Donnelly Enters Car Aftermarket

By Amy Gilroy On May 7 2001 - 6:00am

HOLLAND, MICH. — Donnelly, a leading rearview mirror OEM supplier to Detroit, is entering the aftermarket with camera-based products that improve driver vision and safety.

ReversAid consists of a mini camera that mounts on the rear of the vehicle so that when the car is put into reverse, the driver gets an enhanced view of what is behind the vehicle. It comes with a small flip-down hideaway screen that is mounted on the vehicle's rearview mirror.

Donnelly says the product is of particular use in large SUVs where rear vision may be obstructed. It is designed to avoid the hazard of parents backing into children, which is the cause of 119 deaths annually, the company said. The product can also be modified to assist drivers backing up to a hitch without the assistance of a second person. Also new from the company is BabyVue, which has an in-cabin mirror mounted in the vehicle's headliner to allow drivers a view of reverse-facing infants. The camera is adjustable so that when the child is old enough to face forward in the baby seat, the camera can be adjusted accordingly.

In addition to supplying rearview mirrors and OEM cameras, Donnelly also produces the SmartRelease trunk release system that senses body heat to open the trunk automatically if a child is accidentally trapped. The product is being installed in certain 2002 GM cars, the company said.