Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.

Abstract: Electric vehicles indicate charge levels in different ways. A lighting control module is communicatively is configured to illuminate an exterior light of an electric vehicle to indicate a charge status of a battery for the electric vehicle. The charge status is indicated based on varying an intensity of the exterior light, based on illuminating a subset of the exterior lights, and/or based on an animation. The display of the charge indicator varies based on a location of the vehicle, the presence of a person in proximity to the vehicle, and/or a charger connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an opening in a sliding vehicle door system including a linkage arm operably associated with the vehicle door and a vehicle body. Also included is a tambour door panel associated with the linkage arm. Further included is a channel located proximate a door trim panel having at least one slot, the channel including an opening capable of allowing the linkage arm to pass through at least a portion of the channel, where at least a portion of the tambour door panel slidably travels within the channel, wherein a sliding motion of the vehicle door imparts movement on the linkage arm, the linkage arm sliding within the at least one slot and the channel, and wherein the linkage arm simultaneously imparts movement on the tambour door panel.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an opening in a sliding vehicle door system including a linkage arm operably associated with the vehicle door and a vehicle body. Also included is a tambour door panel associated with the linkage arm. Further included is a channel located proximate a door trim panel having at least one slot, the channel including an opening capable of allowing the linkage arm to pass through at least a portion of the channel, where at least a portion of the tambour door panel slidably travels within the channel, wherein a sliding motion of the vehicle door imparts movement on the linkage arm, the linkage arm sliding within the at least one slot and the channel, and wherein the linkage arm simultaneously imparts movement on the tambour door panel.