Mazda CX-9 to Offer Gentex Rearview-Mirror-Based Camera Display

Mazda CX-9 to Offer Gentex Rearview-Mirror-Based Camera Display

ZEELAND, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/04/07 -- Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that its rear camera display mirror will be available for the first time on the all-new Mazda CX-9 crossover vehicle.

The vehicle's interior mirror contains a display that works with a video camera to provide a view of the scene directly behind the vehicle while backing up.

"We're excited that Mazda is the first to offer a Gentex auto-dimming mirror with this additional safety feature," said Gentex Senior Vice President Enoch Jen. "The mirror is the ideal location for a backup camera display because it's an intuitive location that allows the driver to view the display and the reflected scene simultaneously."

A 2.4-inch diagonal liquid crystal display (LCD) appears automatically through the auto-dimming mirror's reflective surface when the vehicle is shifted into "reverse," and disappears when the vehicle is shifted into any other gear. The unique capability for the display to appear through the mirror's surface is made possible by Gentex's proprietary "transflective" coatings and lighting techniques, which result in a bright, high-resolution image.

Because of its relatively low cost and simple vehicle integration, the rearview-mirror-based display is a simple, economical way for automakers to offer the feature on virtually any type of vehicle.

"Safety is always a top priority for Mazda and we want all CX-9 customers to have the added security of a rearview backup camera," said Jack Stavana, director, accessory operations for Mazda North American Operations. "The mirror-based display will be a great alternative for CX-9 buyers whose vehicles are not equipped with the factory navigation system and its integrated backup camera."

The backup assist video display system is expected to be available in early summer 2007 as a dealer-installed or port-installed option that includes a lift gate mounted rear camera.

Camera-based backup assist systems were recognized by the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) in a recent study for "having the greatest potential to provide drivers with reliable assistance in identifying people in the path of the vehicle when backing up."

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX) is an international company that provides high-quality products to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fire protection market. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, the Company develops, manufactures and markets interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that utilize proprietary electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps. Many of the mirrors are sold with advanced electronic features, and more than 96 percent of the Company's revenues are derived from the sale of auto-dimming mirrors to nearly every major automaker in the world.

FINANCIAL MEDIA AND INVESTOR CONTACT:

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GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT:

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EXCHANGE: NASDAQ Global Select Market

SYMBOL: GNTX

WEBSITE: www.gentex.com

Source: [url=http://www.sys-con.com/read/357899.htm]Web Services Journal[/url]