Gentex Reflects On Smaller Mirrors

ZEELAND, Mich.--Gentex Corp., a manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors, has begun shipping interior automatic-dimming mirrors for the Lincoln LS and the Ford Mondeo. The Mondeo is the first vehicle to feature Gentex’s new 9-inch mirror designed specifically for smaller cars.

The new 9-inch automatic-dimming mirror, which is available on the GHIA models, is about 1.5 inches shorter than a standard rearview mirror and is designed to accommodate smaller vehicles or those where cockpit styling dictates a downsized mirror. The Mondeo is the first Ford of Europe vehicle to feature a Gentex mirror.

“The Mondeo is the perfect vehicle to debut our new 9-inch mirror, which we designed to help us move the automatic-dimming mirror feature down-market into mid-sized and smaller cars,” said Ken La Grand, Gentex’s executive vice president.

“In the last several months, we’ve launched three new mirror programs with Ford, and more are on the way,” said La Grand. “We’re optimistic about what the future holds at Ford, and it’s great to see an expansion of our business with them both domestically and abroad.”

Gentex’s Night Vision Safety Mirrors automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear. The brighter the glare, the darker the mirrors become, making nighttime driving safer, according to the company.

The Gentex automatic-dimming mirrors for the Lincoln LS are standard on models with V8 engines, and in a popular convenience package for models with V6 engines. The mirrors also come with a built-in electronic compass display that utilizes Johnson Control’s PathPoint Digital Compass System.

Gentex OEM customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Rover, Rolls Royce and Toyota. Gentex aftermarket/distributor customers include Gulf States Toyota Distributors, Mito Corp., Southeast Toyota Distributors, Subaru Distributors NE and Toyota Motor Sales USA.

Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of four facilities in Zeeland, Mich.; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Mich.; automotive sales and engineering subsidiaries in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France.

For more information, contact www.gentex.com.