Abstract: A personalized seating zone system of a vehicle cabin and a method for implementing such. The personalized seating zone system includes at least one personalized seating zone and is configured to collect biometric data corresponding to an occupant of the personalized seating zone system, match the collected biometric data to an identification tag to identify the occupant by comparing the collected biometric data to stored biometric data from an identification database, and load seat system settings for a personalized seating zone within the personalized seating zone system based on the matched identification tag.

Abstract: A cargo loading system for loading or unloading cargo to a motor vehicle. The cargo loading system includes a compartment, a cargo storage device within the compartment, and a positioning mechanism. The cargo storage device includes a stored and loading position. The positioning mechanism controls the movement of the cargo storage device between the stored position and loading position. The loading position is positioned so that it is configured to be ease loading and loading of cargo to and from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle roof lighting unit for illuminating an interior compartment of the vehicle. The unit includes one or more direct light emitting elements, wherein each of the direct light emitting elements are configured to illuminate a portion of the interior compartment, and wherein the one or more direct light emitting elements are located on the exterior of the vehicle roof lighting unit. The unit also includes one or more indirect light emitting elements for providing general lighting for the entire interior compartment, wherein the one or more indirect light emitting elements are concealed from view and the light from the one or more indirect light emitting elements reflects off a curved reflective structure. The unit further includes a control panel, wherein the control panel is located on the exterior of the vehicle roof lighting unit.

Abstract: A storage compartment of a vehicle including a passenger compartment and a passenger compartment door controlling access to the passenger compartment. The storage compartment includes a base and a side wall surrounding a storage volume. The storage compartment is located forward of a footwell of the passenger compartment, the storage compartment is further positioned so that an opening to the storage volume is accessible from a lateral side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-axis hinge mechanism for a vehicle door. The multi-axis hinge mechanism moves the vehicle door laterally and vertically by means of multiple axial rotations. An actuator pivots the door hinges attaching the door to the vehicle to move the door away from the vehicle while a set of gears translates the motion of the actuator into a vertical rotation of the door.

Abstract: A driver interface system includes a steering wheel assembly and a display. The steering wheel assembly includes a variable-function input device. The variable-function input device includes a plurality of assignable functions and a present function being one of the plurality of assignable functions. The display is configured to display an image corresponding to the present function of the variable-function input device. The driver interface system may include a plurality of display modes, and in response to a change in display mode, the driver interface system may change the present function in the plurality of assignable functions. The steering wheel assembly may also include a touchpad configured to receive a handwritten input, and the display may be configured to display an image corresponding to the handwritten input.

Abstract: A driver interface system includes a steering wheel assembly and a display. The steering wheel assembly includes a variable-function input device. The variable-function input device includes a plurality of assignable functions and a present function being one of the plurality of assignable functions. The display is configured to display an image corresponding to the present function of the variable-function input device. The driver interface system may include a plurality of display modes, and in response to a change in display mode, the driver interface system may change the present function in the plurality of assignable functions. The steering wheel assembly may also include a touchpad configured to receive a handwritten input, and the display may be configured to display an image corresponding to the handwritten input.