BMW Expands SmartBeam(R) High-Beam Assist to New X6 Model
ZEELAND, MI--(Marketwire - July 31, 2008) - Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), the leading
supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive
industry, has announced that it is shipping auto-dimming mirrors with
advanced electronic features for the all-new BMW X6 sports activity coupe
(SAC).
The X6, sold in Europe and other select regions, includes Gentex's
SmartBeam® High-Beam Headlamp Assist Technology as a stand-alone option.
SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic
decision making to automatically turn a vehicle's high-beams on and off
according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system is designed to
maximize a vehicle's forward lighting and to eliminate the repetitive and
sometimes burdensome task of turning the high beams on and off. BMW refers
to SmartBeam as High-Beam Assist, or the German translation,
Fernlichtassistent. A base auto-dimming mirror is standard on all trim
levels.
In North America, the X6 is available with a universal garage door opener
and digital compass auto-dimming mirror as part of a "premium package."
"The X6 is the latest BMW vehicle to offer the proprietary SmartBeam
feature that further enhances driver safety, comfort and convenience," said
Gentex Senior Vice President Enoch Jen. "In addition, North American
versions of BMW vehicles have been offering an auto-dimming mirror with
compass for many years and the X6 carries on that tradition."
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.
Contact Information: FINANCIAL MEDIA AND INVESTOR CONTACT:
Connie Hamblin
616/772-1800
GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Piersma
616/772-1800
WEBSITE: www.gentex.com