Collins & Aikman Receives Automotive Industries' ``Quest for Excellence'' Award for Second Consecutive Year.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

TROY, Mich.--(AutomotiveWire)--Aug. 16, 2000

Collins & Aikman Corporation (NYSE:CKC) announced today that it has received Automotive Industries' "Quest for Excellence" award, marking the second consecutive year that the Company has received this prestigious award. Automotive Industries magazine has been recognizing automotive suppliers for the past three years on their efforts in developing high-quality, valued-added products for their OEM customers. This year, 21 different industry categories were involved in the questionnaire process and as a result, 127 companies were chosen as the "Best of the Best" in their particular category.

In determining the winners, Automotive Industries and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP received 1,238 completed questionnaires between May 3-17, 2000. Respondents were asked to judge automotive suppliers in five categories: Service, Quality, Price, Delivery and Innovation.

According to the July 2000 issue of Automotive Industries, respondents were given concise definitions for the five categories. The judging criteria, which was based on a scale of one to five, included:

-- If the supplier quickly and effectively responded to customer

requests,

-- If the supplier consistently met quality standards,

-- If the supplier met target pricing requirements,

-- If the supplier had consistent and dependable delivery of

materials and services, and

-- If the supplier suggested innovative concepts and solutions. -

Accepting the award on behalf of Collins & Aikman, Frank J. Preston, President of Collins & Aikman's North American Interior Systems Division, said, "Receiving this award for a second consecutive year is testimony to Collins & Aikman's commitment to providing leading-edge technologies and products for our global customers. To be recognized by the readers of Automotive Industries, a leading industry trade publication, as a Company that continually strives to provide high-quality and service to our customers is truly an honor."

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.