Gentex to Bring Automatic-Dimming Mirror on Ford Fiesta

Gentex Corp. has been chosen to supply the automatic-dimming rearview mirror for the new Ford Fiesta, a feature that will be offered as standard equipment on certain trim levels. The new feature, which is especially aimed at making night driving easier, reduces the intensity of the light produced by a following vehicle by applying a voltage on the electrochromic gel in the mirror.

Additionally, Ford Fiesta will be equipped with electronic power assisted steering supplied by TRW Automotive. The new system is 3.5 kilos lighter when compared to other systems and even contributes to the final emissions figures, cutting CO2 output by up to 3.5 percent.

Ford Fiesta is already available in Europe, while an US launch is projected to take place next year. The car brought significant revenues to Ford in Europe, mostly thanks to the scrappage schemes in several countries that encouraged buyers to migrate towards small and fuel efficient vehicles.

In the UK for example, Ford Fiesta accounted for 44 percent of all Ford scrappage sales. Ford is the best-selling company in the British scrappage programme.

"Ford's performance demonstrates how strong products can build sales even in the toughest trading climate. Scrappage is benefiting the whole Ford range, but especially Ford Fiesta and Ka. These are good looking, highly specified cars competing well above the scrappage entry-level heartland. Ford is bracing itself for a bumper September to welcome the new '59' plate," Nigel Sharp, Ford of Britain managing director, said.

The European-spec Ford Fiesta is available in a choice of two bodystyles, 3- or 5-door, and offers multiple engine configurations, including a 1.6-liter TDCi and a 1.6-liter gasoline-powered 120 hp unit.