Gentex Shipping Automatic-Dimming Mirror for the Mazda6

ZEELAND, Mich., Oct. 2, 2003 -- Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, is shipping an interior, automatic-dimming mirror for the 2004 Mazda6.

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 automatic-dimming mirror features a fully integrated Johnson Controls' HomeLink Wireless Control System. Three buttons conveniently located on the face of the mirror can be programmed to operate garage doors, estate gates, security systems, home lighting, and other radio-frequency controlled devices.

The mirror also contains a built-in electronic compass display that utilizes Johnson Controls' PathPoint(R) Digital Compass System. The mirror is available as a stand-alone option or dealer-installed accessory on the Mazda6.

"At one point, auto-dimming mirrors were available only on high-end luxury vehicles and SUVs. However, the Mazda6 is further evidence that the automatic-dimming mirror is more broadly penetrating the mid-size vehicle segment," said Garth Deur, Gentex executive vice president.

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 interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that utilize proprietary electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps. More than 95 percent of the Company's revenue is derived from the sale of those products to the world automotive industry.

Gentex was the first company in the world to successfully develop and produce a commercial automatic-dimming rearview mirror. After more than 15 years of supplying these products in the highly competitive global automotive industry, the Company remains the leading supplier of these mirrors. Gentex OEM customers include Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Renault Samsung, Rover, Rolls Royce, SsangYong Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Founded in 1974, Gentex has its manufacturing facilities in Zeeland, Michigan, and automotive sales and engineering offices in Detroit, Michigan; Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, France and Korea. The Company is recognized for its quality products; for its proprietary manufacturing skills and equipment and 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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