1 ADVANCED ACCESSORY SYSTEMS, LLC EXHIBIT 12.1 -- STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIOS -- FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996, AND THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1995 PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 28, TO DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1995 1996 1997 --------------- ---- ---- Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations..... $ 870,000 $ 6,409,000 $ 712,000 Minority interest in the income of subsidiary with fixed charges...................................... 9,000 69,000 97,000 ---------- ----------- ----------- 879,000 6,478,000 809,000 ---------- ----------- ----------- Fixed charges: Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and premium on all indebtedness................. 975,000 4,312,000 12,627,000 Rentals(1)........................................... 11,000 223,000 751,000 ---------- ----------- ----------- Total fixed charges.................................. 986,000 4,535,000 13,378,000 ---------- ----------- ----------- Earnings before income taxes, minority interest and fixed charges...................................... $1,865,000 $11,013,000 $14,187,000 ========== =========== =========== Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(2)................ 1.89x 2.43x 1.06x ========== =========== =========== - ------------------------- (1) Amount included in fixed charges for rentals is considered by management to be a reasonable approximation of the interest factor. (2) The Exchange Offer will not have a material impact on the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.