BMW Expands Smartbeam High-Beam Assist to New X6 Model

AUTO CENTRAL – August 7, 2008: Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is shipping auto-dimming mirrors with advanced electronic features for the all-new BMW X6 sports activity coupe (SAC).

The X6, sold in Europe and other select regions, includes Gentex’s SmartBeam® high-beam headlamp assist technology as a stand-alone option. SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision making to automatically turn a vehicle’s high-beams on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system is designed to maximise a vehicle’s forward lighting and to eliminate the repetitive and sometimes burdensome task of turning the high beams on and off.

BMW refers to SmartBeam as High-Beam Assist, or the German translation, Fernlichtassistent. A base auto-dimming mirror is standard on all trim levels.

In North America, the X6 is available with a universal garage door opener and digital compass auto-dimming mirror as part of a ‘premium package’.

“The X6 is the latest BMW vehicle to offer the proprietary SmartBeam feature that further enhances driver safety, comfort and convenience,” said Gentex Senior Vice President Enoch Jen. “In addition, North American versions of BMW vehicles have been offering an auto-dimming mirror with compass for many years and the X6 carries on that tradition.”