---

Gentex Corporation Receives VDA Certification

22 February 2000

Gentex Corporation Receives VDA Certification

    ZEELAND, Mich., Feb. 21 -- Gentex Corporation ,
the world's leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the
automotive industry, announced today that its automotive operations have
received registration to VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) 6.1, the German
quality assurance standard based on the ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) 9000 series.
    VDA is a series of standards developed for the German automotive industry
and is designed to facilitate the exchange of goods and services through the
adherence of consistent quality measures, processes and procedures.
    Although it's currently not required by any of Gentex's customers, the
Company pursued VDA 6.1 registration in order to show its commitment to the
German automotive industry.
    "We felt that obtaining VDA registration was the best way to show our
German customers that we take quality seriously and are prepared to take the
steps necessary to assure the highest levels of customer satisfaction," said
Ken La Grand, Gentex executive vice president.
    In addition to VDA 6.1, Gentex's automotive manufacturing operations are
registered to ISO 9001 and QS-9000.
    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, Mitsubishi, 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, 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.