Collins & Aikman Supplies Key Interior Components for the New Cadillac XLR

TROY, Mich., June 30 -- Collins & Aikman Corporation , one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive interior technology and integrated solutions, began manufacturing the cockpit of Cadillac's new flagship vehicle, the XLR, which officially launched last week.

Collins & Aikman's design and engineering team has worked collaboratively with General Motors over the last four years to develop an interior that more than rivals its European competition. The interior of the XLR is currently receiving high marks from the automotive press community for its cohesive design, craftsmanship and attention to detail. The cockpit features Collins & Aikman's proprietary second-generation TPU (thermoplastic urethane) cast skin technology. This technology offers improved performance characteristics and reduces manufacturing costs compared to its first generation counterpart.

"Selection of high quality materials coupled with superior craftsmanship and quality execution of the manufacturing processes were a high priority for our customer from the very beginning," said Jerry Mosingo, Collins & Aikman's President and CEO. "Collins & Aikman personnel played a major role in the GM- XLR project team, including responsibility for the engineering design of the cockpit and developing the unique assembly process, which enables us to produce an efficient assembly operation for an interior of this magnitude."

Collins & Aikman will supply most of the interior's components, excluding the vehicle's seats. Major assemblies include the XLR's instrument panel, door trim, garnish trim, floor and rear console, and rear closeout trim with roll hoops from its award winning operations in Athens, Tennessee and floor carpet systems from its operations in Old Fort, North Carolina. Collins & Aikman will also provide the completed cockpit assembly delivered in sequence, just-in-time, to GM's Bowling Green Assembly Operations.

"We are thrilled to be part of Cadillac's product brand revolution and to help them claim a top position in the upscale, luxury roadster market," added Mike Mitchell, Collins & Aikman's President of global commercial operations.

Collins & Aikman Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global leader in cockpit modules and automotive floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of instrument panels, automotive fabric, plastic-based trim and convertible top systems. The company's operations span the globe through 15 countries, more than 100 facilities and over 25,000 employees who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine superior design, styling and manufacturing capabilities with NVH "quiet" technologies that are among the most effective in the industry. Information about Collins & Aikman is available on the Internet at www.collinsaikman.com .