Business
Gentex Targets Light Commercial Vehicles for Its Digital Rearview Mirrors; Supplies Vision & Sensing Features for Rinspeed CitySnap
ZEELAND, Mich., Sept. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market is experiencing significant growth, fueled in part by the
About this update from Gentex Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"ZEELAND, Mich., Sept. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market is experiencing significant growth, fueled in part by the rise in e-commerce, commercial and third-party logistics services, and the “last-mile” delivery market. Subsequently, automotive supplier Gentex Corporation anticipates increased demand for its digital vision solutions designed to address the unique rear visibility challenges inherent to LCVs and cargo vans. LCVs provide drivers with little to no rearward vision. They often have windowless rear doors, partitions, or enclosed cabins that render traditional interior rearview mirrors ineffective. In addition, they’re often loaded with equipment and packages that further hinder rearward visibility. This forces drivers to rely solely on their exterior mirrors, which provide a limited field-of-view, making it difficult to safely perform reversing maneuvers or monitor pedestrians, cyclist, and potential obstructions. To address these concerns, LCV manufacturers have begun turning to Gentex’s Full Display Mirror® (FDM®) an intelligent rear-vision system that uses a custom camera and mirror-integrated video display to optimize a vehicle’s rearward view. The system captures video from the rearward-facing camera and streams it to a unique, mirror-integrated LCD that provides the driver with an unobstructed, panoramic view behind the vehicle. This makes it easier to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and rearward-approaching traffic while also improving the driver’s ability to safely change lanes, reverse, park, turn, and dock the vehicle. Fleet operators also appreciate the FDM because it helps reduce accident and repair costs, increases vehicle uptime, and potentially lowers insurance premiums. “Our FDM, which is already available on numerous passenger vehicles around the world, is now gaining popularity with LCV manufacturers,” said Gentex Chief Technology Officer Neil Boehm. “We’re currently shipping for one LCV platform; however, we expect to launch several more programs over the next 12 months. The feature is unique in that it benefits the manufacturer, fleet operator and driver alike.” The Future of the LCV To highlight the future of the LCV market, Gentex recently teamed with automotive think tank and car design powerhouse Rinspeed, which for nearly 40 years has turned out designs int...