Mazda's clever multifunction rearview mirror

Mazda has announced a "first of its kind" in the North American market in the form of this rearview mirror-mounted Back Up Camera with Auto-Dimming Mirror Display. The display will be available on CX-9 models not factory-equipped with DVD navigation systems – giving drivers the ability to see the display screen and the rearview mirror simultaneously. The system, houses an LCD display behind the "transflexive" mirror surface, so the mirror can display a panoramic rear-vision reversing view, or dim automatically in response to bright headlights.

When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, an LCD screen automatically appears within the reflective surface of the mirror, showing a real-time panoramic view of the area at the rear of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is shifted into any other gear, the display disappears.

Using special “transflective” coatings and lighting technology developed by Gentex Corporation, the high-resolution, 2.4-inch diagonal active-matrix video display is housed in an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, which dims in response to headlight glare from trailing vehicles in order to make nighttime driving safer.

“Safety is always a top priority for Mazda and we want all CX-9 customers to have the added security of a rearview backup camera, regardless of the trim level or option package they select,” said Jack Stavana, director, Accessory Operations, MNAO. “The Back Up Camera with Auto-Dimming Mirror Display kit is a great alternative for CX-9 buyers whose vehicles are not equipped with the factory navigation system and its integrated backup camera.”

Available as either a dealer-installed or port-installed option, the Back Up Camera with Auto-Dimming Mirror Display kit will include an auto-dimming rearview mirror with display and lift gate-mounted rear camera. Expected availability is early summer 2007, and pricing will start at $665 for a port-installed option or $675 for a dealer-installed option.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.