2007 Chrysler 300C Will Feature New Gentex Approach Lighting Technology

ZEELAND, MI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 17, 2007 -- Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is supplying a three-mirror auto-dimming system utilizing its new "Approach Lighting" technology for the new 2007 model year Chrysler 300C.

In addition to the interior auto-dimming mirror and driver's-side exterior mirror available on last year's model, the 2007 300C adds an auto-dimming passenger-side exterior mirror. Both exterior mirrors feature new Gentex's proprietary Approach Lighting technology, which uses white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) located behind the mirror glass. When activated by the key fob or by opening a door, a bright light is directed through the glass to illuminate the vehicle's door handles and surrounding entry area, making it safer and easier to enter the vehicle. Other exterior mirror lighting technologies currently on the market typically illuminate only the area directly under the mirror.

Both exterior auto-dimming mirrors also have turn signal technology that uses an array of amber LEDs aimed at drivers in the vehicle's blind spots, and serves as a warning that the driver intends to either turn or change lanes.

Chrysler Group has also made SmartBeam® High-Beam Headlamp Assist Technology a standard feature on the 2007 Chrysler 300C. Introduced in the 2005 model year, SmartBeam® is a proprietary Gentex technology that incorporates a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and microprocessor into the interior auto-dimming mirror. The sensor responds to light conditions in front of the vehicle and automatically turns the high beams on and off at the appropriate time. Chrysler Group's UConnect® Hands-free Communication System is available as an upgrade option to the Gentex mirror.

"The Chrysler 300C has integrated many proprietary Gentex technologies to make it one of the most innovative vehicles on the market from a safety perspective," said Gentex Senior Vice President Enoch Jen. "This is the first application of the Gentex Approach Lighting technology, and we are excited about the opportunities this technology opens up for the Company."

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 95 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