SmartBeam high-beam headlamp assist offered on new Saab

Gentex, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active safety systems to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is shipping a three-mirror auto-dimming rearview mirror system with its SmartBeam High-Beam Headlamp Assist technology for the all-new Saab 9-5.  The premium saloon is sold globally and the 9-5 is the first Saab model to offer SmartBeam.

SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision-making to automatically operate a vehicle's main headlight beams in order to optimise their usage according to surrounding traffic conditions.  The system maximises 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.         

A Gentex interior base feature auto-dimming mirror, and exterior auto-dimming mirrors on both the driver- and passenger-sides, are available as part of option packages and as stand-alone options in various global markets.  In addition, SmartBeam is offered as an upgrade option in the Bi-Xenon “adaptive headlights” package.                      

"This is the first vehicle under Saab’s new ownership and Gentex’s first SmartBeam program with Saab,” said Enoch Jen, Gentex senior vice president.  “Gentex is excited to partner with the Swedish vehicle manufacturer as it begins to offer exciting new high-end products.”