Gentex Begins Shipping High-Feature Mirror with New White LEDs In 2003 Chrysler Sebring Coupe
Source/Type: Company News Releases

August 21, 2002... ZEELAND, Mich.
Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire protection products, today announced that it has begun shipping its proprietary light-emitting diodes (LEDs) within high-feature, interior auto-dimming rearview mirrors for the 2003 Chrysler Sebring Coupe.

Each mirror contains a map light serving the driver and front seat passenger, using binary complementary white (BCW(TM)) light versions of Gentex's Orca(TM) power LEDs in a highly engineered module. Additional features include the automatic-dimming electrochromic mirror function, Johnson Controls' Homelink® wireless control system, and a dual-display showing the external temperature and the vehicle's compass heading, generated by Johnson Control's PathPoint® compass technology.

"We are delighted to have simultaneously launched production of Orca power LED components in our pilot facility at the same time we've introduced a state-of-the art, multi-featured application designed around these components. This program -- our most complex to date -- gave us a great opportunity to combine the strengths of our Orca and BCW LED technologies with our traditional manufacturing focus and systems integration capabilities," said Gentex Executive Vice President Kenneth La Grand.

La Grand added, "This product showcases our unique LED technologies, but also demonstrates our technical capabilities across an unusual range of disciplines including thermal, optical, and mechanical engineering, electronics, materials science, chemistry and advanced, high-volume manufacturing technology. The results are a superior product, refined look and feel, and improved value. We are optimistic about the prospects for this program and other similar applications."

Each of the patented BCW Orca power LED components used in these assemblies typically produces in excess of 7.5 lumens of white light operating at about 0.6 watts. These BCW Orca power LEDs are assembled into circuit assemblies using conventional tape-and-reel feeders, standard radial insertion equipment and a normal wave-soldering process. This makes them the most powerful, white LED components compatible with standard electronic assembly processes in production today. Furthermore, the Company believes this performance will improve annually by an average of 20 percent or more, as has been typical in the LED industry. Pricing for the components themselves is not available at this time, as the Company plans to use all of the components it can presently make within assembled, value-added products, such as the new Sebring mirror.

Prior to introduction of Gentex's first BCW LED illuminator in 1998, a map lamp feature typically required two 4.25 watt incandescent lamps along with associated vents and bulky optics. The LEDs in these new map lamps offer significant advantages over incandescent sources, because they generate substantially less heat and improve reliability of electronic components and other sensitive parts of the mirror system. LEDs also typically last longer than a vehicle, potentially reducing warranty costs for the automaker and eliminating a need to design for replacement.

Gentex Corporation 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®) 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.

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 OEM customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Rover, Rolls Royce, Toyota and Volkswagen. Gentex aftermarket/distributor customers include Gulf States Toyota Distributors, Mito Corporation, Southeast Toyota Distributors, Subaru Distributors NE and Toyota Motor Sales USA.

Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of four facilities in Zeeland, Michigan; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan; automotive sales and engineering subsidiaries in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France; 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.

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