Donnelly Corporation Producing Electrochromic Mirrors For Audi Vehicles

3 November 1997
Donnelly Corporation Producing Electrochromic Mirrors For Audi Vehicles

    HOLLAND, Mich., Nov. 3 -- Donnelly Corporation
has begun shipping interior electrochromic (automatic dimming) mirrors for two
1998 Audi vehicles: the A3 coupe and the A4 sedan.  Electrochromic mirrors
will be available as an option on all trim levels of both models
    With the startup of manufacturing for these vehicles, Donnelly now
produces electrochromic mirrors for three different Audi platforms which, in
turn, make up approximately 90 percent of all Audi vehicles.  Earlier this
year, Donnelly launched electrochromic mirror production for the A6 sedan.
    Mirrors for all three vehicles arc produced at Donnelly Mirrors, Limited
in Naas, Ireland.  Donnelly estimates it will initially produce 60,000
electrochomic mirrors each year for the A-class vehicles, and anticipates the
electrochromic mirror volumes to increase in subsequent model years.
    "Audi is known and respected worldwide as a high-quality automaker, and we
are very pleased to see our electrochromic mirror business with the company
grow so rapidly," said Dwane Baumgardner, Donnelly president and chief
executive officer.  "We believe our automatic dimming mirrors coincide
perfectly with Audi's commitment to produce vehicles that combine the best
safety technology with increased driver comfort."
    Donnelly's electrochromic mirrors use the company's patented GLAREFREE(TM)
technology.  During night-time driving, electrochromic mirrors dim
automatically when they detect glare from the headlights of following
vehicles.  Several studies have shown that the reduction in glare achieved by
electrochromic mirrors reduces driver fatigue and improves driver reaction
time while driving at night.
    Donnelly Corporation is an international automotive supplier dedicated to
serving customers around the globe with high-quality fabricated, molded and
coated glass products.  The company has been based in Holland, Michigan since
1905, and has approximately 5,000 employees in 11 countries worldwide.
Donnelly is recognized as a leader in the application of participative
management, and was named one of the "Top Ten" in the book, "The 100 Best
Companies to work for in America.

SOURCE  Donnelly Corporation