Gentex, maker of the “Cadillac Mirror” that streams a rear view image as you drive, will offer the replacement mirror to retailers in the first quarter next year, possibly as early as January, through distributor Mito Corp.
The Full Display Mirror, FDM, remains unique as the full mirror converts to a hi-definition display with the flip of a switch to show an HD video stream behind the car. It reveals rear blind spots. So if adult passengers are in the back obstructing your rear view, or if you have large packages in the back seat, or if the car’s headrests or pillars prevent a clear rear view via standard mirrors, there is now another option.
When switched to video mode, the FDM shows a live HD feed of the road behind that doubles the rear view of a typical mirror, said Gentex.
Mito is expected to display the FDM at CES, and said it could ship by January. A retail price of around $1,000 is expected.
To date, the mirror, with built-in LCD, has been offered on the Cadillac CT6 and XT5 and will be available on the Chevy Bolt and Cadillac Escalade. It is featured front and center in many of Cadillac’s TV ads.
During the next 12 months, the FDM will also be available from other car makers, said a Gentex spokesman at the SEMA show this month.
The aftermarket mirror will also include HomeLink with three buttons for automatically opening garage doors, security gates or controlling home lighting and more.
The display has 1280 x 275 resolution with automatic day/night brightness control.
Gentex said the FDM is one of the most desired new technologies according to the 2016 J.D. Power US Tech Choice Study.
Apparently, Gentex owns patents on the FDM technology.
Update: Gentex said officially that it hasn’t yet finalized it choice of aftermarket distributor. It expects to formally announce its distributor at CES.
