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Donnelly Develops Key System for GM Precept

12 January 2000

Donnelly Develops Key System for GM Precept

    HOLLAND, Mich., Jan. 11 -- The sophisticated camera system
that made its debut today on the General Motors Precept concept vehicle
represents the latest generation of camera-based rear vision technology from
Donnelly Corporation .
    Donnelly is broadly recognized as a world leader in the design and
development of camera vision systems for automotive use, and the system
designed for the Precept is the most technologically advanced rear-vision
product that Donnelly has ever produced.
    "Obviously we are tremendously excited to have the opportunity to work
with GM on a program of this importance," said Dwane Baumgardner, Donnelly
chairman and chief executive officer.  "When we introduced our camera vision
concept to the automotive industry several years ago, we understood very
clearly the enormous benefits that the technology offers.  Now it is highly
rewarding to see our camera-based system play a key role in one of the most
significant vehicles at this year's North American International Auto Show."
    Over the past 12 months, Donnelly has delivered complete camera vision
systems to automotive manufacturers in North America, Europe and Asia.
Donnelly's unique systems are built around proprietary software that merges
the digital images from three or more separate cameras into a single panoramic
image that gives drivers a clear, unified view of the rear and sides of the
vehicle.
    By eliminating the need for outside mirrors on the Precept, GM engineers
estimate that they were able to reduce the vehicle's drag by about 15 percent.
    In addition to the camera vision system, Donnelly extended its
technologies a step further on the Precept program.  Built into the instrument
panel of the vehicle is a single-screen display that displays the camera
vision image and other essential vehicle information -- such as speed, fuel
levels and other data -- that traditionally have been displayed on separate
gauges on the instrument panel.  Donnelly designed and developed the central
display, which provides a central, easy-to-read information source and helps
reduce overall vehicle weight.
    Donnelly Corporation is an international automotive supplier dedicated to
serving customers around the globe with industry-leading components and
systems in automotive mirrors, windows and door handles.  Donnelly has been
named a GM Supplier of the Year in each of the past four years.
    Through its various product lines, Donnelly is a supplier to every major
automotive manufacturer in the world.  The company has been based in Holland,
Michigan, since 1905, and today has approximately 6,000 employees in 12
countries worldwide.  Donnelly has been named by the Society of Automotive
Engineers as a model company in lean manufacturing practices.  In addition,
Donnelly is nationally recognized as a leader in the application of
participative management principles and systems.