Gentex, Hörmann Bring Cloud Garage Control to Europe

Gentex Corporation and Hörmann announced a strategic agreement to integrate Hörmann's connected garage door opener technology into Gentex's HomeLink system for the European market. This collaboration will allow European customers to manage compatible Hörmann garage doors directly from their vehicles or via the HomeLink app through a secure, cloud-based connection. The agreement expands HomeLink's car-to-home automation capabilities, offering enhanced convenience and secure access solutions across the region.

Expanding Connected Vehicle-to-Home Access

The partnership focuses on bringing Hörmann's connected garage door solutions into the HomeLink ecosystem, specifically targeting Gentex customers in Europe. Users will be able to trigger garage door commands securely from either the HomeLink app or directly from a connected vehicle, utilizing the HomeLink cloud for seamless operation.

HomeLink, developed by Gentex, is recognized as a prominent car-to-home automation system in the automotive industry. It leverages radio frequency, Long-Range Bluetooth, and cloud-based technologies to activate various smart home devices, including garage doors and gates. The system is currently available on nearly 300 vehicle models from over 50 automaker brands, with approximately 110 million units in operation globally.

Hörmann, a leading European provider of access solutions, offers a range of connected operator technologies that allow users to monitor and control access points via smartphone applications. Through this integration, Hörmann customers will gain additional in-vehicle control options and expanded remote access capabilities within the broader HomeLink framework.

"This partnership represents an important step in expanding connected vehicle-to-home experiences across Europe."

Strategic Market Expansion

The integration is designed to support remote monitoring, secure activation, and improved user convenience, while maintaining the reliability and performance expected from both companies' technologies. This aligns with Gentex's ongoing strategy to grow HomeLink's global ecosystem through partnerships with leading smart home and access control providers.

Neil Boehm, chief technology officer and chief operating officer at Gentex, highlighted Hörmann's respected brand presence in the European access solutions market. He noted that the collaboration strengthens HomeLink's position as a versatile car-to-home automation system, capable of supporting key smart home technologies globally.

The Hörmann Group operates over 40 specialized plants across Europe, North America, and Asia, employing more than 6,000 individuals. The family-run company, headquartered in Steinhagen, Germany, recently reported annual revenues exceeding 1 billion euros, underscoring its significant presence in the gates and doors sector.

The collaboration between Gentex and Hörmann marks a notable development in the convergence of automotive and smart home technologies within the European market. By integrating cloud-based garage door control into vehicles, the partnership aims to enhance the convenience and security of home access for a broad user base. This strategic move reinforces the global trend towards more interconnected and intelligent domestic environments.