ZEELAND, Mich., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq:
  GNTX), the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming
  rearview mirrors and commercial fire protection products, today announced
  that it has developed and begun shipping automatic-dimming mirrors that will
  serve as the driver interface for OnStar(R). 

  (Photo: newscom.com ) 

  OnStar is the in-vehicle safety, security and information service that uses
  Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless
  communication to link the driver and vehicle to a 24-hour operator network
  that provides real-time, person-to-person assistance. Advisors at the
  professionally staffed OnStar Center can relay directions, track a stolen
  vehicle, unlock your car doors, summons emergency services, diagnose
  vehicle/engine problems and provide a host of other services. 

  "We couldn't be more pleased that OnStar has decided to locate one of the
  system's interfaces in the rearview mirror," said Ken La Grand, Gentex's
  executive vice president. "OnStar's decision confirms what we've maintained
  for years -- that the rearview mirror is one of the best locations for the driver
  interfaces related to on-board messaging and communication systems. From
  an ergonomics standpoint, it's ideal because the mirror's location allows the
  driver to view and interact with the system while keeping his or her natural
  line-of-sight on the road ahead." 

  Locating OnStar in the rearview mirror also makes sense from an
  economics standpoint. It allows automakers to add OnStar to their
  vehicle lineups quickly, affordably and in a consistent location. It also
  saves valuable space in the instrument panel and prevents costly
  interior redesigns. 

  Gentex is the world's leading supplier of automatic-dimming mirrors, which
  use a combination of sophisticated sensors and electronic circuitry to detect
  glare from rearward approaching vehicles and automatically dim to protect
  driver vision. 

  Over the years, Gentex has developed automatic-dimming rearview mirrors
  that also contain compass displays, outside-temperature indicators, remote
  keyless entry receivers, map lamps and other value-added electronic
  devices. The Company's expertise in developing these high-tech mirror
  devices allowed Gentex to become the lead development partner on the
  OnStar automatic-dimming rearview mirror. 

  Gentex is developing a number of different OnStar mirrors to accommodate
  various vehicle applications. In addition to automatically dimming, some
  versions of the OnStar mirror will contain a compass display and advanced
  map lamps utilizing light-emitting diodes. Gentex currently is shipping OnStar
  auto-dimming rearview mirrors for seven General Motors models. 

  The OnStar system interface itself will consist of a series of three small
  buttons located on the rearview mirror's chin. A fourth button will operate the
  mirror's additional functions. 

  "This new product has the potential to become significant incremental
  business for Gentex," said La Grand. 

  OnStar recently announced that its services would be included in nearly one
  million GM cars and trucks within the next 18 months. 

  Gentex Corporation (The Nasdaq Stock Market: GNTX) 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, 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.