Gentex Begins Shipping Automatic-Dimming Mirrors for Several Audi Vehicles

ZEELAND, Mich., Dec. 20 -- Gentex Corporation , the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire protection products, has begun shipping interior automatic-dimming rearview mirrors with compass displays for the 2002 Audi A4 and A6 sedans, as well as the allroad quattro SUV. The Company is also shipping exterior automatic-dimming mirrors for the A6.

In North America, the Gentex mirrors are standard equipment on the 4.2- liter version of the A6. They are also available in a popular option package on all other trim levels of the A6, as well as on all trim levels of the A4 and allroad.

Gentex's Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS®) Mirrors are active, crash- avoidance safety features. 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.

``These new vehicle programs are great news for Gentex because Audi is experiencing terrific sales, thanks in part to the success of the redesigned 2002 A4, which is their most popular vehicle here in the States,'' said Gentex Executive Vice President Ken La Grand. ``These programs are also important because it's the first time we're shipping directly to Audi as a Tier 1 supplier.''

The Gentex interior mirrors utilize Johnson Controls' PathPoint Compass System®, which displays the vehicle's directional heading in the mirror.

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®) 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, Samsung Motors, SsangYong Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen. 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.