Gentex Ships Exterior Automatic-Dimming Signal Mirrors

Gentex Corporation , the Zeeland,Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire protection products, has begun shipping the world's first exterior automatic-dimming mirrors with built-in turn-signal indicators. Gentex is shipping the mirrors to Southeast Toyota LLC, the world's largest privately owned distributor of Toyota vehicles, for aftermarket installation on Toyota Tundras and Sequoias. Muth Mirror Systems of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, developed the turn signal technology, called Signal(R) Mirror. It's comprised of seven red light- emitting diodes integrated into the mirror in the shape of a chevron, or arrow, that blink along with the vehicle's standard turn signals in order to let other drivers know of your intent to turn or change lanes. Gentex is purchasing turn signal modules from Muth, which are then integrated into the Company's exterior automatic-dimming mirror. "These Tundras and Sequoias will have what is quite possibly the safest mirror system available -- an automatic-dimming three-mirror system to eliminate rearview mirror glare and exterior-mirror turn signals for enhanced visibility," said Ken La Grand, Gentex executive vice president. "We commend Southeast Toyota for taking steps to deliver the latest safety technology to its customers." Gentex's Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) Mirrors are an active crash- avoidance safety feature. They 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. Muth Mirror Systems develops safety technology and related products for the global automotive industry. Gentex Corporation is an international company that provides high-quality products to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fire protection market. The Company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary electro-optic products, including interior and exterior electrochromic, automatic-dimming Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) automotive rearview mirrors that dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps, and an extensive line of fire protection products for commercial applications. Gentex was the first company in the world to successfully develop and produce a commercial electrochromic mirror for the motor vehicle industry. The Company is the leading supplier of these mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry. 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 Corporation, Southeast Toyota Distributors, Subaru Distributors NE and Toyota Motor Sales USA. Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of four facilities in Zeeland, Michigan; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan; automotive sales and engineering subsidiaries in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France; and four regional U.S. sales offices for the Fire Protection Products Group. The Company is recognized for its quality products, its application of world class manufacturing principles, for its commitment to developing and maintaining a highly skilled workforce, and for encouraging employee ownership of the Company's stock.