Mazda CX-9 to Offer Gentex Rearview-Mirror-Based Camera Display
ZEELAND, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 4, 2007 -- 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.
Contact Information: FINANCIAL MEDIA AND INVESTOR CONTACT:
Connie Hamblin
616/772-1800
GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Piersma
616/772-1800
EXCHANGE: NASDAQ Global Select Market
SYMBOL: GNTX
WEBSITE: www.gentex.com