Gentex SmartBeam offered on new BMW X1

Gentex has announced that it is supplying auto-dimming mirrors with advanced electronic features, including the company's proprietary SmartBeam High-Beam Headlamp Assist system, for the 2010 BMW X1, a compact sport utility vehicle. Gentex is the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry.

The X1 will be available in European markets this autumn. In addition to offering an auto-dimming three-mirror system, other features, including a digital compass displayed in the mirror, universal garage door opener and the Gentex SmartBeam High-Beam Headlamp Assist system, will all be available as options.

BMW refers to SmartBeam as High-Beam Assist, or the German translation, Fernlichtassistent. The compass feature utilises Gentex's proprietary Z-Nav technology, a highly-accurate sensor that determines the vehicle's directional heading.

SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision making to automatically turn a vehicle's high beams on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system is designed to maximise a vehicle's forward lighting and to eliminate this repetitive and sometimes burdensome task.

"The X1 is the latest in a long list of BMW vehicles to offer the SmartBeam feature," said Gentex senior vice president Enoch Jen. "BMW is a long-time Gentex customer and continues to see the value of our products, as is evidenced by their increased availability on the majority of BMW models in countries around the world where BMWs are sold."

Gentex has been shipping its SmartBeam feature to various automakers since 2004, and more than a million of these camera systems are in operation on vehicles throughout Europe and North America. In 2008, the company shipped approximately 295,000 SmartBeam units to its automotive customers, making Gentex the leading provider of automotive-grade camera-based active safety systems.