Gentex Begins Shipping Auto-Dimming Mirrors for the All-New Volvo S40

ZEELAND, Mich., Oct. 9, 2003 -- Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has begun shipping interior, automatic-dimming mirrors for the all-new 2004 Volvo S40 sedan.

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.

Depending on the options selected, the Volvo S40 comes with either Gentex's basic auto-dimming mirror, or one featuring a built-in electronic compass display that utilizes Johnson Controls' PathPoint(R) Digital Compass System.

"Volvo cars have always been known for safety, and Gentex is pleased to contribute to this reputation by supplying them with automatic-dimming mirrors," said Garth Deur, Gentex executive vice president. "It's great to announce our first vehicle program with Volvo Car Corporation, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with Volvo in the future. We hope to help them maintain their safety leadership position with new products and technologies."

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, Volkswagen and Volvo Car Corporation.

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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