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Gentex Receives DaimlerChrysler's Platinum Pentastar Award

8 December 1998

Gentex Receives DaimlerChrysler's Platinum Pentastar Award

    ZEELAND, Michigan, Dec. 7 -- Gentex Corporation
, the world-leading supplier of automatic-dimming mirrors to the
auto industry, has received DaimlerChrysler's Platinum Pentastar Award for
supplier quality and overall corporate achievement.  Gentex, which is the only
component supplier to receive the honor five years running, was presented with
the award last Tuesday at the DaimlerChrysler Technology Center.
    The Platinum Pentastar is DaimlerChrysler's highest supplier quality
award.  It's given for outstanding overall performance in the areas of cost
reduction, quality, delivery, price, technology and customer satisfaction.
Gentex was one of only 14 winners out of approximately 11,000 top parent
suppliers that provide products and services to DaimlerChrysler.  Gentex was
also one of only six component suppliers to receive the award.
    "This is a very meaningful award to us," said Gentex Chairman and CEO Fred
Bauer.  "The competition is always great, so it's especially gratifying this
year to be one of only six Pentastar winners that provide actual vehicle
components."
    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 customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo,
DiamlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Gulf States Toyota, Honda,
Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel,
Porsche, Rolls Royce, Southeast Toyota Distributors and Toyota.
    Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of three facilities in Zeeland,
Michigan; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan; automotive sales
and engineering subsidiaries in Germany and Japan; and five 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.