CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS






                  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the
                  Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-31408, 33-50396,
                  33-64504 and 33-65321) pertaining to various stock option and
                  incentive plans of Gentex Corporation of our report dated
                  January 18, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial
                  statements of Gentex Corporation and subsidiaries included in
                  the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                  2001.




                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP





                  Grand Rapids, Michigan
                  March 7, 2002










                                  Exhibit 23(a)



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