Abstract: A vehicle system includes a floor. A dashboard is positioned vehicle-upward of the floor. A plurality of seating assemblies are coupled to the floor and are arranged into a first row and a second row. A base is coupled to the floor and comprises a trough that extends vehicle-rearward from a forward end to a rearward end. A storage console is coupled to the base and is operable to slide within the trough between a forward position that is proximate to the forward end, a rearward position that is proximate to the rearward end, and an intermediate position there between.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assistance system includes comprising an imaging system, a steering system, a dead reckoning device and a controller. The controller determines a hitch location within a vehicle exterior image received from the imaging system and controls the steering system to guide the vehicle in a reverse direction to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the hitch location, including by tracking the location of the vehicle using information received from the dead reckoning device.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel assembly includes a trim panel, a grab handle supported by the trim panel and rotatable relative to the trim panel between a retracted position and a grabbable position, a spring biasing the grab handle to the retracted position, and a pyrotechnic actuator fixing the grab handle in the grabbable position and dischargeable to release the grab handle from the grabbable position.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to load predefined point of interest (POI) parameters, defining when a POI should be displayed and associated with the POI, from a user profile associated with a known vehicle occupant. The processor is also configured to examine an upcoming navigation route and populate a navigation route display with POIs identified by the parameters, based on the parameters associated with a given POI being met by a present set of conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating multiple vehicle communications in response to an event include a vehicle having a first embedded modem, a second embedded modem, and a processor. The processor is configured to identify occurrence of a predetermined event. Responsive to occurrence of the predetermined event, the processor is configured to wirelessly transmit a vehicle location offboard the vehicle via a voice call established by the first embedded modem and via a data call established by the second embedded modem for a remote monitoring service.

Abstract: A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes an engine configured to autostop and autostart during a drive cycle. The vehicle additionally includes a user interface and a controller. The controller is configured to present on the user interface a metric indicative of a quantity of engine autostops during a drive cycle.

Abstract: A auto-stop/start vehicle with an engine and a battery includes at least one controller that calibrates an engine auto-stop delay time based on a state of charge (SOC) of a battery. The calibrated engine auto-stop delay time increases as the SOC of the battery decreases, and decreases as the SOC of the battery increases. The controller further initiates shutdown of an engine upon expiration of the calibrated engine auto-stop delay time.

Abstract: A vehicle axle includes a housing defining a sump, a gear assembly and a baffle. The gear assembly includes a ring gear disposed within the housing. The ring gear is configured to pump fluid throughout the housing. A pinion gear is meshed with the ring gear. The baffle is disposed within the sump and connected to the housing. The baffle has a first part being configured to control fluid flow across the ring gear and a second part attached to the first part. The second part is configured to control fluid flow across the pinion gear.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body panel assembly including first and second panels. Each panel defines different materials, and the first and second panels are fastened at a joint using a fastener. A compression limiter is disposed at the joint and configured to reduce stress on the first and second panels due to the fastener. The compression limiter has a first ring to contact the first panel and a second ring to contact the second panel. The first ring defines a drain extending through the first ring to the second ring on an outer periphery of the first ring, and is oriented such that moisture between the first and second panels is wicked through the drain and removed from the panel assembly.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting surface covering for a vehicle is disclosed. The surface covering comprising a pair of electrodes substantially conforms to a vehicle panel. A plurality of printed LEDs suspended in a semiconductor ink are printed between the electrodes and configured to emit a disinfecting emission. An outer layer of the surface covering is disposed proximate one of the electrodes. The outer layer is operable to transmit at least a portion of the disinfecting emission therethrough.

Abstract: A door assist system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, an interference sensor, and a controller. The actuator is configured to control a position of a door about a hinge assembly. The interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions along a radial extent of the door, and the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to a detection signal from the interference sensor.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises at least one light source disposed in a portion of a side mirror assembly of the vehicle. The light source is configured to emit an excitation emission at a first wavelength substantially along a side portion of the vehicle. The illumination apparatus further comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a surface of the vehicle. The excitation emission is configured to excite the photoluminescent portion to emit an output emission corresponding to a different color of light than the first excitation emission.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for adaptive transmit power control for vehicle communication. An example disclosed vehicle includes a driving assistance unit and a communication module. The driving assistance unit determines an expected speed of target vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle. The communication module determines a message type of a message received from a subsystem of the vehicle. Additionally, the communication module broadcasts the message at a power level. The power level is based on the message type and the expected speed of target vehicles.

Abstract: A camouflaged vehicle includes a vehicle having lighting equipment and a plurality of windows, a camouflage positioned over an exterior of the vehicle and allowing visibility through at least a portion of the plurality of windows, and additional lighting equipment supported by said vehicle outside of said camouflage. At least a portion of the lighting equipment may be visible through the camouflage. A control module for controlling the lighting equipment is provided and the additional lighting equipment is controlled by the control module in parallel with the lighting equipment, and sensors, positioned between the control module and the lighting equipment, sense the application of power and generate additional control signals to operate the additional lighting equipment. The additional lighting equipment may include a minimum number of lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment required to satisfy the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a winch configured to engage a retractable cord is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source configured to emit an excitation emission at a first wavelength. The excitation emission is configured to activate an illumination of at least a portion of the retractable cord. A first photoluminescent portion is disposed on the retractable cord and configured to emit a first output emission having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength in response to receiving the excitation emission. The first photoluminescent portion may serve as a marker or visible notification of a position or portion of the retractable cord.

Abstract: An example multilayered bus bar includes, among other things, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The second conductive layer is sandwiched between the first and third conductive layers. A polarity of the second conductive layer is different than a polarity of the first and third conductive layers.

Abstract: An example contactor weld detection method for an electric vehicle includes detecting that a contactor is welded closed when the contactor is commanded closed.

Abstract: A service disconnect including a lock actuatable between a first state that prevents a removal of a service disconnect from a closed position and a second state that permits the removal.

Abstract: A battery discharge device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor configured to sense a parameter of a high voltage source, a controller in communication with the sensor and a discharge circuit that discharges energy stored on the high voltage source in response to a command signal from the controller. The discharge circuit includes a plurality of resistors connected in parallel to one another.