Abstract: A roll bar protection system for motor vehicles comprising an outer box profile forming a case for the components of the roll bar protection system, being mounted firmly on the vehicle, an inner box profile, able to move in the outer box profile via guide elements which is designed as a roll bar and accommodates a fast drive for its extension into the upper end protection position in event of danger, and a drive arrangement for a continuous movement of the inner box profile, consisting of an electric motor/gearing arrangement with a threaded spindle of predetermined length, as well as a tie-bar which can be moved in the outer box profile, having a nut for engagement with the threaded spindle, and which is detachably connected to the inner box profile.

Abstract: Drive reconfiguration apparatus for changing the configuration of a drive unit with respect to a vehicle body may comprise a guide system associated with the vehicle body and the drive unit which allows the drive unit to rotate about a center of rotation that is located at about a point where the drive unit contacts the surface being traversed. An actuator mounted to the vehicle body and connected to the drive unit rotates the drive unit about the center of rotation between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A vehicle is prevented from being moved in an unanticipated direction at a target position or a moving direction reversing position on a locus of movement based on an automatic steering operation. When a vehicle has been moved from a start position through a moving-direction reversing position to reach a target position by automatic steering control for moving the vehicle along a previously stored locus of movement, thereby finishing the automatic steering control, a driver further moves the vehicle backwards from the target position to a parking position. At this time, if the driver has his or her hands released from a steering wheel, and the course of movement of the vehicle is disturbed due to an external disturbance such as an undulation in the road surface, the steering angle of a wheel is maintained so that it is not varied from a steering angle at the target position.