Gentex Begins Shipping Automatic-Dimming Mirrors for Audi A3 and A4

Audi Becomes the First Automaker to Offer Two New Mirror Technologies

ZEELAND, Mich., June 23 -- Gentex Corporation , the world's leading supplier of automatic- dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has begun shipping interior, automatic-dimming mirrors for the 2004 Audi A3, A4 and A4 Cabriolet.

Gentex Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) 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.

The Gentex Audi mirrors, in addition to automatically dimming, are the first to feature two new advanced technologies: headlamp control with tunnel detection, and transflective compass displays. The mirrors are available in options packages for each of the vehicles.

For all three vehicles, Gentex is shipping auto-dimming mirrors featuring a proprietary, integrated headlamp control feature. The same two light sensors that control the mirror's dimming function also turn the vehicle's headlamps on and off at dusk and dawn. A third, skyward-facing sensor allows the mirror to identify tunnels, overpasses, parking garages, etc., and turn the vehicle's headlamps on and off immediately upon entering and leaving a tunnel or similarly darkened structure. The system ignores overpasses, in effect mimicking the driver's headlamp usage for nearly every driving scenario.

The auto-dimming mirrors for the A4 and A4 Cabriolet also debut a new transflective, electronic compass display. Instead of the compass heading appearing in a permanent dark display window in the mirror glass, it appears directly through the mirror's reflective surface when the feature is turned on. When the compass feature is turned off, only the reflective mirror glass is visible. The compass heading is generated by Johnson Controls' PathPoint(R) Digital Compass System.

"Audi takes a very progressive stance on new technology," said Garth Deur, Gentex executive vice president. "Consequently, our ability to launch these two new innovations is due in large part to Audi's commitment to engineering, and its willingness to provide the resources necessary to bring new technologies to market. Introducing new products requires significant mutual development work and a cooperative relationship between the supplier and the automaker, and this is exactly what transpired between our two companies. Gentex is excited about the relationships being built with Audi engineering, and looks forward to new projects that highlight our mutual emphasis on engineering innovation."

Gentex Corporation (The Nasdaq Stock Market: GNTX) 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, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Renault Samsung, Rover, Rolls Royce, SsangYong Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen. Gentex accessory 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, France and Korea; 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.

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