---

Gentex Secures Long-Term, Extended Supply Agreement With DaimlerChrysler

2 June 1999

Gentex Secures Long-Term, Extended Supply Agreement With DaimlerChrysler

    ZEELAND, Mich., June 1 -- Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland,
Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming mirrors and fire protection
products, today announced that it has entered into an extended supply
agreement with DaimlerChrysler to provide it with interior
electrochromic mirrors and exterior electrochromic mirror sub-assemblies for
the next several years.
    The agreement ensures that Gentex mirrors will continue to be featured on
all DaimlerChrysler vehicle models currently under contract, any replacement
programs for these vehicles, and any future contracts already awarded.  All
other terms of the agreement are confidential.
    Gentex pioneered Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) Mirrors, which
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.
    "We are very pleased that DaimlerChrysler has adopted a similar supply
strategy to that of the old Chrysler Corporation," said Gentex Executive Vice
President Kenneth La Grand.  "DaimlerChrysler has a sincere desire to develop
long-term, partnering relationships with its suppliers and believes this is
the best way to continually provide high-quality vehicles to the driving
public.  This supply agreement is a win, win, win relationship for Gentex,
DaimlerChrysler and the consumer."
    Gentex also has a lifetime contract through the 2002 model year with
General Motors to supply interior auto-dimming mirrors for all vehicle models
for which the Company currently supplies interior NVS Mirrors, replacement
programs for those models, as well as future vehicle contracts previously
awarded.
    "Since General Motors and DaimlerChrysler are our two largest customers
and represent approximately 65 percent of our automotive business, obviously
we are pleased to have these long-term partnerships in place," said La Grand.
    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(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.  Revenues from the sale of automatic-dimming
mirrors represent about 91 percent of total Company revenues.
    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,
DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Gulf States Toyota, Hyundai,
Infiniti, Kia Motors, Lexus, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Samsung,
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 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.