Gentex, Simplenight partner on in-vehicle travel booking

Gentex Corp. is partnering with cloud-based marketplace Simplenight to provide drivers with in-vehicle purchasing options related to the travel industry.

As part of the partnership, Gentex is integrating Simplenight into the HomeLink Connect app, which allows drivers to program Gentex’s car-to-home automation system from their vehicles, the supplier said in a release Monday.

HomeLink operates home automation devices through vehicle-integrated buttons.

Simplenight has partnerships with travel providers such as hotels, travel agencies, concierges, cruise lines and airlines. Its “global experience” platform allows people to book tours, dining, shows, special events and accommodations.

Simplenight says its platform easily integrates with infotainment and navigation systems, mobile apps and voice assistants, and helps providers increase their exposure, track inventory management and performance, and engage customers.

Simplenight complements Gentex’s in-vehicle payment and transaction capabilities, said Neil Boehm, Gentex’s chief technology officer.

“The Simplenight platform is the perfect complement to our growing list of [vehicle-to-infrastructure] and transactional vehicle features,” Boehm said in the release. “Mobile commerce platforms are executing billions of transactions annually, which will only increase in the coming ride-share and autonomous age.”

This is another foray into in-vehicle payment technologies for Gentex. The electronics and mirrors supplier, based in Zeeland, Mich., partners with payment provider PayByCar. The two partner on an RFID transponder, via Gentex’s integrated toll module, that lets drivers pay for gasoline contact-free.

The announcement came at the start of virtual CES. Gentex will give updates on other automotive product developments at the show, including with its rear-vision full-display mirror, car connectivity, and driver and cabin monitoring.

Gentex Corp. ranks No. 91 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global suppliers, with worldwide parts sales to automakers of $1.81 billion in 2019.