Vauxhall Astra models offer SmartBeam High-Beam Assist

Gentex Corporation has announced that it is supplying auto-dimming mirrors with its proprietary SmartBeam feature for the 2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra. Gentex is the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry.

The 2010 compact five-door hatchback Astra will be available throughout Europe this autumn. The European Astra will offer Gentex's SmartBeam High-Beam Headlamp Assist technology in combination with Opel/Vauxhall's Xenon headlamp system.

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 the repetitive and sometimes burdensome task of turning the high beams on and off. Opel/Vauxhall experienced a successful launch of the SmartBeam technology on the 2009 Insignia.

"This is the first SmartBeam program in the compact vehicle class in Europe," said Enoch Jen, Gentex senior vice president. "Gentex is proud to partner with Opel/Vauxhall in making new technologies available in the compact vehicle segment."

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 calendar year 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.

Further information on Gentex is available at gentex.com.