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Gentex Announces Jaguar XJ8 and XK8 Business

9 February 2000

Gentex Announces Jaguar XJ8 and XK8 Business

    ZEELAND, Mich., Feb. 9 -- Gentex Corporation ,
the world's leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the
automotive industry, has begun shipping exterior automatic-dimming mirrors for
the European versions of the Jaguar XJ8 and XK8.
    Gentex is supplying convex automatic-dimming exterior mirror subassemblies
to Britax Wingard Limited of the U.K., the Tier 1 supplier that provides
completed exterior mirrors to Jaguar.  Convex exterior mirrors are curved
slightly to provide the driver with an expanded field-of-view.  The XJ8 and
XK8 have three-mirror, automatic-dimming systems that eliminate rearview
mirror glare from rearward-approaching vehicles.
    "Convex exterior automatic-dimming mirrors involve a sophisticated
manufacturing processes because of the challenges of working with curved glass
and the need for the mirrors to withstand extreme weather conditions," said
Gentex Executive Vice President Ken La Grand.
    "We developed the world's first exterior, convex, automatic-dimming mirror
over six years ago, and have pioneered a process that produces exceptional
mirror quality and yields.  Gentex will ship nearly two million exterior-
mirror subassemblies this year alone, so we're confident we can supply mirrors
for the XJ8 and XK8 that reflect Jaguar's commitment to quality and
performance."
    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, Land Rover, Lexus, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Rolls Royce,
Southeast Toyota Distributors and Toyota.
    Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of three facilities in Zeeland,
Michigan, U.S.A.; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan, U.S.A.;
automotive sales and engineering subsidiaries in Germany, Japan and the United
Kingdom; 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.