Donnelly Gets OnStar-Equipped Mirror Business From Acura

Autoparts Report, June 18, 2001

Donnelly Corp. said it is supplying advanced interior mirrors for the Acura Legend 3.5RL. The electrochromic (EC) automatic-dimming mirrors are loaded with a variety of electronic features including the user interface for the OnStar wireless communications system. The OnStar interface includes the electronics, microphones and connection buttons used to access OnStar services.

Donnelly recently began production of the mirrors with the OnStar interface for the Japanese-built Acura Legend 3.5RL, and the vehicles are arriving in dealer showrooms now. Donnelly expects to manufacture similar mirrors for additional Acura models in the future.

"There is a rush in the industry to bring electronic features to automobiles, and the interior mirror is the perfect place for adding features," said Scott Reed, president of Donnelly's Electronic Systems group. "Interior mirrors are quickly becoming a valuable piece of real estate within the automobile because the mirror is an ideal place to display information and mount microphones. In addition, installing electronics on mirrors is relatively easy and cost-effective."