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Gentex Rearview Mirror to Serve as Driver Interface for OnStar(R)

20 January 2000

Your rearview mirror can now help you get directions when you're lost

    ZEELAND, Mich. -- Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland, Michigan-based 
manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire 
protection products, today announced that it has developed and begun shipping 
automatic-dimming mirrors that will serve as the driver interface for OnStar(R).
    
    OnStar is the in-vehicle safety, security and information service that
uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless
communication to link the driver and vehicle to a 24-hour operator network
that provides real-time, person-to-person assistance.  Advisors at the
professionally staffed OnStar Center can relay directions, track a stolen
vehicle, unlock your car doors, summon emergency services, diagnose
vehicle/engine problems and provide a host of other services.

    "We couldn't be more pleased that OnStar has decided to locate one of the
system's interfaces in the rearview mirror," said Ken La Grand, Gentex's
executive vice president.  "OnStar's decision confirms what we've maintained
for years -- that the rearview mirror is one of the best locations for the
driver interfaces related to on-board messaging and communication systems.
From an ergonomics standpoint, it's ideal because the mirror's location allows
the driver to view and interact with the system while keeping his or her
natural line-of-sight on the road ahead."

    Locating OnStar in the rearview mirror also makes sense from an economics
standpoint.  It allows automakers to add OnStar to their vehicle lineups
quickly, affordably and in a consistent location.  It also saves valuable
space in the instrument panel and prevents costly interior redesigns.

    Gentex is the world's leading supplier of automatic-dimming mirrors, which
use a combination of sophisticated sensors and electronic circuitry to detect
glare from rearward approaching vehicles and automatically dim to protect
driver vision.

    Over the years, Gentex has developed automatic-dimming rearview mirrors
that also contain compass displays, outside-temperature indicators, remote
keyless entry receivers, map lamps and other value-added electronic devices.
The Company's expertise in developing these high-tech mirror devices allowed
Gentex to become the lead development partner on the OnStar automatic-dimming
rearview mirror.

    Gentex is developing a number of different OnStar mirrors to accommodate
various vehicle applications.  In addition to automatically dimming, some
versions of the OnStar mirror will contain a compass display and advanced map
lamps utilizing light-emitting diodes.  Gentex currently is shipping OnStar
auto-dimming rearview mirrors for seven General Motors models.

    The OnStar system interface itself will consist of a series of three small
buttons located on the rearview mirror's chin.  A fourth button will operate
the mirror's additional functions.

    "This new product has the potential to become significant incremental
business for Gentex," said La Grand.

    OnStar recently announced that its services would be included in nearly
one million GM cars and trucks within the next 18 months.

    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(R)) 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.  Revenues from the sale of automatic-dimming mirrors represent 
about 91 percent of total Company revenues.

    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 customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo,
DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Gulf States Toyota, Hyundai,
Infiniti, Kia Motors, Land Rover, Lexus, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Rolls Royce,
Samsung, Southeast Toyota Distributors and Toyota.

    Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of three facilities in Zeeland,
Michigan; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan; automotive sales
and engineering subsidiaries in Germany and Japan; 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.