ZEELAND, Mich. — Gentex Corp. has announced it is supplying auto-dimming mirrors for the 2011 Ford Explorer and Escape.
The all-new Explorer mid-size SUV is sold in North America and more than 90 countries around the world. In North America, it offers a Gentex interior auto-dimming mirror as standard equipment on the Limited trim level and part of an optional package on the XLT trim level. The Escape, a compact SUV sold primarily in North America, offers the Gentex Rear Camera Display (RCD) mirror as well as compass and microphone. The RCD Mirror is available as an option on the Limited and Hybrid Limited trim levels.
The RCD Mirror contains a liquid crystal display (LCD) that works with a video camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle to provide a view directly behind the vehicle while backing up. When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, a display appears automatically through the auto-dimming mirror’s reflective surface. The display disappears when the vehicle is shifted into any other gear, made possible through Gentex’s "transflective" coating and lighting techniques, which the company says results in a bright, high-resolution color image. The compass feature utilizes Gentex’s proprietary Z-Nav technology, a highly-accurate sensor that determines the vehicle’s directional heading, according to Gentex.
"Both the 2011 Explorer and Escape programs are new business for Gentex and we are pleased to be on these very popular Ford vehicles," said Enoch Jen, Gentex senior vice president. "Auto-dimming technology and rear camera displays continue to gain in popularity and we’re excited to be working with Ford in offering these features on the Escape and Explorer."
