SmartBeam assist systems come to the Audi A7
Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based driver-assist systems for the automotive industry, announced that its SmartBeam(R) high-beam assist system is now available on the new 2011 Audi A7. The A7, a five-door coupe, is sold worldwide. SmartBeam is available in the European markets.
"This brings to 14 the number of Audi models that offer the Gentex high-beam assist system," Enoch Jen, Gentex Senior Vice President, said. "In addition to SmartBeam, Gentex also supplies the A7 with base feature interior and exterior auto-dimming mirrors. We are proud to be Audi's sole supplier for auto-dimming mirror technology."
SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision-making to automatically operate a vehicle's high beams in order to optimize their usage according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system maximizes forward lighting while eliminating the repetitive task of turning the high beams on and off manually.
SmartBeam is integrated into a Gentex auto-dimming mirror, which automatically darkens to eliminate glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear.
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.
Edited by Kevin Scarpati
