Gentex's SmartBeam High-Beam Headlamp Assist to Be Offered on Select U.S. BMW Models

ZEELAND, MI--(Marketwire - October 1, 2007) - Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, announced today that its SmartBeam® High-Beam Headlamp Assist system will be offered on select BMWs in the United States starting this fall. SmartBeam, which BMW calls "High Beam Assist," will be available on 5 Series and 6 Series produced after September 7th. The feature will be available as an option in conjunction with Xenon headlamps.

This marks the first SmartBeam application for BMW in the U.S. The automaker previously launched the high beam assist technology in Europe and a number of other regions on the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series and the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle.

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 forward lighting and to eliminate the repetitive task of turning the high beams on and off. SmartBeam is integrated into Gentex auto-dimming mirrors, which automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear.

"Research conducted with drivers in Europe and North America shows a very positive response to SmartBeam and we are pleased that BMW is expanding this active safety technology to vehicles sold in the U.S.," said Enoch Jen, Gentex Senior Vice President. "We believe the SmartBeam technology aligns extremely well with BMW's reputation for vehicle performance, safety, comfort and convenience."

The Gentex mirror is also available with Johnson Controls' HomeLink® Wireless Control System. HomeLink consists of three buttons conveniently located on the face of the mirror that can be programmed to operate garage doors, estate gates, security systems, home lighting, and other radio-frequency-controlled devices.

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