Collins & Aikman Names David European Acoustics Manager.

Business Editors, Automotive Writers

TROY, Mich.--(AutomotiveWire)--Aug. 3, 2000

Collins & Aikman Corporation (NYSE:CKC) today announced the appointment of Elmar C. David as European Acoustics Manager. In making the announcement, Graham Tompson, Senior Vice President, Global Product Development Division noted, "David's extensive background in acoustics, noise and vibration research, and knowledge of anechoic chambers and related measurement systems, will be an important element in our further development of acoustic products for our global customers worldwide. As we continue to enhance our acoustic capabilities, the addition of David further strengthens our technological capabilities for all of our global customers."

As Acoustics Manager, David will have lead responsibility for all new major acoustic programs developed from the European Technical Center in Heidelberg, Germany. In addition, he will help develop new testing techniques and acoustic products in order to further enhance the competitive advantage of Collins & Aikman's acoustic product offerings.

David joins Collins & Aikman from Behr, a major manufacturer of air conditioning and cooling systems for cars, buses, trucks and trains, where he was instrumental in the research and development of innovative solutions for noise and vibration for DaimlerChrysler.

Prior to Behr, David was a researcher for Stihl, the world's largest chain saw manufacturer. In this capacity, he was project manager for several European communities and German government NVH projects. This assignment afforded David an opportunity to design and set test rig and anechoic chambers for chain saw NVH research and the design of digital multi-channeled measurement systems for noise and vibration.

Prior to Stihl, David was project manager and chief researcher at the development center for DaimlerChrylser at their Stuttgart facility. With his expertise in noise and vibration, he helped design two anechoic chambers for passenger cars, set-up digital multi-channel measurement systems, established sound intensity, STSF, double pulse holography, laser displacement measurements, running mode and modal testing and new acoustic and psychoacoustic systems for DaimlerChrysler.

With more than 25 years experience in acoustic testing, David began his career as part owner in HEAD acoustics with Dr. Klaus Genuit. While at HEAD acoustics, David was instrumental in establishing noise and vibration testing for scooter companies in Taiwan and the Republic of China and car companies in Korea.

David earned his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Munster (Germany) and has also studied electronics at the Universities of Hagen and Karlsruhe, (Germany.)

Collins & Aikman Corporation (NYSE:CKC), is the global leader of floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim, and convertible top systems. The Company's operations span the globe with 63 facilities and nearly 16,000 employees in 12 countries who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies. For more information about Collins & Aikman, visit the company's web site at www.collinsaikman.com.