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Collins & Aikman Wins Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top Business

18 August 1999

Collins & Aikman Wins Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top Business

    TROY, Mich., Aug. 17 -- Collins & Aikman Corporation
announced today that it has been awarded the Chrysler Sebring
JR Convertible Top business for model year 2001.  Annual volume for this
program is estimated at approximately 50,000 units.  Collins & Aikman
currently supplies Chrysler's Sebring JX with convertible tops from its
Toluca, Mexico facility.
    Reed White, President of Collins & Aikman's Convertible Top Systems
division, stated, "The addition of Chrysler's Sebring JR convertible top
business is an important element to the Company's long range plan and will
enhance the growth and competitive position of Collins & Aikman's convertible
top business.  With this business award, Collins & Aikman will now produce
convertible tops in Adrian, Michigan, for the top two selling convertibles in
North America."
    During the next eighteen months, Collins & Aikman's Adrian, Michigan,
facility will undergo a conversion to take it from a multiple operation plant
to a final assembly and trim operation.  These actions will free up production
space, reduce costs and accommodate future growth for Collins & Aikman's
convertible top operations.
    Currently, convertible top systems for the Ford Mustang and Plymouth
Prowler are assembled at Collins & Aikman's East Beecher street facility in
Adrian, Michigan.  In addition to the Chrysler Sebring, Collins & Aikman will
also be assembling convertible tops for Ford's next generation Thunderbird.
    In order to accommodate these operational changes, Collins & Aikman will
transfer certain "cut and sew" fabric work from its Amco facility in Michigan
to its operations in Mexico. Additionally, during the next eighteen months,
certain paint, press, welding and assembly line operations will also be
transferred from Adrian to the Company's Mexican operations.
    "These changes give Collins & Aikman greater capacity for growth, a more
competitive focus and will ultimately allow for greater long-term employment
opportunities for this business," stated White.  "We remain confident in our
ability to further strengthen Collins & Aikman's leadership in the convertible
top arena."
    Collins & Aikman Corporation is a leading global supplier of automotive
interior systems, including textile and plastic products, acoustics and
convertible top systems.  The Company employs more than 16,000 employees and
operates 65 facilities in 12 countries, including 13 state of the art advanced
automotive design, development and testing centers, as well as several
manufacturing centers of excellence for automotive trim products. Collins &
Aikman combines superior manufacturing capabilities, product quality, delivery
and service with industry leading design and styling capabilities and the most
effective NVH "quiet" technologies.