ZEELAND, MI--(Marketwire - May 16, 2012) - Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: [ GNTX ]), the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of [ automatic-dimming rearview mirrors ] and camera-based driver-assist systems for the automotive industry, commercial [ fire protection products ] and [ dimmable aircraft windows ], has announced that it is supplying auto-dimming mirrors with a new, camera-based driver-assist system for the 2013 Ford Explorer.

The new Gentex driver-assist system uses a multi-function camera combined with algorithmic decision-making to perform [ Automatic High-Beam Control ], Lane Keeping and Driver Alert. The system was developed in conjunction with Mobileye^®, the global pioneer in the development of vision-based driver-assistance systems.

Automatic High-Beam Control turns a vehicle's high beams on and off automatically according to surrounding traffic conditions. In Lane Keeping mode, the driver is warned by vibrating the steering wheel, while the Lane Keeping function warns the driver by applying torque at the steering wheel to direct the vehicle back into the lane. Driver Alert monitors the vehicle's lane position and can notify a driver of signs of inattentiveness with a coffee cup warning light that appears on the dashboard instrument cluster. Certain components, including the camera and microprocessor, are integrated into a Gentex interior auto-dimming mirror.

"This is an exciting vehicle for Ford and Gentex, providing new cutting-edge technology, including our first multi-function camera system with these new features," said Gentex Senior Vice President Mark Newton. "Gentex has spent more than two years developing an in-mirror system that integrates this Mobileye technology. We look forward to sharing in the success of this vehicle."

Newton said that Gentex's reputation, success and extensive experience in the lighting-assist market with its own high beam headlamp control product was an important aspect for this new driver-assist business award.

"Styling is important to Ford, and our auto-dimming mirror is the perfect place to integrate any feature that requires a camera to look forward of the vehicle to gather information," said Newton. "The Mobileye EyeQ™ vision-system-on-a-chip is integrated into a Gentex rearview mirror to meet those styling requirements."

Auto-dimming rearview mirrors automatically darken to reduce glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear. The brighter the glare, the darker the mirror becomes, making nighttime driving safer.

Founded in 1974, [ Gentex Corporation ] is the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based driver-assist systems to the global automotive industry. The Company also provides commercial smoke alarms and signaling devices to the North American fire protection market, as well as dimmable aircraft windows for the commercial, business and general aviation markets. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, the international 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. More than half of the Company's interior mirrors are sold with advanced electronic features, and more than 98 percent of the Company's net sales are derived from the sale of auto-dimming mirrors to every major automaker in the world.