| Invested through / Financed by |
|
|---|---|
| Asset class | Listed equity |
| Impact strategy | Impact Equities and Bonds |
| Sector | Manufacturing |
| ISIN code | US3719011096 |
| Industry group | Automobiles & Components |
| Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
Gentex was founded in 1974 and manufactures products that use electro-optic technology. The company focuses on interior and exterior auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and camera-based driver-assist systems for the automotive market. Its auto-dimming rear-view mirror was the first commercially successful glare-control product offered as an alternative to the conventional prism mirror. The company's largest customers are Volkswagen, Toyota, and General Motors. Its products are found as standard or optional features on more than 500 vehicle models. To a lesser extent, Gentex also manufactures dimmable aircraft windows found on commercial aircraft (mainly for Boeing) and fire protection products (smoke detectors, fire alarms and signaling devices) primarily for commercial buildings.
Investment rationale
Driving safety is a precondition for sustainable mobility. In the United States alone, 840,000 blind spot car accidents occur every year. Gentex addresses this issue by supplying nearly every major automaker with advanced electronic features that optimise driver vision and enhance driving safety. The company focuses on digital vision, automotive connectivity and dimmable glass systems for the automotive industry. Since inception, Gentex has managed the evolution of rear vision from analog to digital. Digital rear view also provides environmental benefits as it enables smaller exterior mirrors which lead to weight savings, improved aerodynamics and enhanced fuel efficiency. Other smart products from Gentex include rear park assist and ADAS alerts integrated in the mirrors e.g. for speed limits, lane keeping assist or collision prevention.