sale of the Notes. In addition, interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 1997 includes a $2 million non-cash charge related to the
recognition of a loss position on an interest rate contract.

INCOME TAXES. The effective income tax rate was 39.9% for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996. The effective rates differed from the statutory
rates primarily as a result of state taxes and non-deductible goodwill
amortization.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has a credit agreement which includes a revolving credit facility
that provides for borrowings of up to $750 million on an unsecured basis, with a
letter of credit sublimit of $75 million. In addition, under the terms of the
credit facility, the equivalent of up to $85 million in borrowings can be
denominated in foreign currency. As of December 31, 1998, approximately $68
million of the outstanding borrowings are denominated in Italian lira. The
amount available under the revolving credit facility reduces to $675 million in
April 2000, $600 million in April 2001 and $500 million in April 2002. The
credit agreement has a final maturity of April 2003. Interest on the credit
facility is at the prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 17 to 50 basis
points depending upon the ratio of the consolidated indebtedness of the Company
to its total capitalization. The weighted average interest rate for such
borrowings was 6.8% for the year ended December 31, 1998.

The credit agreement requires the Company to meet certain financial tests,
including but not limited to a minimum interest coverage, maximum debt/capital,
maximum leverage and maximum senior leverage ratio as detailed below. As of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company was in compliance with all debt
covenants.

                                   -18-

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           INTEREST COVERAGE     DEBT/CAPITAL          LEVERAGE          SENIOR LEVERAGE
        PERIODS                RATIO (1)          RATIO (2)           RATIO (3)             RATIO (4)
        -------                ---------          ---------           ---------             ---------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
4/18/97 - 12/30/1998         2.50 to 1.00            65%             4.50 to 1.00          3.50 to 1.00
12/31/98 - 12/30/1999        2.50 to 1.00            60%             4.50 to 1.00          3.50 to 1.00
12/31/99 - 12/30/2000        2.75 to 1.00            55%             4.25 to 1.00          3.25 to 1.00
12/31/2000 - thereafter      3.00 to 1.00            50%             4.00 to 1.00          3.00 to 1.00

</TABLE>

-------------------------

(1)  Interest Coverage Ratio means the ratio of EBIT (as defined) to
     consolidated interest expense.

(2)  Debt/Capital Ratio means the ratio of total indebtedness of the Company to
     the sum of the Company's stockholders' investment plus total indebtedness
     of the Company.

(3)  Leverage Ratio means the ratio of total indebtedness of the Company to
     EBITDA (as defined).

(4)  Senior Leverage Ratio means the ratio of total indebtedness of the Company,
     excluding subordinated indebtedness and the Convertible Notes and
     Debentures, to EBITDA (as defined).

The credit agreement also contains certain negative covenants that restrict,
among other things, the ability of the Company to: (i) incur any liens and other
encumbrances; (ii) sell, assign, lease or transfer assets; (iii) consolidate or
merge with another person; (iv) make loan or make any investment in any person;
(v) incur any additional indebtedness; (vi) engage in transactions with
affiliates; (vii) incur any contingent obligations; (viii) enter into any joint
venture; (ix) enter into any obligations for the payment of rent for any
property under a lease or agreement to lease; declare or make any dividend
payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations
or securities on account of any shares of its capital stock, or purchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire or retire for value any subordinated indebtedness or any
shares of its capital stock; (x) engage in a prohibited transaction or violation
of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any employee benefit plan
qualified under ERISA which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to
result in liability in an aggregate amount in excess of 10% of the Company's
tangible net worth; and (xi) engage in any material line of business
substantially different from their existing lines of business.

The Company is party to interest rate swap contracts to hedge against interest
rate exposures on certain floating-rate indebtedness. These contracts, which
expire in November 2002, have the effect of converting the floating-rate
interest related to a notional amount of $300 million of borrowings outstanding
under the revolving credit facility into fixed-rate interest of approximately
6.75%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into in order to balance
the Company's fixed-rate and floating-rate debt portfolios. Under these interest
rate swaps, the Company agrees with the other party to exchange, at specified
intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts
calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount. While the
Company is exposed to credit loss on its interest rate swap in the event of
nonperformance by the counterparty to such swap, management believes that such
nonperfomance is unlikely to occur given the financial resources of the
counterparty.

During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company entered into an interest rate
contract in a notional amount of $75 million in anticipation of financing that
did not materialize. Accordingly, the Company has adjusted the interest contract
to market as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. The write-down to fair value of
approximately $6.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively, has been recorded as
expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to
December 31, 1998, the Company settled the $75 million contract with a cash
payment of approximately $7 million.

In certain instances, the Company is committed under existing agreements to
supply product to its customers at selling prices which are not sufficient to
cover the direct costs to produce such 

                                   -19-

<PAGE>

parts. The Company is obligated to supply these products to its customers for 
the life of the related vehicles, three to ten years. Accordingly, the 
Company recognizes losses at the time these losses are probable and 
reasonably estimable at an amount equal to the minimum amount necessary to 
fulfill its obligations to its customers. The reserves established in 
connection with these recognized losses are reversed as the product is 
shipped to the customers. Such amounts reversed during the years ended 
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $9.7 million, $4.6 million and $3.5 
million, respectively.

Effective July 1, 1998, the Company acquired IMAR and OSLAMT. IMAR designs 
and manufactures structural parts and assemblies from two facilities in 
Italy, primarily for Fiat. OSLAMT designs and manufactures tools and 
assemblies for the automotive market from its facility in Turin, Italy. The 
purchase price consisted of approximately $32.5 million in cash plus the 
assumption of approximately $17 million of indebtedness with an additional 
amount of up to $15 million payable if IMAR achieves certain operating 
targets following the acquisition.

On June 9, 1998, Tower Automotive Capital Trust (the "Issuer"), a wholly 
owned statutory business trust of the Company, completed the offering of 
$258.8 million of its 6 3/4% Preferred Securities, resulting in net proceeds 
of approximately $251.3 million. The Preferred Securities are redeemable, in 
whole or in part, on or after June 30, 2001 and all Preferred Securities must 
be redeemed no later than June 30, 2018. The Preferred Securities are 
convertible, at the option of the holder, into common stock of the Company at 
a rate of 1.6280 shares of common stock for each Preferred Security, which is 
equivalent to a conversion price of $30.713 per share. The net proceeds of 
the offering were used to repay outstanding indebtedness.

On May 19, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock
split, which was effected as a stock dividend. On July 15, 1998, stockholders
were issued one additional share of common stock for each share of common stock
held on the record date of June 30, 1998. All references to the number of common
shares and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a
retroactive basis.

On March 11, 1998, the Company acquired a 40 percent equity interest in
Caterina, a supplier of structural stampings and assemblies to the Brazilian
automotive market. In addition, the Company has the right to acquire the
remaining 60 percent of the equity of Caterina. The Company paid approximately
$48 million for its initial equity interest. This investment added Volkswagen
and Mercedes-Benz as new customers in Brazil.

On October 9, 1997, the Company completed an agreement to become a partner in
Metalsa with Promotora de Empresas Zano, S.A. de C.V. ("Proeza"). Metalsa is the
largest supplier of vehicle frames and structures in Mexico. Under the terms of
the agreement, the Company acquired a 40 percent equity interest in Metalsa. In
addition, the parties have entered into a technology sharing arrangement that
will enable both companies to utilize the latest available product and process
technology. Metalsa is headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico and has manufacturing
facilities in Monterrey and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Metalsa's customers include
Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. In connection with
this agreement, the Company paid $120 million to Proeza, with an additional
amount of up to $45 million payable based upon the net earnings of Metalsa in
1998, 1999 and 2000. The amount to be paid during the first quarter of 1999
related to the net earnings of Metalsa in 1998 is approximately $9.0 million.
The investment in Metalsa was financed with proceeds from borrowings under the
Company's revolving credit facility.

                                   -20-

<PAGE>

In July 1997, the Company completed the sale of the Notes pursuant to a private
placement. The Notes are due on August 1, 2004 and are convertible into the
Company's Common Stock at a conversion price of $25.88 per share. The Notes are
unsecured and may not be redeemed until August 1, 2000, except in the event of a
change in control. Proceeds from the Notes were used to repay outstanding
indebtedness under the revolving credit facility.

On May 9, 1997, the Company acquired SIMES, headquartered in Turin, Italy. SIMES
designs and manufactures structural metal components in two facilities in Italy,
principally for Fiat. The purchase price was approximately $50.7 million and was
financed with borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The
Company may pay an additional $3 million in the future if certain operating
targets are met by SIMES.

On April 18, 1997, the Company acquired APC, a division of A.O. Smith
Corporation. The aggregate purchase price consisted of approximately $700
million in cash and was financed with the proceeds from the Offering and
borrowings under the credit facility. APC designs and manufactures frames, frame
components, engine cradles, suspension components and modules for the North
American automotive and heavy truck industries. This acquisition has been
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, APC's
assets and liabilities have been recorded at fair value as of the acquisition
date, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. Additional purchase
liabilities recorded included approximately $19.1 million for costs associated
with the shutdown and consolidation of certain acquired facilities and $8.9
million for general and payroll related costs primarily for planned employee
termination activities. At December 31, 1998, liabilities of approximately $18.5
million for facility-related costs and $3.2 million in excess payroll costs
remained on the consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with its May 1996 acquisition of MSTI, the Company financed the
cash portion of the purchase price through the issuance of two series of senior
notes having an aggregate principal amount of $65 million. The senior notes were
retired in connection with the Offering and the new revolving credit facility
described above. In connection with the retirement, the Company paid prepayment
penalties and wrote off deferred financing costs which resulted in an
extraordinary loss, net of income taxes, of approximately $2.4 million.

On August 31, 1998, the Company sold its hinge business (the "Hinge Business")
to Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. for net proceeds of approximately $36.9 million
which approximated the book value of the net assets sold. The net proceeds were
used to repay outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility.

During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company generated $221.1 million of
cash from operations as compared to $100.9 million 1997. Cash provided by net
income, depreciation and amortization of $175.4 million in 1998 and $94.2
million 1997, was benefited by a decrease in working capital requirements of
$7.8 million in 1998 and was partially offset by an increase in working capital
requirements of $20.7 million in 1997.

Net cash used in investing activities was $267.4 million during the year ended
December 31, 1998 as compared to $1.0 billion in 1997. Net capital expenditures
totaled $185.1 million in 1998 primarily for equipment and dedicated tooling
purchases related to new or replacement programs with an additional $124.4
million spent for the acquisitions of IMAR and OSLAMT, the investment in
Caterina and the additional consideration paid to MascoTech during 1998. These
cash uses were offset by $36.9 million in proceeds from the sale of the Hinge
Business. 

                                   -21-

<PAGE>

This compares with net capital expenditures of $117.4 million and $892.5 
million spent on the acquisitions of APC and SIMES and the investment in 
Metalsa during 1997.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $49.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998 compared with $866.4 million in 1997. Approximately
$46.3 million of cash was provided through net borrowings and proceeds from the
issuance of the Preferred Securities in June 1998.

At December 31, 1998, the Company had unused borrowing capacity of $465 million,
under its most restrictive debt covenant. The Company believes the borrowing
availability under its credit agreement, together with funds generated by
operations, should provide liquidity and capital resources to pursue its
business strategy for the foreseeable future, with respect to working capital,
capital expenditures, and other operating needs. The Company estimates its 1999
capital expenditures will approximate $150 million. Under present conditions,
management does not believe access to funds will restrict its ability to pursue
its acquisition strategy.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

Inflation generally affects the Company by increasing the interest expense of
floating-rate indebtedness and by increasing the cost of labor, equipment and
raw materials. Management believes that inflation has not significantly effected
the Company's business over the past 12 months. However, because selling prices
generally cannot be increased until a model changeover, the effects of inflation
must be offset by productivity improvements and volume from new business awards.

MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss
arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as foreign
currency exchange and interest rates. The Company's policy is not to enter into
derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company enters into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of
changes in interest rates.

At December 31, 1998, Tower Automotive had debt totaling $560.5 million,
interest rate swaps with a notional value of $300 million and an interest rate
cap agreement with a notional amount of $75 million, which was settled
subsequent to year-end with a cash payment of approximately $7 million. Interest
rate swaps are entered into as a hedge of underlying debt instruments to
effectively change the characteristics of the interest rate without actually
changing the debt instrument. At December 31, 1998, the Company's interest rate
swap agreements convert outstanding floating rate debt to fixed rate debt for a
period of time. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the fair
market value but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely for floating
rate debt, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value
but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held
constant.

At December 31, 1998, the Company had fixed rate debt, after giving effect to 
the interest rate swap, of $500 million and variable rate debt of $60.5 
million. Holding other variables constant (such as foreign exchange rates and 
debt levels) a one percentage point increase in interest rates would result 
in a net increase to the unrealized fair market value of the fixed rate debt 
by approximately $5.7 million. The pre-tax earnings and cash flows impact for 
the next year resulting from a one percentage point increase in interest 
rates would be approximately $605,000, holding other variables constant.

                                   -22-

<PAGE>

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

A portion of Tower Automotive's 1998 revenues was derived from manufacturing
operations in Europe. The results of operations and financial position of the
Company's operations in Europe are principally measured in its respective
currency and translated into U.S. dollars. The effects of foreign currency
fluctuations in Europe are somewhat mitigated by the fact that expenses are
generally incurred in the same currency in which revenues are generated. The
reported income of these subsidiaries will be higher or lower depending on a
weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the respective foreign
currency.

A portion of Tower Automotive's assets at December 31, 1998 is based in its
foreign operations and is translated into U.S. dollars at foreign currency
exchange rates in effect as of the end of each period, with the effect of such
translation reflected as a separate component of stockholders' investment.
Accordingly, the Company's consolidated stockholders' investment will fluctuate
depending upon the weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the
respective foreign currency.

The Company's strategy for management of currency risk relies primarily upon
conducting its operations in a country's respective currency and may, from time
to time, engage in hedging programs intended to reduce the Company's exposure to
currency fluctuations.

YEAR 2000

The Company is currently working to resolve the potential impact of the year
2000 ("Y2K") on the processing of date-sensitive information by the Company's
computerized and embedded systems. Any of the Company's programs that have
date-sensitive software may recognize the year "00" as 1900 rather than the year
2000. This could result in miscalculations, classification errors or system
failures.

Based on the information available to date, none of the Company's products
contain software or embedded date related logic. Therefore, the Company does not
anticipate any significant readiness problems with respect to its products.

Most of the Company's facilities have completed the inventory and assessment of
their internal information technology ("IT") and non-IT systems (including
business, operating, facilities and factory floor systems). Much of the
remediation required was completed during 1998. The remediation may include
repair, replacement, upgrading or retirement of specific systems and components,
with priorities based on a business risk assessment. The Company expects that
remediation activities for its internal systems will be substantially completed
during the second quarter of 1999, and contingency plans, as needed, will be
completed before the end of 1999.

The Company is currently assessing Y2K issues associated with its suppliers by
working with the Automotive Industry Action Group ("AIAG"), an industry trade
association. As the critical supplier assessments are completed, the Company
will develop contingency plans, where feasible and needed, to address the risks
which are identified. Although such plans have not been developed yet, they
might include resourcing materials or building inventory banks.

The most reasonably likely worst case scenario that the Company currently
anticipates with respect to Y2K is the failure of some of its suppliers,
including utilities suppliers, to be ready. This could cause a temporary
interruption of materials or services that the Company needs to 

                                   -23-

<PAGE>

make its products, which could result in delayed shipments to customers and 
lost sales and profits for the Company.

The Company has spent approximately $1.1 million on Y2K activities to date and
anticipates that it will incur additional future costs not to exceed $1.0
million in total in addressing Y2K issues.

The outcome of the Company's Y2K program is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, some of which (such as the availability of qualified personnel
and the Y2K preparation of third parties) are beyond its control. Therefore,
there can be no assurances that the Company will not incur material remediation
costs beyond the above anticipated future costs, or that the Company's business,
financial condition, or results of operations will not be significantly impacted
if Y2K problems with its systems, or with the products or systems of other
parties with whom it does business, are not resolved in a timely manner.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,"
becomes effective for the years beginning after June 15, 1999. SFAS No. 133
establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative
instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allow a
derivative's gains or losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the
income statement and requires that a company must formally document, designate
and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. The
Company has not yet quantified the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 and has not
yet determined the timing of adoption.

In April 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Position (SOP) No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities,"
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. SOP 98-5 requires
the expensing of start-up activities as incurred, versus capitalizing and
expensing them over a period of time. The Company is currently in the process of
assessing the impact of adopting SOP 98-5 and will adopt this new pronouncement
in the first quarter of 1999.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     See "Market Risk" and Foreign Currency Transactions" sections of Item 7.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The consolidated financial statements of Tower Automotive are hereby
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1.

                                   -24-

<PAGE>

     Management of the Company is responsible for the financial information and
representations contained in the consolidated financial statements and other
sections of the 1998 Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and
therefore include certain amounts based on management's best estimates and
judgments. The financial information contained elsewhere in the 1998 Annual
Report is consistent with that in the consolidated financial statements.

     The Company maintains internal accounting control systems which management
believes provide reasonable assurance that the Company's assets are properly
safeguarded and accounted for, that the Company's books and records properly
reflect all transactions, and that the Company's policies and procedures are
implemented by qualified personnel. Reasonable assurance is based upon the
recognition that the cost of an internal control system should not exceed the
related benefits.

     The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets with representatives of
management and Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company's independent public
accountants, on financial reporting matters and the evaluation of internal
accounting controls. The independent public accountants have free access to meet
with the Audit Committee, without the presence of management, to discuss any
appropriate matters.

     Arthur Andersen LLP is engaged to express an opinion as to whether the
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects and
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. Solely for
purposes of planning and performing their audit of the Company's 1998 financial
statements, Arthur Andersen LLP obtained an understanding of, and selectively
tested, certain aspects of the Company's system of internal controls.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     A.   DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The information required by Item 10 with respect to the directors is
incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled "Election of Directors"
which appears in the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement.

                                   -25-

<PAGE>

     B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's executive officers as of December 31,1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Name                              Age                      Position
       ----                              ---                      ---------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>
S.A. Johnson..............................58         Chairman and Director
Adrian VanderStarre.......................66         Vice Chairman and Director
Dugald K. Campbell........................52         President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                                       Director
James R. Lozelle..........................53         Executive Vice President and Director
Ronald E. Gavalis.........................61         Vice President
Anthony A. Barone.........................49         Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Scott D. Rued.............................42         Vice President, Corporate Development
                                                       and Director
Paul D. Rysenga...........................57         Vice President
Luigi Candusso............................49         Vice President
Tommy G. Pitser...........................51         Vice President
Richard S. Burgess........................44         Vice President
Paul W. Jones, Jr.........................53         Vice President

</TABLE>

     S.A. (TONY) JOHNSON has served as Chairman and a Director of the Company
since April 1993. Mr. Johnson is the founder, Chief Executive Officer and
President of Hidden Creek Industries ("Hidden Creek"), a private industrial
management company based in Minneapolis which has provided certain management
and other services to the Company. Mr. Johnson is also the managing partner of
J2R Partners ("J2R"), an investment partnership that participated in the
acquisition of R.J. Tower. Prior to forming Hidden Creek, Mr. Johnson served
from 1985 to 1989 as Chief Operating Officer of Pentair, Inc., a diversified
industrial company. From 1981 to 1985, Mr. Johnson was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Onan Corp., a diversified manufacturer of electrical
generating equipment and engines for commercial, defense and industrial markets.
Mr. Johnson currently serves as Chairman and a director of Dura Automotive
Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of mechanical assemblies and integrated systems
for the automotive industry, and served as Chairman and a director of Automotive
Industries Holding, Inc., a supplier of automotive interior trim components,
from May 1990 until its sale to Lear Corporation in August 1995.

     ADRIAN VANDERSTARRE has served as Vice Chairman and a Director of the
Company since April 1993. Mr. VanderStarre served as President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of the Predecessor from 1978 to 1993. Mr. VanderStarre
originally joined the Predecessor in 1965 as Controller and later served as
Treasurer from 1974 to 1978.

     DUGALD K. CAMPBELL has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of the Company since December 1993. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Campbell
served as a consultant to Hidden Creek. From 1988 to 1991, he served as Vice
President and General Manager of the Sensor Systems Division of Siemens
Automotive, a manufacturer of engine management systems and components. From
1972 to 1988, he held various executive, engineering and marketing positions
with Allied Automotive, a manufacturer of vehicle systems and components and a
subsidiary of AlliedSignal, Inc.

                                   -26-

<PAGE>

     JAMES R. LOZELLE has served as Executive Vice President of the Company,
with responsibility for the Company's operations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and
Roanoke, Virginia since April 1997. From the Company's acquisition of Edgewood
in May 1994 until March 1997, Mr. Lozelle served at the Tower Automotive
Technical Centers, with responsibility for advanced product development and
customer service. Mr. Lozelle has also served as a Director of the Company since
May 1994. Mr. Lozelle served as President of Edgewood from 1982 until it was
acquired by the Company. Mr. Lozelle joined Edgewood in 1970 and served as Vice
President from 1971 to 1982. Mr. Lozelle is chairman of the Near Zero Stamping
research project of the Autobody Consortium.

     RONALD E. GAVALIS has served as Vice President of the Company, with
responsibility for the Company's operations in Greenville, Kalamazoo and
Traverse City, Michigan since April 1997 and for capacity planning, quality
operating systems and QS-9000 certification, since April 1995. From June 1994 to
April 1995, Mr. Gavalis had responsibility for the Company's Greenville,
Michigan operations. Mr. Gavalis joined the Predecessor in 1983 as Director of
Manufacturing, and served as the Predecessor's Vice President, Manufacturing,
from 1985 until 1989 and as its Vice President, Operations, from 1989 until June
1994.

     ANTHONY A. BARONE has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of the Company since May 1995. From 1984 to 1995, Mr. Barone served as Chief
Financial Officer of O'Sullivan Corporation, a manufacturer of interior trim
components for the automotive industry.

     SCOTT D. RUED has served as Vice President, Corporate Development, and a
Director of the Company since April 1993. Mr. Rued served as Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and a director of Automotive Industries Holding, Inc.
from April 1990 until its sale to Lear Corporation in August 1995. Mr. Rued, a
partner of J2R, has also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Hidden Creek since January 1994 and served as its Vice President -
Finance and Corporate Development from June 1989 through 1993. Mr. Rued is also
a director of The Rottlund Company, Inc., a corporation engaged in the
development and sale of residential real estate.

     PAUL D. RYSENGA has served as Vice President of the Company, with
responsibility for the Company's joint venture investment in Metalsa since
October 1997, the Company's operations in Auburn, Indiana, Bellevue, Ohio,
Belcamp, Maryland and Rockford, Illinois since April 1997 and the Company's
operations in Kendallville, Indiana and Bluffton and Upper Sandusky, Ohio, since
August 1996. From August 1996 to April 1997, Mr. Rysenga had responsibility for
the Company's operations in Traverse City, Michigan. From October 1995 to August
1996, Mr. Rysenga had responsibility for the Company's operations in Greenville,
Romulus, and Traverse City, Michigan. From June 1994 to October 1995, Mr.
Rysenga had responsibility for the Company's operations in Auburn, Indiana. From
July 1991 to June 1994, Mr. Rysenga served as Executive Vice President and
General Manager at Kalamazoo. From 1988 to July 1991, Mr. Rysenga was Executive
Director of Eastman Sterling Pharmaceutical, a division of Eastman Kodak.

     LUIGI CANDUSSO has served as Vice President of the Company, with
responsibility for the Company's operations in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Corydon,
Indiana, Granite City, Illinois and Milan, Tennessee since April 1997, Turin,
Italy since May 1997 and Bardstown, Kentucky since April 1995. From April 1995
to April 1997, Mr. Candusso had responsibility for the Company's operations in
Kalamazoo, Michigan. From August 1996 to April 1997, Mr. Candusso had
responsibility for the Company's 

                                   -27-

<PAGE>

operations in Romulus, Michigan. From October 1995 to August 1996, Mr. 
Candusso also had responsibility for the Company's operations in Auburn, 
Indiana. From 1990 to April 1995, Mr. Candusso served as Vice President and 
General Manager of the Sensor Systems Division of Siemens Automotive, a 
manufacturer of engine management systems and components. From 1988 to 1990, 
Mr. Candusso served as Vice President of Operations at Fabricated Steel 
Products (FABCO), a division of Indal Canada.

     TOMMY G. PITSER has served as Vice President, with responsibility for the
Company's joint venture investment in China and its operations in Barrie,
Ontario, Plymouth, Michigan and Yokohama, Japan and South America since April
1997 and Romulus, Manchester and Farmington Hills, Michigan, since May 1996.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pitser served in various sales and marketing
capacities at MSTI. Prior to joining MSTI, Mr. Pitser served as Market
Director-Automotive at AE Goetze North America. From 1969 to 1992, Mr. Pitser
was an employee of Borg-Warner Corporation, most recently as General
Manager-Marine & Industrial Transmissions.

     RICHARD S. BURGESS has served as Vice President of the Company with
responsibility for colleague growth and development since January 1996. From
June 1994 to January 1996, Mr. Burgess served as the colleague growth and
development leader for the Bardstown, Kentucky start-up facility. From October
1991 to June 1994, Mr. Burgess filled various rolls in Colleague growth and
development at the Predecessor.

     PAUL W. JONES, JR. has served as Vice President of the Company since April
of 1998, with responsibility for Platform Leadership and the launch of new
products for Tower Automotive worldwide. From 1995 to 1998 Paul served as the
Senior Vice President of Operations for Rollerblade and NordicTrack in
Minnesota. From 1987 to 1995 Paul served as Corporate Director of Procurement
for Steelcase in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to Steelcase, Paul served from
1984 to 1987 as Vice President of Technology for a Division of PepsiCo and prior
to PepsiCo he served in various leadership ositions with General Electric from
1967 to 1984.

     C. SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     The information required by Item 10 with respect to compliance with
reporting requirements is incorporated herein by reference to the section
labeled "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" which appears
in the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to
the sections labeled "Compensation of Directors" and "Executive Compensation"
which appear in the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement, excluding information under
the headings "Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" and
"Performance Graph."

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to
the section labeled "Security Ownership" which appears in the Company's 1999
Proxy Statement.

                                   -28-

<PAGE>

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to
the section labeled "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" which
appears in the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a)      DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT

              (1)      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

                       -   Report of Independent Public Accountants
                       -   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of  December 31, 1998
                           and 1997
                       -   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
                           Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 
                       -   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment 
                           for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
                           1996
                       -   Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years 
                           Ended December  31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
                       -   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)      FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:

                       -   Report of Independent Public Accountants - S-1
                       -   Financial Statement Schedule I - Condensed 
                           Financial Information of the Registrant - S-2
                       -   Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and 
                           Qualifying Accounts


              (3)      EXHIBITS:  See "Exhibit Index" beginning on page 31.

     (b)      REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

              (1)  During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company filed the
                   following Form 8-K Current Reports with the Securities and
                   Exchange Commission:

                       -    The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated 
                            October 16, 1998 (Commission File No. 1-12733).

                                   -29-

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                             TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Date:  March 2, 1999         By /s/ S.A. Johnson                              
                             -------------------------------------------------
                             S.A. Johnson, Chairman

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Signature                                   Title                             Date
---------                                   ------                            -----
<S>                                         <C>                              <C>
/s/ S.A. Johnson                            Chairman and Director            March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
S.A. Johnson

/s/ Adrian VanderStarre                     Vice Chairman and                March 2, 1999
------------------------------------          Director
Adrian VanderStarre                 

/s/ Dugald K. Campbell                      President, Chief Executive       March 2, 1999
------------------------------------          Officer (Principal Executive
Dugald K. Campbell                            Officer) and Director
                                    

/s/ James R. Lozelle                        Executive Vice President         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------          and Director
James R. Lozelle                    

/s/ Scott D. Rued                           Vice President, Corporate        March 2, 1999
------------------------------------          Development and Director
Scott D. Rued                       

/s/ W.H. Clement                            Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
W.H. Clement

/s/ Eric J. Rosen                           Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
Eric J. Rosen

/s/ Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.                   Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.

/s/ F.J. Loughrey                           Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
F.J. Loughrey

/s/ Kim B. Clark                            Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
Kim B. Clark

/s/ Enrique Zambrano                        Director                         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------
Enrique Zambrano

/s/ Anthony A. Barone                       Vice President and Chief         March 2, 1999
------------------------------------        Financial Officer (Principal
Anthony A. Barone                             Accounting Officer)

</TABLE>

                                   -30-

<PAGE>

                             TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
                         EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT
                                  ON FORM 10-K
                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      Page Number in
                                                                                      Sequential
                                                                                      Numbering
                                                                                      of all Form 10-K
Exhibit                                                                               and Exhibit Pages
-------                                                                               -----------------
<S>      <C>                                                                          <C>
 3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant,                  *
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Form S-1,
         Registration No. 33-80320 filed under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
         "S-1").
 3.2     Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant, incorporated by                       *
         reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the S-1.
 4.1     Form of Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to                        *
         Exhibit 4.1 of the S-1.
10.1     Form of Stock Subscription Agreement between the Company and                          *
         certain management employees, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the S-1.
10.2     Registration Agreement dated as of April 15, 1993 between the
         Registrant and certain investors; and First Amendment to Registration                 * 
         Agreement dated as of May 4, 1994 by and among the Registrant and
         certain investors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
         S-1.
10.3     Stock Option and Indemnification Agreement dated as of April 15, 1993                 *
         by and between the Registrant and Onex U.S. Investments, Inc., incorporated by 
         reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the S-1.
10.4**   Employment and Consulting Agreement dated as of April 15, 1993 between                * 
         R.J. Tower Corporation and Adrian Vander Starre, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the S-1.
10.5     Form of Management Stock Pledge Agreement, incorporated by reference                  *
         to Exhibit 10.10 of the S-1.
10.6     Form of Convertible Promissory Note dated as of May 4, 1994 of the 
         Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the S-1.                    *
10.7**   Stock Option Agreement dated May 4, 1994 by and between the Registrant                *
         and James R. Lozelle incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of
         the S-1.                                                                              
10.8     Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1988 between 8900 Inkster Associates                   *
         and Edgewood Tool and Manufacturing Company; and Amendment to Lease
         dated as of March 1, 1994 between 8900 Inkster Associates and Edgewood
         Tool and Manufacturing Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.16 of the S-1.
10.9**   1994 Key Employee Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit             *
         10.18 of the S-1.
10.10**  Form of Salary Continuation Agreement between the Registrant and
         certain employees, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the                  * 
         S-1.
10.11    Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and certain                     *
         stockholders, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the S-1.

                                   -31-

<PAGE>

<S>      <C>                                                                          <C>
10.12    Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the Registrant and certain other                *
         parties, dated June 10, 1994, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.21 of the S-1.
10.13    Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of May 31, 1996,                    *
         made by Trylon Corporation, a Michigan corporation, in favor of
         Comerica Bank, as agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of
         the May 8-K.

                                   -32-

<PAGE>

<S>      <C>                                                                          <C>
10.14    Form of Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, dated as of May 31, 1996,              *
         made by each of R.J. Tower Corporation, a Michigan corporation, R.J.
         Tower Corporation, an Indiana corporation, Kalamazoo Stamping and Die
         Company, a Michigan corporation, Edgewood Manufacturing Corp., a
         Delaware corporation, in favor of Comerica Bank, as agent, incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the May 8-K.
10.15    Second Amended and Restated Security Agreement (Third Party Pledge),                  *
         dated as of May 31, 1996, made by Tower Automotive, Inc., a Delaware
         corporation, in favor of Comerica Bank, as agent, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the May 8-K.
10.16    Intercreditor and Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of May 31,                    *
         1996, among Comerica Bank, Bank of America Illinois, First Bank
         National Association, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of
         America, Northern Life Insurance Company, Northwestern National Life
         Insurance Company, Bankers Security Life Insurance Society,
         Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company and Alexander Hamilton Life
         Insurance Company of America, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12
         of the May 8-K.
10.17    Form of R.J. Tower Corporation Note Agreement, dated as of May 31,                    *
         1996, between R.J. Tower Corporation and each of Teachers Insurance and
         Annuity Association of America, Northern Life Insurance Company,
         Northwestern National Life Insurance Company, Bankers Security Life
         Insurance Society, Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company and Alexander
         Hamilton Life Insurance Company of America, incorporated by reference
         to Exhibit 4.13 of the May 8-K.
10.18    Form of 7.65% Senior Secured Notes, Series A, due June 1, 2006, issued                *
         by R.J. Tower Corporation to (i) Teachers Insurance and Annuity
         Association of America in the principal amount of $10 million, (ii)
         Northern Life Insurance Company in the principal amount of $8.5
         million, (iii) Northwestern National Life Insurance Company in the
         principal amount of $4.0 million, (iv) Bankers Security Life Insurance
         Society in the principal amount of $2.5 million, (v) Jefferson-Pilot
         Life Insurance Company in the principal amount of $7.5 million and (vi)
         Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance Company of America in the principal
         amount of $7.5 million, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of
         the May 8-K.
10.19    7.82% Senior Secured Note, Series B, due June 1, 2008, issued by R.J. Tower           *
         Corporation to Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America in the 
         principal amount of $25 million, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 
         of the May 8-K.
10.20    Subsidiaries Guaranty, dated as of May 31, 1996, made by Trylon                       *
         Corporation, a Michigan corporation, R.J. Tower Corporation, a
         Kentucky corporation, R.J. Tower Corporation, an Indiana corporation,
         Kalamazoo Stamping and Die Company, a Michigan corporation, Edgewood
         Manufacturing Corp., a Delaware corporation and MascoTech Stamping
         Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, in favor of Teachers
         Insurance and Annuity Association of America, Northern Life Insurance
         Company, Northwestern National Life Insurance Company, Bankers Security
         Life Insurance Society, Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company and
         Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance Company of America, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.16 of the May 8-K.
10.21    Registration Rights and Voting Agreement dated as of May 31, 1996,                    *
         between Tower Automotive, Inc. and MascoTech, Inc., incorporated 
         by reference to Exhibit 4.17 of the May 8-K.
10.22    $5 million Promissory Note, dated as of May 31, 1996, issued by R.J.                  *
         Tower Corporation to MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 4.18 of the May 8-K.
10.23    Stock Purchase Warrant, dated as of May 31, 1996, issued by Tower                     *
         Automotive, Inc. to MascoTech, Inc., incorporated by reference to 
         Exhibit 4.19 of the May 8-K.
                                   -33-

<PAGE>

<S>      <C>                                                                          <C>
10.24    Second Amended and Restated Guaranty (Tower-Michigan Debt), dated as                  * 
         of May 30, 1996, made by R.J. Tower Corporation, an Indiana
         corporation, Edgewood Manufacturing Corp., a Delaware corporation, R.J.
         Tower Corporation, a Kentucky corporation, Kalamazoo Stamping and Die
         Company, a Michigan corporation, Trylon Corporation, a Michigan
         corporation and MascoTech Stamping Technologies, Inc., a Delaware
         corporation, in favor of Comerica Bank, as agent, incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registrant's Form 8-K/A No. 1 dated
         June 4, 1996, filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
10.25    Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 6,                 * 
         1996 by and between R.J. Tower Corporation and Comerica Bank,
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly
         Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996,
         filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
12.1     Statement and Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges filed                 __
         herewith.
21.1     List of Subsidiaries filed herewith.                                                  __
23.1     Consent of Independent Public Accountants filed herewith.                             __
27.1     Financial Data Schedule filed herewith.                                               __
99.1     Consolidated Financial Statements of Tower Automotive, Inc. for the Year              __
         Ended December 31, 1998 together with Report of Independent Public
         Accountants filed herewith.

</TABLE>



------------------
*    Incorporated by reference.
**   Indicates compensatory arrangement.



                                   -34-




<PAGE>

                                                                     SCHEDULE I


                             TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
                  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT


                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Tower Automotive, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated
statement of operations, stockholders' investment and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, and have issued our
unqualified report thereon dated January 22, 1999.

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information 
and Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts of Registrant are the 
responsibility of the Company's management and are presented for purposes of 
additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial 
statements. This information has been subjected to the auditing procedures 
applied in our audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, 
is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial 
statements taken as a whole.

                                                     ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
January 22, 1999



                                   S-1

<PAGE>

                          TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
                                 CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                             AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998

                       (Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                1997             1998
                                                                                ----             ----
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C>
ASSETS
  Investment in consolidated subsidiaries                                     $  713,958      $1,056,202

  Debt issue costs, net of accumulated amortization of $344
    and $1,450                                                                     5,571          13,502
                                                                              ----------      ----------
                                                                              $  719,529      $1,069,704
                                                                              ----------      ----------
                                                                              ----------      ----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
  Accrued liabilities                                                         $    4,250      $    4,158
  Convertible subordinated notes                                                 200,000         200,000
  6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures payable to
    trust subsidiary                                                                  --         258,750
                                                                              ----------     -----------
  Commitments and contingencies

  Stockholders' investment:
    Preferred stock, par value $1; 5,000,000 shares
      authorized; no shares issued or outstanding                                     --              --
    Common stock, par value $.01; 200,000,000 shares
      authorized; 45,975,490 and 46,281,880 shares issued
      and outstanding                                                                460             463
    Warrants to acquire common stock                                               2,000           2,000
    Additional paid-in capital                                                   423,403         426,471
    Retained earnings                                                             89,394         177,434
    Accumulated other comprehensive income -
      cumulative translation adjustment                                               22             428
                                                                              ----------      ----------
      Total stockholders' investment                                             515,279         606,796
                                                                              ----------      ----------
                                                                               $ 719,529      $1,069,704
                                                                              ----------      ----------
                                                                              ----------      ----------
</TABLE>

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed balance sheets.

                                   S-2

<PAGE>



                          TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
                            CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998

                                      (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 1996           1997          1998
                                                                 ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>            <C>
Amortization expense                                         $        -  -   $       344      $  1,106
                                                               ----------      ---------      --------

  Operating loss                                                       --           (344)       (1,106)

Interest expense                                                       --          4,250        19,769
                                                               ----------      ---------      --------
  Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings
    of consolidated subsidiaries                                       --         (4,594)      (20,875)
Income tax benefit                                                     --          1,838         8,354
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries                    20,637         49,000       100,561
                                                               ----------      ---------      --------
  Net income                                                    $  20,637      $  46,244      $ 88,040
                                                               ----------      ---------      --------
                                                               ----------      ---------      --------
</TABLE>




    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed statements.


                                   S-3

<PAGE>

                         TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
                    CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

                      (Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               Common Stock     Additional             Warrants to        Other          Total
                                     -------------------------   Paid-in    Retained    Acquire      Comprehensive  Stockholders'
                                         Shares       Amount     Capital    Earnings  Common Stock      Income       Investment
                                         ------       ------     -------    --------  ------------      ------       ----------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>             <C>     
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995             21,660,778    $   217    $ 62,855    $ 22,513   $     --         $  --         $ 85,585
                                                                                                           --
Conversion of Edgewood notes              821,058        8         2,484          --         --            --            2,492
Exercise of options                        13,250       --            48          --         --            --               48
Sales of stock under Employee Stock
  Discount Purchase Plan                   36,700       --           263          --         --            --              263
Collection of common stock
  subscriptions receivable                     --       --           322          --         --            --              322
Public offering of common stock, net    4,465,800       45        51,252          --         --            --           51,297
Issuance of shares and warrants in
  acquisition of MSTI                   1,570,000       16        19,217          --      2,000            --           21,233
Net income                                     --       --           --       20,637         --            --
Total comprehensive income                                                                                              20,637
                                     ------------   ------      --------   ---------  ---------       --------      ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996             28,567,586      286       136,441      43,150      2,000            --          181,877
Conversion of Edgewood notes              225,502        2           682          --         --            --              684
Exercise of options                        52,600        1           234          --         --            --              235
Sales of stock under Employee
  Stock Discount Purchase Plan            129,802        1         1,575          --         --            --            1,576
Collection of common stock
  subscriptions receivable                     --       --            78          --         --            --               78
Public offering of common stock, net   17,000,000      170       284,393          --         --            --          284,563
Net income                                                                                          
                                               --       --           --       46,244          --           --
Other comprehensive income - foreign
  currency translation adjustment              --       --           --           --          --           22
Total comprehensive income                                                                                              46,266
                                     ------------   ------      --------   ---------  ---------       --------      ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997             45,975,490      460       423,403      89,394      2,000            22          515,279
Conversion of Edgewood notes               62,000        1           188          --         --            --              189
Exercise of options                       112,300        1           467          --         --            --              468
Sales of stock under Employee Stock
  Discount Purchase Plan                  132,090        1         2,344          --         --            --            2,345
Collection of common stock
  subscriptions receivable                     --       --            69          --         --            --               69
Net income                                     --       --            --       88,040        --            --
Other comprehensive income - foreign
  currency translation adjustment              --       --            --          --         --           406           88,446
Total comprehensive income           
                                     ------------   ------      --------   ---------  ---------       --------      ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998             46,281,880    $   463  $  426,471   $ 177,434   $   2,000     $     428       $ 606,796
                                     ------------   ------      --------   ---------  ---------       --------      ----------
                                     ------------   ------      --------   ---------  ---------       --------      ----------

</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed statements.


                                   S-4

<PAGE>


                     TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998

                             (Amounts in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      1996            1997          1998
                                                                      ----            ----          ----
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>         <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net income                                                          $  20,637     $  46,244    $  88,040
  Amortization expense                                                       --           344        1,106
  Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries                       (20,637)      (49,000)    (100,561)
  Change in current operating items - accrued liabilities                    --         4,250          (42)
                                                                   -------------  -----------   -----------

    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                      --         1,838      (11,507)
                                                                   -------------   ----------     ---------
Investing Activities:
  Dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries                          --         5,915       19,861
  Additional investment in consolidated subsidiaries                    (51,560)     (488,290)    (260,949)
                                                                     -----------     ---------    ---------
    Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities                (51,560)     (482,375)    (241,088)
                                                                     -----------     ---------    --------
Financing Activities:
  Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                             51,560       286,452        2,882
  Net proceeds from 6 3/4% convertible subordinated 
    debentures payable to trust subsidiary                                   --            --      249,713
  Net proceeds from issuance of convertible
    subordinated notes                                                       --       194,085           --
                                                                   ------------     ---------  -----------
                                                                             
    Net cash provided by financing activities                            51,560       480,537      252,595
                                                                     ----------     ---------    ---------
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents                                  --            --           --

Cash and cash equivalents:
  Beginning of period                                                        --          --             --
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
                                                                                           
  End of period                                                    $         --   $      --    $        --
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
  Cash paid for -
    Interest                                                       $         --   $      --    $    19,861
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
    Income taxes                                                   $         --   $      --    $         --
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------
                                                                   ------------   ----------   ------------

</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed statements.


                                   S-5

<PAGE>

                          TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
                          NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.  ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

         Tower Automotive, Inc. (the "Parent Company") and its consolidated
         subsidiaries (the "Subsidiaries"), collectively the Company, produces a
         broad range of assemblies and modules for vehicle body structures and
         suspension systems for the global automotive industry. The Company has
         facilities in the United States, Canada, Italy and Japan, in China
         through its joint venture investment in China, in Brazil through its
         joint venture interest in Caterina and in Mexico through its joint
         venture investment in Metalsa.

         The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Tower Automotive,
         Inc. and Subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with this Schedule
         I.

NOTE 2.  CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES

         In July 1997, the Parent Company completed the offering of $200 million
         of Convertible Subordinated Notes (the "Notes"). The net proceeds from
         the Notes, $194.1 million, were contributed as an additional investment
         in the Subsidiaries. The Notes bear interest at 5 percent, are
         unsecured, are due on August 1, 2004 and are convertible into Common
         Stock of the Parent Company at a conversion price of $25.88 per share.
         The Parent Company may make optional redemptions of the Notes after
         August 1, 2000 at amounts ranging from 102.857 percent to 100.714
         percent of face value. In the event of a change in control (as
         defined), the holders of the Notes may require the Parent Company to
         redeem the Notes at face value plus accrued interest.

NOTE 3.  STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

         In April 1997, the Company completed an offering of 17,000,000 shares
         of Common Stock in a public offering at an offering price of $17.50 per
         share. The net proceeds of approximately $284.6 million were
         contributed as an additional investment in the Subsidiaries.

         On May 19, 1998, the Parent Company's Board of Directors approved a
         two-for-one stock split, which was effected as a stock dividend. On
         July 15, 1998, stockholders were issued one additional share of Common
         Stock for each share of Common Stock held on the record date of June
         30, 1998. All references to the number of common shares and per share
         amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive
         basis.

NOTE 4.  6 3/4% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

         On June 9, 1998, Tower Automotive Capital Trust (the "Issuer"), a
         wholly owned statutory business trust of the Parent Company, completed
         the offering of $258.8 million of its 6 3/4% Trust Convertible
         Preferred Securities ("Preferred Securities"), resulting in net
         proceeds of approximately $251.3 million. The Preferred Securities are
         redeemable, in whole or in part, on or after June 30, 2001 and all
         Preferred Securities must be redeemed no later than June 30, 2018. The
         Preferred Securities are convertible, at the option of the holder, into
         Common Stock of the Parent Company at a rate of 1.6280 shares of Common
         Stock for each Preferred Security, which is equivalent to a conversion

                                   S-6

<PAGE>

         price of $30.713 per share. The obligations of the Issuer under the
         Preferred Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the
         Parent Company. Concurrently with the issuance of the Preferred
         Securities, the Issuer acquired $258.8 million of the Parent Company's
         6 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures ("Debentures") for net
         proceeds of $251.3 million. Interest is payable quarterly and the notes
         mature on June 30, 2018. The net proceeds received from the issuance of
         the Debentures by the Parent Company were contributed as an additional
         investment in the Subsidiaries.

NOTE 5.  GUARANTEES AND RESTRICTIONS

         GUARANTEE OF SUBSIDIARIES' DEBT

         In April 1997, the Subsidiaries entered into a revolving credit
         facility that provides for borrowings of up to $750 million on an
         unsecured basis. The Parent Company provided a guarantee for this debt.
         Under the terms of the credit facility, the equivalent of up to $85
         million in borrowings can be denominated in foreign currency. As of
         December 31, 1998, approximately $68 million of the outstanding
         borrowings were denominated in Italian lira. The amount available under
         the revolving credit facility reduces to $675 million in April 2000,
         $600 million in April 2001 and $500 million in April 2002. The credit
         facility has a final maturity of April 2003. Interest on the credit
         facility is at the prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 17 to
         50 basis points depending upon the ratio of the consolidated
         indebtedness of the Company to its total capitalization. The weighted
         average interest rate for such borrowings was 6.8 percent for the year
         ended December 31, 1998.

         RESTRICTIONS ON SUBSIDIARIES TO MAKE DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE PARENT 
         COMPANY

         Under the terms of the revolving credit facility described above, the
         Subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to dividend, loan or
         otherwise distribute assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or
         securities to the Parent Company. These restrictions are subject to a
         number of important exceptions, including the ability of the
         Subsidiaries to: (i) declare or pay cash dividends to the Parent
         Company in an aggregate amount equal to 50% of the net income of the
         Company arising after December 31, 1996 and computed on a cumulative
         basis (provided that no event of default exists after giving effect to
         such action); (ii) declare and pay dividends to the Parent Company to
         be used to pay taxes and other expenses of the Parent Company and the
         Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and (iii) declare and pay
         dividends to the Parent Company to enable the Parent Company to make
         regularly scheduled interest payments or the payment of principal at
         maturity of any unsecured indebtedness issued by the Parent Company
         (including the Notes and the Debentures (see Note 3)), the proceeds of
         which are applied to the prepayment of the revolving loans, in each
         case (a) has no scheduled principal payments before April 18, 2004; (b)
         has no guaranty obligation by the borrower under the revolving credit
         facility; and (c) has terms and conditions which are acceptable to the
         principal lender under the revolving credit facility. As of December
         31, 1998, the Subsidiaries could have paid up to approximately $67.1
         million to the Parent Company under the exception described in item (i)
         above.

                                   S-7
<PAGE>

                            TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
                 SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  ADDITIONS
                                                     ------------------------------------
                                   BALANCE AT        CHARGED TO COSTS    CHARGED TO OTHER    DEDUCTIONS    BALANCE AT END OF
       DESCRIPTION              BEGINNING OF YEAR      AND EXPENSES         ACCOUNTS (1)         (2)           YEAR
-----------------------------   -----------------    ----------------    ----------------    ----------    ----------------
<S>                             <C>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>           <C>
1998
----
Liability for loss contract
  commitments assumed with
  acquired businesses                32,874                --                    229         10,304 (3)          22,799
Reorganization/restructuring
  liabilities of acquired 
  businesses                         31,702                --                   --            6,966              24,736

1997
----
Liability for loss contract
  commitments assumed with
  acquired businesses                 7,250                --                 30,175          4,551              32,874
Reorganization/restructuring
  liabilities of acquired
  businesses                          8,072                --                 37,461         13,831              31,702

1996
----
Liability for loss contract
  commitments assumed with
  acquired businesses                 3,010                --                  7,722          3,482               7,250
Reorganization/restructuring
  liabilities of acquired
  businesses                          2,366                --                  8,190          2,484                8,072

</TABLE>

1)   Recorded via allocation of purchase price to fair value of assets and 
     liabilities of acquired businesses.

2)   Utilization of previously recorded balances.

3)   Represents utilization of $9,704 plus adjustment of $600.


                                      S-8